Fungal nail infections in children, medically referred to as onychomycosis, can affect the nail plate, nail bed or a combination of both, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The body normally contains several fungi that live in dead tissues of the hair, nails or skin. Some fungi are beneficial to the body, whereas other fungi can lead to infections.
Transmission
Fungal nail infections can be caused by mold-like fungi, such as dermatophytes or yeast-like fungi, such as Candida. The infections develop when fungi multiply rapidly and invade the nails through small cuts in the skin or a separation between a nail and the nail bed, according to MayoClinic.com. The fungi that cause fungal nail infections in children thrive in warm, moist environments, so they are commonly acquired in swimming pools or public showers.
Symptoms
The main symptom of a fungal nail infection is some type of nail change. The nails may become brittle or discolored. Infected nails often turn white or yellow. The nails may also change shape and begin to crumble. Fungal nail infections can also cause a child's nail to thicken and detach from the nail bed. The nail surface also loses its shine, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms are apparent on the toenails more frequently than the fingernails.
Treatment
Prescription strength medications are usually needed to treat a fungal nail infection because over-the-counter treatments have proven ineffective. Oral prescription anti-fungal medications are often used and clear the infection in approximately half of children with a fungal nail infection. Medline Plus notes that these oral medications have the potential to cause harm to the liver. Removal of the nail is another way to treat fungal nail infections in children; however, since nails tend to grow slowly, the new nail can take up to a year to fully grow back.
Considerations
Even if a fungal nail infection is treated, the fungus commonly returns and causes a new infection. The only way to cure a fungal nail infection is to allow a completely new, non-infected nail to grow back.
Complications
If a fungal nail infection is left untreated, it can cause pain and permanent damage to the affected nail. In some cases, the infection can spread from the nails to other areas of the body and cause more serious skin infections. Those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for developing complications, so MayoClinic.com recommends that these individuals seek immediate treatment.
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