Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, can infect one or more of the nails. The nails are a type of modified skin and any damage to them can allow fungus to invade. Fungus primarily causes the condition; however, yeast and mold can also cause nail fungus. Common risk factors for nail fungus include smoking, diabetes, immune system disorders, circulatory disorders and nail trauma. A health care provider can assist in diagnosing and treating individual factors of nail fungus.
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis
Distal subungual onychomycosis, or DSO, is the most common type of fungal nail infection, according to American Academy of Family Physicians. Fungus invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate in this type of nail fungus. The early symptoms of DSO include detached nail plates and discoloration to certain parts of the fingernails or toenails. As DSO progresses, full discoloration of the nail plate may occur, alongwith thickening of the nails.
Candida Onychomycosis
Candida onychomycosis is a type of yeast infection of the nails. The condition primarily occurs from the yeast Candida albicans and it usually affects the fingernails. Those who frequently expose their hands to water and have nail trauma are more susceptible to Candida onychomycosis. Symptoms typically start with inflamed skin around the nails and opaque discoloration of the nails. Later, the yeast can cause thickened nails, deformities and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
White superficial onychomycosis, or WSO, is a less-common type of fungal nail infection that affects the superficial layers of the nail plate. WSO usually begins with white discoloration of the nails that can extend to the entire nail plate. As the condition progresses, the nails may dry out and the surface of the nails can flake and crumble.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis
Proximal subungual onychomycosis, or PSO, is the least-common type of fungal nail infection and it typically forms from the fungus trichophyton rubrum, notes OurhealthNetwork.com. Trichophyton rubrum is the main culprit in such conditions as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot. PSO typically starts at the surface of the nail fold and migrates into the deep layers of the nails. Early signs of the condition are white and yellow discoloration and brittle nails. As PSO progresses, the nails can begin to crumble, thicken and pull away from the nail bed.
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