A nail fungus infection occurs when fungi contaminates one or more of your nails. The early signs of a fungal infection may be white or yellowish spots under the tip of your fingernail. As the condition progresses, the nail may thicken and change in color. A nail fungus infection can also be painful. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says when an infection becomes severe, it may result in loss of the fingernail. Although fingernail infections can be hard to cure, there are medications available to help treat nail fungus.
Effects
The same family of fungi that cause athlete's foot and jock itch also cause nail infections, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. A nail fungal infection is also called onychomycosis. DoctorFungus.org says onychomycosis may be due to a dermatophyte (any of various fungi that can cause parasitic skin infections) yeast or nondermatophyte mold.
Symptoms
Fingernails with a fungal infection may become distorted in shape, turn dull and lack shine or luster. Symptoms may also include a darkening of nail color due to a buildup of debris under the nail. Infected nails can detach from the nail bed (onycholysis). There may also be tenderness or pain in your fingernails and/or a mildly unpleasant odor.
Over-the-Counter Ointments
Nail fungus can be stubborn and hard to treat, and the Mayo Clinic says recurrent infections not uncommon. Although a number of antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, the Mayo Clinic says they don't work well. Although topical medications usually don't provide, a cure your doctor may recommend they be used may in combination with oral medications
Prescription Tablets
Harvard School of Public Health says your doctor may prescribe itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil) tablets to help fight fingernail fungus infection. Treatment is usually long term--three months or more--and they are not always effective.
Anti-Fungal Nail Polish
If your nail fungus infection is mild to moderate your doctor may prescribe a relatively new antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac), notes the Mayo Clinic. You paint ciclopirox onto your infected nails and surrounding skin daily for seven days at which time you wipe the multiple layers clean with alcohol and repeat the process. Harvard School of Public Health says nail lacquer has to be painted on daily for up to a year and is not as effective as oral medications
Prevention and Outlook
The Mayo Clinic says wearing rubber gloves can help you ward off nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections by protecting your hands from repeated exposure to water. Also, be sure to wash your hands after touching an infected nail, because fungus can spread from one nail to another. The NIH says the only true cure for fungal nail infection is through the growth of new, uninfected nails.
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