Patient education: Fungal nail infections (The Basics)

What is a fungal nail infection? — This is an infection that makes the nail thicken or turn white, yellow, or brown. These infections are often caused by the same types of fungus that cause skin infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch.

Fungal infections happen in the toenails more often than the fingernails. The infection usually starts on the big toe. It can affect 1 or more nails. People who have a toenail infection might also have athlete's foot.

The medical term for a fungal nail infection is "onychomycosis."

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection? — A fungal nail infection can cause a nail to:

●Turn white, yellow, or brown (picture 1)

●Thicken, change shape, or lift up

●Break off easily

●Hurt

Fungal nail infections don't usually lead to serious problems. But sometimes, they can. This is more likely in people who have diabetes or whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. For these people, the nail infection can make them more likely to get other infections.

Is there a test for a fungal nail infection? — Yes. Usually, your doctor or nurse can tell if you have a fungal nail infection by talking with you and doing an exam. But to make sure, they might take a small sample of the nail. They might look at it under a microscope, or send it to a lab for another doctor to look at. They might also send it for tests that can show which type of fungus is causing the infection.

Can I treat my fungal nail infection on my own? — You can buy over-the-counter creams or products. But these usually don't work.

How are fungal nail infections treated? — Treatment depends on how severe the infection is, and how much it bothers you. If your infection is mild or doesn't bother you very much, you might choose not to treat it. An untreated nail infection probably won't go away, but it probably won't cause any long-term problems either.

When people do have treatment, it usually involves "antifungal" medicines. These require a prescription from your doctor. They are taken by mouth or put on the nail:

●Treatment with pills usually lasts a few months. Some people need to get blood tests during this time. That's because these medicines can affect the liver.

●If you don't want to or can't take antifungal pills, your doctor will talk with you about other options. These might include using an antifungal medicine on the nail or having surgery to remove the nail.

Before starting any treatment, you should know that:

●It can take many months for your nail to look normal again.

●There is a chance that the treatment won't work. The infection might not get better, or it might come back. If either of these things happen, your doctor can try another treatment or send you to a specialist.

Can fungal nail infections be prevented? — Sometimes. To lower your chance of getting one, you can:

●Keep your feet clean and dry. The fungus likes to grow in warm and moist places.

●Wear flip-flops or other footwear in a gym shower or locker room.

●Avoid sharing nail tools, such as clippers and scissors.

What if I want to get pregnant? — If you are pregnant or want to get pregnant, tell your doctor or nurse. They might recommend that you not take certain antifungal medicines during pregnancy.

More on this topic

Patient education: Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch (The Basics)

Patient education: Ringworm (including athlete's foot and jock itch) (Beyond the Basics)