GUIDE TO FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION

A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed. Fungi (plural of fungus) can attack your nails through small cuts in the skin around your nail or through the opening between your nail and nail bed.

If you are healthy, a fungal nail infection probably won't cause serious problems. But it may look bad, hurt, or damage your nail or nail bed.

A fungal nail infection could lead to more serious problems if you have diabetes or a weak immune system. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat a nail infection if you have one of these problems.

Yeasts, molds, and different kinds of fungi can cause fungal nail infections. Most are caused by the same type of fungus that causes athlete's foot.

Fungi grow best in warm, moist places, and they can spread from person to person. You can get a fungal nail infection from walking barefoot in public showers or pools or by sharing personal items, such as towels and nail clippers. If you have athlete's foot, the fungus can spread from your skin to your nails.

A nail with a fungal infection may:Turn yellow or white and Get thicker.

·         Crumble and split, and it may separate from the skin.

When you have a fungal nail infection, it can be uncomfortable or even painful to wear shoes, walk, or stand for a long time. The fungus could also spread to other nails or your skin. Over time, the infection can cause permanent damage to your nail or nail bed.

Your doctor will diagnose a fungal nail infection by looking at the nail, asking about your symptoms and past health, and possibly doing tests to look for fungi.

Whether to treat a fungal nail infection is up to you. If it isn't treated, it won't go away. It might get worse.

If you decide to treat a fungal nail infection, you can try a nonprescription antifungal medicine that comes in a cream, lotion, or nail polish. Your doctor can also prescribe a stronger medicine. You may need to use this medicine for a few weeks or for as long as a year. Even so, it may not get rid of the infection.

Anti-fungal pills give the best chance of curing a severe fungal nail infection. But they may cost a lot and have serious side effects. You will need to see your doctor for regular testing if you take these pills.

Fungal nail infections often come back after treatment. It is important to take steps to prevent this.

·         Before bed, wash and dry your feet carefully.

·      Wear sandals or roomy shoes made of materials that allow moisture to escape. Let shoes dry for 24 hours before you wear them again.

·         Wear socks. Change them if your feet get sweaty.

·         Do not share nail files or clippers, socks, towels, or other personal items.

·         Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in wet public areas, such as locker rooms or showers.

Learning about fungalnail  infection:	·            What is a fungal nail infection? ·         What causes it? ·         Can I prevent a fungal nail infection? ·         What are the symptoms? ·         What happens in a fungal nail infection? ·         What increases my risk for getting a fungal infection?
Being  diagnosed:	·         Who can diagnose a fungal nail infection? ·         How is it diagnosed?
Getting  treatment:	·         How is a fungal nail infection treated? ·         What medicines will I need to take? ·         Will I need surgery? ·         What other treatments might be recommended? ·         Should I take oral antifungal pills to treat a fungal nail infection?
Living with a  fungal  nail infection:	·         How can I manage a fungal nail infection at home? ·         When should I call my doctor? Article by WEBMD.COM