Nail Fungus

There are four classic types of nail fungus or onychomycosis: Distal subungual onychomycosis, The most common form of tinea unguium usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum, which invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate. White superficial onychomycosis, Caused by fungal invasion of the superficial layers of the nail plate to form "white islands" on the plate. Accounts for only 10 percent of onychomycosis cases. Proximal subungual onychomycosis, Fungal penetration of the newly formed nail plate through the proximal nail fold. It is the least common form of tinea unguium in healthy people but found more commonly when the patient is immunocompromised. Candidal onychomycosis, Candida species invade fingernails usually occurring in persons who frequently immerse their hands in water.
Diseased nails are commonly described as thick, discolored, crumbly with sub ungual debris. Other nail diseases such as nail psoriasis, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, trauma, nail bed tumor or yellow nail syndrome may have a similar appearance. As a result a laboratory confirmation may be necessary.
Treatment of onychomycosis is challenging because the infection is embedded within the nail and is difficult to reach. As a result full removal of symptoms is very slow and may take a year or more. Most treatments are either systemic antifungal medications such as terbinafine , fulvicin and itraconazole, or topical such as Walk Healthy nail lacquer or other nail paints containing ciclopirox or amorolfine. There is also evidence for combining systemic and topical treatments.

This material is only provided as helpful information and you should always go to your medical doctor or podiatrist for a professional diagnosis.