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Nail fungus is a standard situation that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. Because the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus could cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble on the edge. It might have an effect on a number of nails.
In case your situation is mild and never bothering you, you could not need treatment. In case your nail fungus is painful and has precipitated thickened nails, self-care steps and medications might help. But even when treatment is successful, nail fungus usually comes back.
Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your toes, it is called athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
Signs
You might have nail fungus if a number of of your nails are:
Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it's extra frequent in toenails.
When to see a health care provider
Chances are you'll want to see a physician if self-care steps haven't helped and the nail turns into more and more discolored, thickened or deformed. Also see a physician in case you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus.
Causes
Fungal nail infections are attributable to various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a sort of fungus called dermatophyte. Yeast and molds also can cause nail infections.
Fungal nail an infection can develop in folks at any age, however it's extra widespread in older adults. As the nail ages, it could possibly turn into brittle and dry. The ensuing cracks within the nails allow fungi to enter. Other components - corresponding to decreased blood circulation to the ft and a weakened immune system - additionally might play a role.
Toenail fungal an infection can begin from athlete's foot (foot fungus), and it could unfold from one nail to another. But it's unusual to get an infection from somebody else.
Threat components
Factors that can improve your threat of developing nail fungus embody:
Complications
A extreme case of nail fungus may be painful and should trigger permanent damage to your nails. And it could lead to other serious infections that unfold past your ft in case you have a suppressed immune system because of remedy, diabetes or different conditions.
If you have diabetes, you may have decreased blood circulation and nerve provide in your feet. You're additionally at greater risk of a bacterial pores and skin infection (cellulitis). So any relatively minor harm to your feet - together with a nail fungal an infection - can lead to a extra serious complication. See your physician if in case you have diabetes and suppose you're creating nail fungus.
Prevention
The following habits may help stop nail fungus or reinfections and athlete's foot, which can lead to nail fungus: