It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.
Fungal Nail Infections – WebMD
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What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.
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What can be mistaken for nail fungus?
Psoriasis can sometimes mimic a fungal infection of the nail even though psoriasis isn’t an infection at all but rather a skin disorder caused by an overactive immune system. Other causes of toenail discoloration include ingrown nails, skin cancer, certain inflammatory conditions, and Darier disease.
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How does nail fungus start on fingernails?
Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
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How quickly does nail fungus grow?
A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months. To clear the fungus, it’s important to: Use the treatment exactly as prescribed. Apply (or take) the medicine for as long as prescribed.
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What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?
Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
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How did I get nail fungus?
Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
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What is the best way to treat nail fungus?
Toenail Fungus Home CareOver the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel.
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What happens if you ignore a fungal nail infection?
If left untreated, fungal nail infections can cause difficulties with walking, exercising or manual tasks such as typing. The main symptoms of onychomycosis include the nail becoming: Brittle. Broken.
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How did I get nail fungus on my fingernail?
Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
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What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.
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What conditions look like nail fungus?
Since toenail fungus can look like other conditions, including psoriasis, you’ll want to have your toenail checked by a doctor. You may need to see a specialist who cares for feet (a podiatrist) or skin (a dermatologist).
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How can you tell the difference between nail fungus and psoriasis?
While psoriasis is more commonly found on fingers, fungal infections typically occur on your toenails, and most often on a single toe unless it’s left untreated and spreads. “If you see a single toenail involved, it’s much more likely it’s a fungal infection or trauma-related, not psoriasis,” says Dr. Braue.
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How to tell the difference between nail fungus and a damaged nail?
If the spot is black and shiny, it is likely a bruise and less likely toenail fungus, especially if you recall when or why that bruising might have occurred (example, if you stubbed your toe). If the discoloration is yellow, gray, or greenish in tint, it is more likely a toenail fungus infection.
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How can you tell the difference between toenail fungus and melanoma?
Both problems can cause discolored and misshapen toenails, but in the case of nail fungus, the toenails become yellowed and thickened—as opposed to thinner—and may crumble at the edges.
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Does nail fungus spread easily?
Yes, many types of toenail fungi, including tinea unguium, are quite contagious. You can spread the fungus to someone else through direct contact. You can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.
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What does toenail fungus look like in the early stages?
It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails. If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment.
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Can nail fungus appear overnight?
Fungal toenails do not appear overnight. The first sign of a fungal infection is the toenail becoming discolored. As the infection deepens, the affected toenails appear: Thickened.
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What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.
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