What Are the Different Types of Nail Infections?
1. Fungal Finger Nail Infection
Fungal nail infection is a condition caused by a fungus. The symptoms of fungal nail infection can include redness, pain, and difficulty walking. Treatment options for a fungal nail infection may include using antifungal nail cream or antibiotics.
2. Bacterial Nail Infection
Bacterial nail infection, also called as Paronychia, happens when bacteria enter through cuts in the cuticle or around the nails. Treatment typically involves using antifungal cream on nails and other topical treatments such as antifungal nail polish.
3. Yeast Nail Infection
A yeast nail infection is caused by a fungus. The most common type of fungus that causes this infection is Candida. Other fungi that can cause this infection include Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton violaceum, and Microsporum gypseum. A mold called Trichophyton soudanense can also cause a nail fungal infection.
These fungi grow in warm and moist environments. To know if you have a yeast nail infection, look for the following symptoms: the nails become thickened, brittle, or ragged; the nails become yellow, green, or brown; and there is debris under the nails. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor so that you can get treated for the infection.
To treat a yeast nail infection, the fungus must be removed and the affected area must be dried thoroughly.
4. Parasitic Nail Infection
A parasitic nail infection is caused by a type of fungus that lives on the surface of the nails. The fungus causes inflammation and can eventually lead to infection in other parts of the body. Treatment involves antibiotics and/or surgery.
5. Viral Nail Infection
Onychomycosis is a fingernail infection that is quite common, affecting up to 10% of the population. The good news is that there are many different nail infection treatments available, both over-the-counter and prescription.
6. Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is a skin condition that causes dry, red, and inflamed patches on the nails. The nails may also become thick and yellow. The cause of nail psoriasis is unknown, but it often occurs along with other skin conditions, such as yeast and bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves prescription medications and/or surgery to remove the fungus.
7. Nail Eczema
Nail eczema is a skin condition that causes red, scaly rashes. It can be caused by an infection, and can be treated with antibiotics and topical creams. It is important to keep feet clean, dry, and free of bacteria, wear shower shoes when visiting public places, and trim nails short and straight across. See a doctor if nail eczema returns after being treated.
How Can You Treat a Fingernail Infection?
Step 1: Medicated Menthol Rub
To treat a nail infection with a menthol rub, apply the product to the affected area at least once a day. You can buy menthol rubs online or over the counter.
Step 2: Snakeroot extract
To treat a nail infection with snakeroot extract, the extract should be applied every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. Snakeroot extract is effective against toenail fungus and can be as effective as ciclopirox, a prescription antifungal treatment.
Step 3: Tea Tree Oil
To treat a nail infection, apply tea tree oil to the nail twice daily with a cotton swab. You can purchase therapeutic-grade tea tree oil online. Although there are no good quality studies on tea tree oil and nail fungus, people may try different treatments without knowing if they are working or not.
Step 4: Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is an oil that contains thymol. Thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it useful in treating toenail fungus. To treat toenail fungus with oregano oil, apply the oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. You can purchase oregano oil online.
Step 5: Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract is a natural remedy that is thought to be effective in treating nail fungus. The recommended dosage is two capsules per day with meals. Olive leaf extract can be bought online in capsule or oil form.
Step 6: Ozonized oils
Ozonized oils are oils that have been injected with ozone gas. This makes them effective against many organisms, including those that cause nail infections. Ozonized oil is more effective than the prescription topical antifungal ketoconazole in treating toenail fungus.
Ozonized oils are used to treat nail infections because they are effective and safe. They do not require any treatment other than applying the oil and can be used on either healthy or diseased nails.
Step 7: Vinegar
Vinegar is a safe home remedy to try for treating nail fungus. The popular home remedy of using vinegar to treat nail fungus is supported by reasonable evidence. To use vinegar as a treatment for nail fungus, soak a cotton ball in vinegar and apply it to the affected area. You can also add vinegar to your bath water and soak your nails in it for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Mouthwash
Mouthwash has been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus. To treat toenail fungus with mouthwash, simply soak the affected foot or nails in the mouthwash for 30 minutes each day.
Step 9: Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be used to treat a nail infection. The garlic can be placed on the affected nail, or garlic capsules can be taken daily. Vinegar can also be used to treat a nail infection, but there is limited evidence supporting this treatment.
Step 10: Adjust your diet
A healthy diet can help treat fingernail infection. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps to support the immune system and encourages healthy cell growth. Eating probiotic-rich yogurt can help support the growth of new nails. Protein is also essential for healthy nails, so be sure to include plenty of lean protein sources in your diet. Good sources of calcium and vitamin D, such as low-fat dairy products, can also help to prevent brittle nails.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Nail Infections?
1. Nail Infection Can Lead to Cellulitis
If you have a nail infection, it can lead to cellulitis, which is a more serious infection. Symptoms of cellulitis may include pain, redness, swelling, and pus. If you work with chemicals or detergents, wear waterproof gloves to protect your hands. If you have diabetes or difficulty fighting infections, see your provider.
2. Untreated Nail Infection Can Cause the Spread of Infection to Other Parts of the Body
Paronychia is a fungal infection of the skin around the nails. If left untreated, it can spread deeper into the finger or toe and may require surgery to prevent it from spreading further. Severe, chronic paronychia most often affects people with diabetes or conditions that cause problems with blood circulation.
3. Untreated Nail Infection Can Lead to Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection. The infection can be in any part of the body, but it most often affects the skin around the fingernail or toenail.
Paronychia is the most common cause of sepsis, and it most often affects people with diabetes or conditions that cause problems with blood circulation. If left untreated, paronychia can lead to more serious infections.
Rarely, untreated paronychia can go deeper into the finger or toe and lead to a serious infection called sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an untreated nail infection. Providers need to remove a finger or toe to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to the rest of the body in severe cases.
4. Untreated Nail Infection Can Cause Permanent Damage to the Nail
If an infection of the nail is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the nail. The infection can lead to bacterial overgrowth and infection, which in turn can damage the nail. It is important to treat nail infections as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.
5. Untreated Nail Infection Can Lead to the Loss of a Limb
Nail infections, whether bacterial or fungal, can cause serious complications if left untreated. Paronychia, a common infection of the skin around the nails, can damage the nail and lead to deeper infections in the finger or toe. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary to stop the infection from spreading.
FAQs
What Are Nail Infections?
Nail infections are caused by fungi, and can affect both toenails and fingernails. The most common cause of nail fungal infections is Candida. Other fungi that can cause nail fungal infections include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton species. These fungi grow best in warm, moist environments. Other pathogens that can cause nail fungus infections include Neoscytalidium, Scopulariopsis, and Aspergillus.
Symptoms of nail fungal infection include yellowing or thickening of the nails, crumbling of the nails, and pain when wearing shoes. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to permanent damage to the nails.
To treat a nail fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication that you take by mouth or apply directly to the affected nails. You may also need to remove the infected portion of the nail. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the entire nail.
What Are the Different Types of Nail Infections?
Nail fungal infections can be caused by different types of fungi. The most common type of fungus that causes these infections is called a dermatophyte. Other types of fungi that can cause nail fungal infections include yeasts and molds.
Most nail fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes. These are a type of fungus that usually affects the skin, nails, or hair. They can cause the nails to become thickened, discolored, and brittle. The nails may also separate from the nail bed.
Molds are another type of fungus that can cause nail fungal infections. These fungi usually grow in damp or wet environments, such as showers or swimming pools. They can cause the nails to become yellow, green, or black in color. The nails may also become crumbly and thickened.
Acute paronychia is a type of nail infection that develops quickly and goes away with treatment. There are two types of paronychia: acute and chronic. Acute paronychia usually only affects one finger or toe and appears suddenly, often after an injury to the area around the nail (such as a cut). Chronic paronychia is a slow-growing infection that often affects multiple fingers or toes. It may be accompanied by nail fungus (a type of candida). The infection usually lasts six weeks or longer.
What Are the Symptoms of Nail Infections?
Nail infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including discolored nails, brittle nails, thickened nails, and distorted nails. If left untreated, a nail infection can lead to pain, athlete’s foot, and even infection of the skin nearby. Nail infections are also associated with a fever, soreness, redness, and swelling. If you suspect that you have a nail infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Are the Causes of Nail Infections?
Nail fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms, most commonly dermatophytes. Certain yeasts and molds can also cause nail fungal infections. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications or surgery.
Mold can cause nail infections, which are often caused by pathogens. Paronychia is a common nail condition that is more common among people who are exposed to irritants.
Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but it’s more common among people who have certain characteristics. People who work with chemicals and don’t wear gloves are at a higher risk of getting nail infections. People with skin conditions are also at a higher risk of getting nail infections. People who work with water are at a higher risk of getting paronychia, which is an infection around the nails.
What Are the Risk Factors for Nail Infections?
There are a number of risk factors for nail infections, including being male or elderly, having long and thin nails, working in occupations that involve being on your feet for long periods of time, having poor circulation or slow-growing nails, and wearing artificial nails or socks/shoes that prevent ventilation.
Other risk factors include diabetes, AIDS, circulation problems, and a weakened immune system. Older adults are more likely to get nail fungus infections due to the natural aging process. Keeping your nails clean and dry is important to preventing nail fungus infections.
Having athlete’s foot is also a risk factor for fungal infections of the toenails. Sharing socks, shoes, or other personal belongings with others increases the risk of fungal infection. Wearing closed footwear also increases the risk of fungal infection. Having a damaged immune system also increases the risk of developing a nail infection.
How Are Nail Infections Diagnosed?
You can diagnose a nail infection by examining debris scraped from underneath the nail. The KOH test can be performed quickly, while the fungal culture can take weeks. Physicians must be careful when diagnosing fungal infections of the nail because several other conditions can have similar symptoms. Healthcare providers usually don’t need to order tests to diagnose a nail infection. If the infection is severe, imaging (such as an X-ray) may be ordered.
How Are Nail Infections Treated?
There are several ways to treat nail infections, but the most effective way is usually with antifungal medicine. Over-the-counter treatments may work for milder infections, but if the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication in the form of pills or injections.
If you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it’s important to see a doctor even if the infection doesn’t seem to be bothering you, as it can quickly become more serious. There are also some home remedies you can try, but if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s best to see a doctor.
What Are the Complications of Nail Infections?
Nail fungal infections are caused by fungi that invade and grow in the nails. These infections are common, but they can be difficult to treat. Treatment can take a long time, and the infection may recur.
Can Nail Infections be Prevented?
Hand and foot hygiene is important to preventing nail fungus infections. This means regularly washing your hands and avoiding contact with the nails. Additionally, it’s important to keep your nails short, dry, and clean. You can also protect your nails by wearing socks that breathe and avoiding picking or biting them. Finally, be sure to wash your hands after touching infected nails.
Artificial nails should be used less often as they provide an increased risk for nail fungus infections. To further prevent infection, make sure any salon equipment is properly sterilized between uses. It’s also important to regularly visit a salon for professional care.
What Is the Prognosis for Nail Infections?
The prognosis for nail infections is generally good. Antifungal treatments are effective in treating most cases, though it can take several months for the affected nails to return to normal. In some cases, the nails may not look exactly the same as before the infection.
If treatment is working, new healthy nails should start to grow from the base over a few months. The old infected nails can be gradually clipped away. Infections affecting less than 50% of one or two nails usually respond well to topical treatments.
Oral antifungal medication may be necessary for full recovery. If an individual’s nail fungus is resistant to antifungal medications, other treatments may be required.