Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nails. It’s a common condition, and it affects toenails far more often than fingernails.
About 10 percent of adults have onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus. It’s not usually a serious condition, but it can be painful and unsightly.
This article will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of onychomycosis — or, to use the medical term for abnormal condition of nail fungus, onychomycosis.
What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, often starts with a case of athlete’s foot.
Common causes
Nail infections most often come from dermatophytes, a kind of mold. These fungi thrive in warm, moist places like shoes and socks, showers, and swimming pools.
Risk factors
- Age and gender. Older adults, especially men, get nail fungus more often than younger people.
- Underlying health conditions. Poor circulation, diabetes, and a weakened immune system can put you at greater risk. Peripheral arterial disease and nail problems also increase your risk of infection.
- Lifestyle factors. Wearing shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe, as well as using public pools and showers, can also cause fungus.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Onychomycosis
If you have a nail fungus, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Nail discoloration: Your nail may be turning yellow, white, or even darkening.
- Nail thickening: The nail may be getting thicker than usual and harder to trim.
- Nail deformity: You may notice changes in the shape of your nail. It may crumble or become brittle.
- Nail separation: The nail may start to detach from the nail bed (this is called onycholysis).
A doctor can often diagnose onychomycosis just by looking at your nails. But to be sure, they might also want to do some lab tests.
They might take a scraping of nail debris and look at it under a microscope. They might also do a PCR test, which can identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Treatment Options for Onychomycosis
If you’re dealing with onychomycosis, it’s good to know there are several ways to tackle it. What your doctor recommends will depend on how severe the infection is and other health factors.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Often, doctors prescribe oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole. These tend to be more effective than creams or polishes you put on your nail, but some people explore alternatives such as coconut oil for toenail fungus.
The downside? You’ll likely be taking these medications for months – sometimes as long as a year and a half – before you see the fungus completely gone. Plus, your doctor will want to keep an eye on your liver function while you’re on these drugs.
Topical Antifungal Treatments
For milder cases, or sometimes along with oral meds, your doctor might suggest a topical treatment. Common ones include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole. These are like nail polishes you apply directly to the infected nail.
The key with topical treatments is consistency. You’ll need to apply them regularly, often for a long time, to see results.
Other Treatments
There are also other options, like laser therapy, which is still fairly new and being researched to see how well it works. In really bad cases, where the infection is severe, your doctor might recommend removing the nail surgically.
Preventing nail fungus and its recurrence
Good foot hygiene is critical. To prevent onychomycosis, make sure you:
- Keep your toenails trimmed.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between your toes.
- Wear socks that absorb moisture.
It’s also important to protect yourself in public spaces. Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms and public showers. You should also avoid wearing old shoes, as they may harbor fungal spores.
Keep in mind that even after treatment, onychomycosis can recur, so diligence is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the medical term for nail disease?
The general medical term for nail disease is onychopathy. However, this is a broad term encompassing various conditions affecting the nails.
What is the medical term for an abnormal condition?
The medical term for an abnormal condition is pathology. It’s a general term that refers to any deviation from a healthy or normal state.
What is the derm term for fingernail fungus?
In dermatology, the term for fingernail fungus is onychomycosis. It’s the most common nail disease and is caused by fungal infections.
What is onychocryptosis of the nail?
Onychocryptosis refers to an ingrown toenail. This is a condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and potential infection.
What is the medical term for an abnormal fungus nail condition?
While not a single, perfect term, a more precise way to describe an abnormal fungus nail condition would be “pathological onychomycosis,” combining the general terms for abnormal condition and nail fungus for clarity.
Key Takeaways
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a common condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Getting treatment early and taking steps to prevent nail fungus are important to stop the infection and keep it from coming back.
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s best to see a doctor so you can get a diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you.