Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect both your toenails and fingernails. While it might not seem like a big deal at first, nail fungus can change the appearance of your nails, making them look yellowed, thickened, or brittle. It can also cause discomfort and even pain in some cases.
You might have heard the term “v20 nail fungus” and wondered what it means. “V20” could refer to a specific strain of nail fungus, a particular classification, or even a treatment protocol. If “v20” refers to a specific treatment, it’s important to understand how it works and what makes it different from other options.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of nail fungus, exploring the causes, symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed. We’ll also cover the various treatment options available, including a closer look at “v20” treatments if applicable. Finally, we’ll discuss preventative measures you can take to keep your nails healthy and fungus-free.
What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus can be caused by different kinds of fungus.
Fungal organisms
Most often, nail fungus comes from dermatophytes. These are fungi that live on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails and skin. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes are common dermatophytes.
Sometimes, yeasts such as Candida or molds that aren’t dermatophytes cause nail infections.
Risk factors
Certain things can make you more likely to get nail fungus. These include:
- Older age. As you age, your nails can become brittle and crack, giving fungi a place to enter.
- Reduced blood flow. If your blood doesn’t circulate well, it may be harder for your body to fight infection.
- Nail injury or deformity. Damage to your nail can create an opening for fungi.
- Diabetes. This condition can weaken your immune system.
- Excessive sweating. Fungi thrive in moist environments.
- Immunodeficiency. A weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable to infection.
- Wearing closed footwear. Shoes and boots create a warm, moist environment that’s ideal for fungal growth.
- Spending time in public pools and showers. These places can expose you to fungi.
- Living in a humid climate. Humidity can promote fungal growth.
Recognizing the symptoms of nail fungus
Nail fungus isn’t pretty, and it’s important to recognize the signs early. If you catch it in its early stages, you can often treat it with over-the-counter remedies.
Early signs and symptoms
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, whitish, or brownish)
- Brittleness or crumbling
- Distortion of the nail shape
Advanced symptoms
If left untreated, nail fungus can get pretty nasty.
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed (called onycholysis)
- Pain or discomfort
- A foul odor
- Debris under the nail
What is “v20” nail fungus?
I’m not sure what you mean by “v20” nail fungus. It could refer to a specific strain with unique symptoms, or maybe it’s a type of treatment and how it affects the symptoms. If you can provide more information about “v20,” I can give you a more relevant answer.
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
It’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you think you have nail fungus. You want to rule out other nail problems that might look similar, such as nail dystrophy. Don’t just assume it’s nail fungus!
Your doctor will start by examining your nail. Then, they’ll likely order lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests might include:
- Nail clipping analysis: They’ll look at the nail clipping under a microscope and possibly do a fungal culture to figure out exactly what kind of fungus is causing the problem.
- Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain: This stain makes any fungus in the nail sample really stand out.
- PCR testing: This test helps differentiate between different types of fungal species.
How to treat nail fungus
If you think you have a nail fungus, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible. The earlier you treat it, the more likely the treatment is to work.
Topical treatments
For mild to moderate infections, you can try an antifungal nail lacquer, such as ciclopirox or amorolfine. You paint the lacquer directly onto the nail. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to do it and how long you’ll need to continue the treatment.
There are also antifungal creams and solutions you can use. These may work best when you use them along with oral medications. Or, you can try them on their own if the infection is mild. Examples of creams and solutions are efinaconazole and tavaborole.
Oral antifungal medications
If the infection is severe, your doctor may recommend an oral, or systemic, treatment. You swallow a pill, and the medicine works throughout your body to kill the fungus. Common oral medications are terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
Oral treatments tend to be more effective than topical treatments. However, they can have side effects, such as liver toxicity and drug interactions. Your doctor will want to monitor you carefully. You’ll also need to take the medication for the full course of treatment.
Surgical options
In severe cases, you may need to have the nail removed surgically. Your doctor can explain the procedure and what to expect during recovery.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment option. The laser targets the fungus without harming the skin or tissue around it. There are limits to what laser therapy can do, but it can be effective in some cases.
Preventing nail fungus
You can take steps to avoid getting a nail fungus infection in the first place. Here’s what I recommend:
- Practice good hygiene, by keeping your nails trimmed, drying your feet well after washing, wearing breathable socks, and avoiding sharing nail clippers or files.
- Choose footwear wisely, by wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe and avoiding wearing closed shoes for long periods. You can also use antifungal sprays or powders in your shoes.
- Protect your feet in public places by wearing sandals or shoes in public pools, showers, and locker rooms, where fungus loves to hang out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you might be tempted, scraping out toenail fungus isn’t recommended. It can be painful, increase the risk of infection, and won’t eliminate the fungus at its source. It’s best to consult a doctor for proper treatment options.
Is Vite20 good for toenail fungus?
Vite20 is a brand name for a toenail fungus treatment. Whether it’s “good” depends on the individual and the severity of the infection. It’s important to follow the product’s instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if you don’t see improvement or experience side effects.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, but its effectiveness against toenail fungus is limited. It might help to clean the affected area, but it’s unlikely to penetrate deep enough to eradicate the fungus. It’s best used as a supplementary measure, not a primary treatment.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. While it might provide temporary relief from symptoms, it’s not a proven cure for toenail fungus. Some people find it helpful, but its effectiveness varies.
What kills toenail fungus the best?
The “best” treatment for toenail fungus depends on the severity of the infection. Options include prescription antifungal medications (oral or topical), laser therapy, or surgical removal of the nail. A doctor can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding nail fungus – how it starts, what it looks like, how doctors diagnose it, and how to treat and prevent it – is key to keeping your nails healthy. If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Nail fungus can be stubborn, but you can treat it. With a doctor’s help and proper care, you can get rid of the infection and grow healthy nails again.