Nail Fungus is a fungal infection in the nail. This is the most common disease of the nails making up to 50% of nail abnormalities. The infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail but the condition commonly occurs on toenails. It is marked by a discoloration and thickening of the nail and crumbling edges. An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat and may recur as well. This is infection is more common in men than in women and in the elderly than the young ones. Aging is the most common risk factor for nail fungus. Infected nails may also detach from the nail bed and this condition is called Onycholysis. Once a nail fungal infection begins, it can persist for ever if it's not treated. To facilitate the diagnosis of nail fungus infections, a doctor generally examines debris that is scraped from underneath the nail. But there is no need to worry as there are a lot of treatments that can treat this type of infection.

Factors that predispose you to get nail fungus:

• Poor circulation of blood



• Heavy perspiration in the digitals



• Slow nail growth



• Working in a damp or moist environment



• Wearing of socks and shoes that hinder ventilation



• Walking barefoot in a damp public places like pools, gyms, lockers and shower rooms



• Prior injury or disease of the skin or nail



• Having athlete's foot



• Diabetes, AIDS, circulation problems or a low immune system



• Tight footwear with crowding of toes

The following are the symptoms of nail fungus infections:

• Thickened



• Fragile



• Crumbly or frayed



• Deformed shape



• Dry, no luster or shine



• A dark color or yellowish in color



• You will feel pain in your toes or fingertips



• Has vaguely foul odor

Below are the treatments for nail fungal infection:

• Topical Creams - This consists of antifungal lacquer or nail polish such as ciclopirox (Penlac) as well as other creams. You may be directed to apply these creams with an over-the-counter lotion that contains urea to help speed up absorption. Application of topical remedies can clear nail infection but often does not totally cure the infection.



• Oral Medication - To treat nail fungus, the doctor may prescribe oral medications such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole and Terbinafine, which usually take up to four months before completely replacing the infected nail with a new one.



• Surgery - If the infection is rigorous or super painful, your doctor will advise to remove the nail. Often surgery is used in combination with ciclopirox to treat the nail bed.



• Using a laser or photodynamic therapy - This innovative treatment may not be widely available everywhere yet. Intense light is used to irradiate the nail after it's been treated with an acid.