What is nail fungus?
Q: What is nail fungus and how do I know if I have it?
A: Nail fungus is a relatively common condition that affects an estimated 3-12% of the population. It is more likely to occur in people who are older. Nail fungus begins as a white or yellow spot under the fingernail or toenail. As the nail infection grows, it might cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble. The typical symptoms of nail fungus are the following:
› Thickened nail.
› Whiteish to yellow-brown discoloration.
› Brittle, crumbly or ragged.
› Distorted in shape.
› A dark color caused by debris build-up under your nail.
› The nail or nails smell slightly foul.
A microscopic organism known as fungi is the cause of nail fungus. People usually pick up the fungus after having skin-to-skin contact with an individual who has a fungal infection. This can happen if you share shoes with someone who has a nail fungus infection. While contact is the primary way to pick up the fungus, your lifestyle can also affect your chances of developing a nail fungus infection. If you are a smoker, spend a lot of time in the water or often walk barefoot in hot and humid places, you have an increased risk of developing a nail fungus.
There are a few different ways to combat nail fungus. One of those ways is to apply medicine to the affected nail or nails. The medication helps to keep the fungus out of the nails while the nail is growing. Another way to treat the infection is nail removal. If nail fungus is left untreated, treated with medication but shows no improvement, or is a severe infection, nail removal is the next treatment option. Nail removal can be done through two methods, non-surgical or surgical. During the non-surgical method, a chemical is applied to the infected nail and takes a few weeks to remove the affected nail. A dermatologist can perform both forms of nail removal in the office or a clinic. Having your nail removed does not mean it will not grow back.
Having nail fungus is not lifethreatening but is not something to ignore. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, a physician can observe your nails to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Dr. Kate Shuster is a board-certified dermatologist at Galen Dermatology and a member of the ChattanoogaHamilton County Medical Society.