Fungal infections (Nail infection)

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Fungal infections (Nail infection) ➤ Self-assessment checklist May occur in fingernails or toenails. Commonly, thickened, brittle nails start at the tip of the nail and spread to the whole nail with yellow/white or orange/brown-colored vertical streaks. May have pain or discomfort ➤ What is a fungal nail infection? A fungal nail infection is an infection that occurs when a fungus attacks your fingernail, toenail, or nail bed. Fungi can attack your nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. If you're healthy, the infection probably won't cause serious problems. ➤ What causes it? Fungal nail infections can be caused by yeasts, molds, and other kinds of fungi. Fungi grow best in warm, moist places. They can spread from person to person. You can get a fungal nail infection from walking barefoot in public showers or pools or by sharing personal items, such as towels and nail clippers. If you have an athlete's foot infection, the fungus can spread from your skin to your nails. You can have fungi on your skin without getting a nail infection. If you are susceptible to fungal infections, they tend to return. They can come back even after successful treatment especially if you don't do something to prevent them. ➤ What are the symptoms? Symptoms often develop slowly over time. A nail with a fungal infection may: º Turn yellow, white, or brown. º Get thicker. º Crumble or split and may separate from the skin. A fungal nail infection usually isn't painful. But over time, you may be uncomfortable or even have pain when you wear shoes, walk, or stand for a long time. The fungus could also spread to other nails or your skin.