Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)

Onychomycosis can cause physical discomfort, frustration and anxiety about its appearance. People who swim or whose feet sweat a lot might have a higher chance of getting a fungal nail infection, and it can often be picked up at places such as gyms, workout facilities and dance studios. Nail fungus can also result from nail dystrophy after minor trauma to the nail. While onychomycosis is highly transmissible, it can be treated successfully.

Your dermatologist can diagnose your onychomycosis with a visual exam. Examination usually reveals discoloration of the nail bed and surrounding tissue in shades of yellow, white, brown or black. The nail may be thickened along with the discoloration and there may be flaking on the plate of the nail. In more advanced cases of onychomycosis, the nail may lift from the nail bed. A nail clipping for pathology and culture can confirm the visual examination findings. Much like a bacterial infection, onychomycosis will not go away without treatment, even if the nail has lifted completely from the nail bed. Treatment options for onychomycosis include topical or oral medications or topical therapy after nail removal in difficult to treat cases.