Bad Nail Fungus!! What to do?

Ringworm of the nail occurs when the fungi penetrates through the skin or nail.

Figure 1: Healthy nail vs fungal infected nail. Image created using Biorender.com.

With a fungal nail Infection, the nails are often thickened, discolored and may crumble when cut. The infection can cause pain and swelling in the skin around the nail.

A fungal nail infection is usually caused by the same fungus as Athlete’s foot and can be contracted the same way through locker rooms, communal showers and pool areas or in similar damp environments. 

Figure 2: Fungal nail infection also known as onychomycosis. Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that can cause the nail to become discolored, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails. Image created using Biorender.com.

Wearing artificial nails has a greater risk of infection because the surface of the nail is often scraped and prepped.

The infection spreads quite easily to other nails and can increase the risk of a bacterial infection of the surrounding skin, particularly in people with diabetes, or a weakened immune system. 

Figure 3: Ringworm often causes a ring-shaped rash that is itchy, red, scaly and slightly raised. The rings usually start small and then expand outward. Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Image created using Biorender.com.

Nail fungus can take up to a year to go away, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as it’s diagnosed.

If the fungus has grown into the nail bed, oral antifungal medicines can be a solution, unfortunately, these medicines don't always work, and you can also have some side effects. Topical formulations can be also the solution!

Figure 4: Current antifungals are either oral medications or topical formulations. Topical formulations include creams, sprays, ointments, nail polish and solutions. Image created using Biorender.com.