Mycosis nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail unit. It is more common in the toenails because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like your shoes. You may have this infection if you notice symptoms like brittle and discolored nails.
Having fungi on and in your body is normal, but an infection can occur when the fungi overgrow. Risk factors for fungal infections include older age, diabetes, and psoriasis.
Several types of fungi can lead to a nail infection. The most common types include:
- Trichophyton rubrum
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Epidermophyton floccosum
- Candida albicans
Mycosis is just a fancy word for a fungal infection. There are several types of mycosis you can develop on your nails, including:
- Distal subungual infection: The outer edges of the nail appear jagged and have white or yellow streaks
- White superficial infection: White spots cover the nail, and the nail feels rough and soft
- Proximal subungual infection: Yellow spots develop at the base of the nail and spread up to the tip
Common Symptoms
If you develop mycosis in your nails, possible symptoms of this fungal infection may include:
- Discoloration: The nail may turn yellow, white, brown, or another color
- Softness: The nail may become so soft and brittle that it bends and lifts off the finger or toe
- Thickness changes: Infected nails may become very thick or thin
- Nail crumbling: The nail may become so weak that it starts to crumble or break apart
- Odor: An infected nail may give off an unpleasant odor
- Pain: As the fungal infection spreads, it may cause pain in the fingers or toes
Mycosis nail fungus occurs when fungi overgrow in, around, or on the nail. Fungi can enter the nail through a small cut in the skin or a crack in the nail. The area under your nails is warm and moist, making it an ideal environment for fungi to grow and spread.
Fungal infections are common and can be spread from person to person. It is also possible to be exposed to a fungal infection from shared surfaces, such as a public shower floor or pool deck.
Risk Factors
Fungal infections are common, and anyone can develop one. You may be more likely to develop mycosis nail fungus if you:
- Are of older age
- Live with autoimmune disorders or are immunocompromised
- Have personal or family history of fungal nail infections or athlete's foot
- Reside in a hot and humid environment
- Smoke tobacco
- Walk barefoot in public places, like a public pool or locker room
- Don't have enough ventilation in your hands (e.g., using plastic gloves) and feet (e.g., wearing tight shoes)
- Don't dry wet hands and feet
The Diagnostic Process
See your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have mycosis nail fungus. Your primary healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Most providers can diagnose a fungal nail infection through a physical exam of your nails to check for symptoms of mycosis. Your provider may also take a sample of your nail to examine it under a microscope. After removing the nail sample, they'll send it to a lab for a fungal culture to determine the type of fungus causing your infection.
Mycosis nail fungus treatment aims to cure the infection and prevent recurrence. Healthcare providers recommend oral antifungal medications to treat mycosis nail fungus. Common oral antifungals that can treat the nails include:
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
- Lamisil (terbinafine)
- Sporanox (itraconazole)
- Gris-PEG (griseofulvin)
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams are usually ineffective in healing fungal infections on the nails on their own. However, your provider may recommend using a topical antifungal cream in addition to taking an oral medication. Research has found that using a combination of oral and topical antifungals may be more effective than oral medication alone.
Nail fungus treatment may take several months to completely heal the infection and improve the appearance of your nails. If antifungal medications are not effective, your provider may recommend surgically removing the infected nail.
How To Prevent Mycosis Nail Fungus
Fungal infections are common, and preventing them may not always be possible. It is possible to lower your risk by taking some precautions. Consider the following lifestyle changes to lower your risk of mycosis nail fungus:
- Keep your nails clean, dry, and well-trimmed
- Dry your feet well after bathing or showering
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wear rubber gloves when your hands will be wet for an extended period
- Limit your use of artificial nails
- Ask your salon to sterilize their equipment if you get manicures and pedicures
Mycosis nail fungus does not get better on its own. When left untreated, this fungal infection can spread to other nails. People with diabetes or a compromised immune system may also be at a higher risk of developing a serious bacterial infection from untreated mycosis nail fungus.
A bacterial infection may spread to the skin (cellulitis), bone (osteomyelitis), and blood (sepsis). It is also possible to permanently lose the infected nail. That's why early treatment is so essential.
A Quick Review
Mycosis nail fungus is common, and the infection can come back repeatedly. A fungal nail infection can be challenging to treat, and your provider may recommend different antifungal medications during the treatment process.
This nail infection doesn't resolve on its own, so if you're noticing changes in your nails, such as brittleness or discoloration, it's important to see your provider for treatment to help manage the infection and improve symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus usually requires treatment with an oral antifungal medication. If you want to use home remedies alongside your medications, ask your provider if they are safe to use.
Should you wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Fungi grow in warm, moist environments. Avoid keeping your infected toe covered in a sock because this could delay healing.
Do you need to throw away your shoes if you have toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is contagious, and you can be exposed to it from shared surfaces—like your shoes. If you have been wearing shoes without socks, ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to wear them again.
