

#BEST OVER THE COUNTER TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT SKIN#
The skin near the nail may itch, or crack.Brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away completely.Pain or discomfort, particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.Thickening and change in shape of the nail, making it difficult to trim.Change in colour of some or all of your nail – turns yellow, white, blue, purple or black.What are the symptoms of fungal nail infection?Ī fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first, but as the infection progresses you may notice the following symptoms: Smoking, having have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease and taking medication that weaken your immune system can increase your risk of getting a fungal nail infection.

You can get a fungal nail infection from sharing personal items such as nail clippers, or towels, walking barefoot in public showers or pools, or if you have athletes foot (a fungal infection between the toes), where the fungus spreads from your skin to your nail.You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if your nail has been damaged through small cuts in the skin around your nail or through the opening between your nail and nail bed.Image credit: Canva What causes fungal nail infections?Ī fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus infects a fingernail, toenail or the skin under the nail (called the nail bed). Options include antifungal nail paints that you apply to the nail or antifungal tablets or capsules. Treatment for fungal nail infections is difficult and recurrence is very common.Some people are at risk of complications from nail infections and must seek medical advice, for example people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or connective tissue disease.Most mild fungal nail infections are not serious and can safely be left untreated.Fungal nail infections are common and usually affect toenails more often than fingernails.Most mild fungal nail infections can safely be left untreated but some people are at risk of complications from nail infections and must seek medical advice. Fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails can cause discolouration and thickening of nails.
