What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail mycosis, is an infection of the toenails and fingernails, caused by fungi. It is more common in adults than in children.
What are the signs and symptoms of ringworm on the nails?
Infected nails may look like:
- thicker and rougher
- yellowish tone
- Brittle and brittle tips
Sometimes, ringworm of the nails causes:
-
chronic
- pain
- pain that increases when the nails are cut, with the foot shod or with the weight of the bedding
What are the causes of ringworm on the nails?
Ringworm of the nails is usually caused by fungi that live in the environment, and can be contracted from small cracks in the nails or the surrounding skin, causing infection.
Is this ringworm contagious?
Yes. Ringworm of the nails is transmissible, especially between the various nails of the person himself.
Are there people who are more likely to get this infection?
Yes. There is an increased risk of contracting ringworm in people with:
- nail or toenail lesions
- diabetes
- varicose veins (venous insufficiency)
- weakened immune system
- previous history of athlete's foot or other fungal infections on the body
Can nail mycosis progress to other complications?
Most mycoses are not serious and the main problems are aesthetic, due to the appearance it causes to the affected nails, and the pain it can cause.
More rarely, when mycosis is not well treated, and especially in people with low defenses (immunosuppressed), the risk of small wounds appearing on or around the nail increases and, consequently, the risk of infection by bacteria in that place.
Is it possible to prevent mycosis on nails?
There are some hygiene habits that help prevent this infection, namely:
- keep hands and feet clean and dry
- Make sure you have short, clean nails
- Do not walk barefoot in public spaces such as locker rooms or showers
- Do not share nail clippers, or other nail care objects for individual use
- Change your socks daily, or whenever they get sweaty. Favor socks made of absorbent materials, such as cotton
- Sanitize the inside of the shoes
How is the infection diagnosed?
The diagnosis of onychomycosis is made by observing the nail and evaluating the signs and symptoms of the infection. In addition, it may be necessary to observe under a microscope or perform laboratory tests to identify the infecting organism.
What is the treatment for this infection?
Treatment of fungal nail infections can be difficult and prolonged, but it should be started as soon as detected. It may involve taking medication or applying products with an antifungal effect locally.
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the nail.
Once cured, can mycoses reappear?
Yes. After treatment, these infections can come back, especially in people with high-risk conditions such as diabetes.
The reappearance of ringworm is common and the resistance of this infection to antifungals has been increasing, so it is important to adopt preventive hygiene habits.