Fungal nail infections are called onychomycosis. Many types of fungi can cause nail infections, but some common types include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale.
Fungi are organisms that spread via spores. They can be divided into subtypes depending on their particular features. Subtypes include:
- yeasts
- molds
- dermatophytes
Dermatophytes are responsible for most nail fungal infections. Yeast and mold infections have been reported but aren’t as common. A healthcare professional may need to test a sample of your nail to tell the difference between these fungi.
Read on to learn more about the type of fungi that can develop on your nails and how these infections are treated.
Nail fungal infections are common, with estimates that they occur in
Dermatophytes
Onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes is called tinea unguium. It most often affects your toenails but can also affect your fingernails. The most common causes are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale.
About 90% of toenail fungal infections and 50% of fingernail fungal infections
Mold
Some nail infections are caused by non-dermatophyte molds, such as:
- Aspergillus species
- Scopulariopsis species
- Fusarium species
Molds are an emerging source of nail infections and seem
Yeast
Some yeast species like Candida albicans have been reported as causing nail infections.
Nail fungal infections often cause no noticeable early symptoms. As the infection gets worse, you may develop symptoms like:
- whitish-yellow, green, or brown discoloration
- thickening of your nail, which may make it difficult to trim
- pain or discomfort, especially when putting pressure on your finger or toe
- brittle or crumbly nails
- foul odor coming from nail
- nail that separates from the skin beneath it
Sometimes the skin nearby may also become:
- infected
- itchy
- cracked
- red
- swollen
Infection subtypes
Onychomycosis is divided into subtypes depending on where the infection develops on your nail and other features of the infection. Common subtypes include:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Distal lateral subungual | affects the tip or side of the nail and is the most common subtype |
| Superficial | affects the surface of the nail |
| Endonyx | causes milky white discoloration throughout nail |
| Proximal subungual | affects the base of the nail and often suggests immunosuppression |
| Mixed pattern | has characteristics of multiple types |
| Total dystrophic | is an end-stage infection of distal lateral or proximal subungual |
| Secondary | affects the base of the nail and often suggests immunosuppression |
- skin-to-skin contact with people or animals who have it
- shared towels, bedsheets, or other objects
- shared surfaces like locker room floors
- excessive sweating
- tight socks and shoes
- contact sports
- walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms
- having a condition that weakens your immune system, such as HIV
- experiencing exposure to others with fungal skin or nail infections
- experiencing trauma to your nails
- increasing age
- living in tropical or subtropical regions, for
mold infections
Rarely, nail infections can cause a type of infection called cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications, including:
- need for amputation
- septic shock
- internal organ damage
- gangrene
- death, in rare cases
It’s a good idea to contact a doctor if you suspect you might have a nail infection. Your infection may continue to get worse if it’s not treated properly. A doctor can help you identify your infection type and recommend the best treatment options.
A doctor will likely determine whether you have a nail infection by examining your affected nails. Only about
To find out what type of infection you have, a doctor will likely want to take a sample of your nail. You may also receive a blood test to check your liver function to see whether you can take oral antifungal medications.
Mild infections may be treatable with topical antifungal medications available over the counter or by prescription. They’re available in forms like:
- ointments
- creams
- polishes
Topical remedies may need to be used for
If topical remedies don’t work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. You may need these tablets for up to 6 months. They often contain itraconazole or terbinafine.
You may need oral treatment for:
- proximal subungual onychomycosis
- distant lateral subungual onychomycosis affecting more than 50% of the nail plate surface
- infections involving 3 or more nails
- no response to topical treatments after 6 months
You can potentially reduce your chances of developing nail infections by reducing your exposure to fungi.
- keeping your skin clean and dry
- wearing shoes with good air circulation
- wearing footwear in public showers and locker rooms
- clipping your nails short
- changing your socks at least once per day
- avoiding sharing clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items
- taking a shower after sports or other activity
Are nail mold and yeast the same as fungus?
Fungi are a group of organisms that reproduce by producing spores. This group includes molds and yeasts.
What can be mistaken for nail fungus?
Some conditions like psoriasis can cause discoloration of your toenail that can be mistaken for a fungal overgrowth.
How can I cure fingernail fungus fast?
Prescription or over-the-counter medications are generally the only effective treatments for curing nail fungus.
Learn more about curing fingernail fungus fast.
Here are some example pictures of onycholysis:
Dermatophytes cause most fungal nail infections in humans. Molds and yeasts can also cause infections. It’s a good idea to speak with a doctor any time you have symptoms of a fungal nail infection, such as a brittle and discolored nail.
Most infections can be cleared up with topical or oral antifungal medications. Some topical medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.