TL;DR:
- Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infectious disease of the nail plate caused by molds, dermatophytes, and yeasts, common in adults.
- Types: Distal/Lateral Subungual (DLSO), Proximal Subungual (PSO), Superficial (SWO), Intra-Plate (EO), Dystrophic (TDO).
- Symptoms: Nail discoloration (yellow, brown, white, black), brittleness, thickening, deformation, detachment, redness, odor, or pain.
- Risk factors: Diabetes, circulatory/hormonal issues, vitamin B deficiency, excessive sweating, poor hygiene, immune disorders, and damp environments.
- Treatment: Topical antifungals (miconazole, amorolfine), oral meds, photodynamic therapy; early treatment is crucial.
- Prevention: Maintain hygiene, avoid barefoot in gyms/pools, use personal nail tools, dry feet thoroughly, and wear gloves when cleaning.
- Untreated infections can cause nail deformation, ulcers, and infection spread. Seek prompt treatment.
Unsightly-looking toenails or fingernails with discoloration can indicate the presence of an infection such as ringworm. It is quite difficult to treat, and failure to respond properly can lead to serious health complications. So how does nail fungus manifest itself, how to treat and prevent it?
What exactly is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is ** a disease of the nail plate of an infectious nature.** It is caused by fungi such as molds, dermatophytes and yeasts. It is diagnosed quite often in adults and the elderly. Nail fungus in children is much less common. Toenail fungus is most often diagnosed due to specific conditions friendly to fungal growth. However, this does not mean that the infection does not also develop on the nail plate of the hands. 
Types of onychomycosis
Nail fungus is divided into several types differentiated by incidence. There is onychomycosis:.
- Subungual distal and lateral – DLSO,
- proximal subungual – PSO,
- superficial – SWO,
- intra-plate – EO,
- dystrophic – TDO.
DLSO toenail candidiasis appears at the distal edge of the nail and on the sides and progresses inward. Proximal onychomycosis, on the other hand, occurs on the nail shaft and epidermal rim. It usually occurs on the fingernails of the hands. Another fungus, or superficial fungus, covers the entire nail plate. Intra-plate infection, on the other hand, is quite rare and difficult to recognize its initial stages due to the fact that it develops in the plate. The most advanced onychomycosis is the dystrophic variety, which covers the entire nail plate.
Characteristic symptoms of onychomycosis
Onychomycosis of the fingernails and toenails can give identical symptoms. The main symptoms of nail fungus, is the appearance of discoloration on the surface of the nails. You may notice that the natural nail plate has turned yellow, brown, white or black. Other symptoms produced by nail thrush include noticeable brittleness and fragility of the nails, deformation of the plate, as well as noticeable thickening of the nail. Also of concern should be ** redness, unpleasant odor, detachment of the nail from the nail bed and pain around the nail.** Fungus on the nail can give different symptoms, depending on the stage of the infection. However, both hand and foot fungus are not difficult to diagnose. Any changes in the appearance of the nail plate can indicate that onychomycosis has just appeared. What is also important, onychomycosis of the fingernails or toenails can affect only a single nail. If no treatment is undertaken, the infection can spread to other nails quite quickly.
Onycholysis vs. ringworm
Due to similar symptoms, onychomycosis is sometimes confused with onycholysis. However, **they **are two different conditions.** First of all, onycholysis is the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. It is caused not by fungi, but by mechanical trauma, inadequate cuticle and nail care, and subjecting the nails to constant pressure. onycholysis nail plate.
Risk factors
Onychomycosis of the feet and hands may occur more often in people who have factors that increase the likelihood of developing the infection. A large impact on the fact that fungus under the nail will occur in a person is due to coexisting diseases. Tinea pedis on the feet is much more likely to appear and recur in people with diabetes, circulatory disorders in the toe area, or those struggling with hormonal disorders. In addition, pregnant women and people suffering from vitamin deficiencies especially of the B group are more prone to nail fungus. What's more, fungus of the legs and hands is more likely to occur in people who suffer from excessive sweating, are exposed to pathogens, for example, frequenting a swimming pool or gym, and struggle with immune disorders. In addition, a prolonged and humid environment, will also promote the development of fungal infection.
Nail fungus treatment methods
Nail fungus on the toenails and on the hands will be treated in the same way. The treatment of onychomycosis is carried out using several methods. They are chosen depending on the severity of the infection and how much of the nail is affected. If the first symptoms of onychomycosis appear on the feet or hands, it is worth seeing a doctor immediately so that you can prevent the spread of the disease. Treatment of onychomycosis is long and difficult. It requires regularity and can take up to 3 months. Hand and foot fungus especially in the initial stage is treated by applying topical preparations. As a rule, they are available without a prescription at any pharmacy and some drugstores. In the composition they contain fungicidal substances such as miconazole, ciclopirox, or amorolfine. An example of such a product is Scholl for nail fungus. Ointment for nail fungus is also available, as well as others in spray or pen form. In pharmacies you can also buy other products for topical application for toenail fungus infection. Pyrrolam for nail fungus is also popular. Advanced toenail fungus requires the inclusion of prescription medications and oral treatment in a pulse regimen, that is, with intermittent medication. Toenail fungus and its treatment can also be done with photodynamic therapy. It involves taking photosensitizing drugs and then being exposed to light. As a result, the fungi are destroyed. The method of treatment should be chosen individually depending on the main causes of the fungal infection and its severity. Sugarcane fungus or the onset of onychomycosis may be treated differently. In order for toenail thrush to be cured, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions as to the frequency, amount and duration of medication intake and use. Whether it is an over-the-counter preparation for nail fungus or oral medications, only regularity and no deviation from the prescribed therapy can help fight the infection that is toenail fungus.
How to prevent foot fungus?
If ringworm on the nails appeared in you and was cured, it does not mean that it will not reappear. That's why it's best to prevent, and not to take action only when the symptoms of foot or hand fungus appear. First and foremost, you should ztake care of proper foot hygiene. During the summer, when your feet are exposed to increased heat, perspiration and humidity, you should take care to wash them daily. Moreover, always remember to wear flip-flops when visiting the gym or swimming pool. It is not recommended to go barefoot in these places. When getting manicures and pedicures at beauty salons, it is advisable to choose proven ones that follow hygiene rules and use sterile tools. This way, among other things, you can avoid nail fungus after a hybrid. Another important rule is to dry your feet and the space between your toes thoroughly after bathing. Thanks to this simple habit, foot fungus will not have a favorable moist and wet environment to develop. Moreover, each person should have their own nail toiletries. So don't use scissors, files or clippers together. Hand fungus can also occur from contact with fungi during cleaning, so it's a good idea to wear gloves when performing these activities.
Complications of onychomycosis
If you notice that nail fungus and its symptoms have begun to become apparent on the plate, do not delay in seeing a doctor. You may decide to see a dermatologist, podiatrist or internist. If the appointments are far away, go to the pharmacy and implement treatment with commonly available preparations for nail fungus. Long-standing nail fungus can cause serious health consequences. For people with diabetes, inflammation of the connective tissue can occur. In addition, untreated onychomycosis on the feet and hands can cause pain, discomfort, damage to the nail matrix, its deformation and even ulceration of the pads and whole fingers. It is also important to know that nail fungus and its symptoms should not be underestimated, as the infection spreads easily and can very quickly infect other household members. Nail fungus and its treatment will reduce the negative effects of the infection. **When toenail fungus gives symptoms, they should not be underestimated and treatment should be started quickly. As for the cost of topical preparations, they are not expensive.
Conclusion
Nail fungus is a stubborn infection that demands swift action. As we've explored, it comes in various types, with symptoms like discoloration, fragility, and thickening of nails. Treatment ranges from topical solutions to advanced therapies, but prevention is key—hygiene, personal tools, and clean environments are non-negotiable. Delaying care risks pain, serious complications, and spreading the infection. Don’t ignore the signs—early action saves time, cost, and health. A proactive approach ensures stronger, healthier nails and stops nail fungus in its tracks.
