How do you get a fungal nail infection?

Average rating:

Spread from a fungal skin infection. For example, athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection of the toes. This may spread to the toenails if the skin infection is not treated early.
Fingernail infection may occur after a toenail infection has become established. The fungus may spread to a finger if you scratch your itchy toes and toenail.
Fingernail infections are also more likely to occur if you wash your hands frequently, or have them in water a lot. For example, if you are a cook or a cleaner. Constant washing may damage the protective skin at the base of the nail. This may allow fungi to enter.
A nail that has recently been damaged is also more likely to become infected.
You have an increased risk developing a fungal nail infection if you have various other conditions. For example: diabetes, psoriasis, poor circulation, a poor immune system (for example, if you have AIDS or are on chemotherapy), or general poor state of health.
Nail infections are more common in people who live in hot or humid climates.
Smoking also increases the risk of developing a nail infection.
In some cases there is no apparent reason. Fungus germs (fungi) are common and an infection can occur 'out of the blue'.

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?

Often the infection is just in one nail, but several may be affected. At first the infection is usually painless. The nail may look thickened and discoloured (often a greeny-yellow colour). Commonly, this is all that occurs and it often causes no other symptoms. However, it can look unsightly.
Sometimes the infection becomes worse. White or yellow patches may appear where the nail has come away from the skin under the nail (the nailbed). Sometimes the whole nail comes away. The nail may become soft and crumble. Bits of nail may fall off. The skin next to the nail may be inflamed or scaly. If left untreated, the infection may eventually destroy the nail and the nailbed, and may become painful. Walking may become uncomfortable if a toenail is affected.

Do I need any tests?

Other nail conditions can sometimes look like a fungal infection. Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, a doctor will usually take a nail clipping and send it to the laboratory for testing.