Infection of the nails is usually fungal in origin and can affect the finger or toe nail plates. It can be caused by many different species of fungus. Once established, it persists and causes embarrassment and pain if the nail plate is distorted.

What causes nail infections?

Often, toenail fungus follows athlete's foot. It is helpful to treat the athlete's foot with proper anti-fungal medication. Several are available over-the-counter. Fingernail infections frequently follow an injury to the nail. Artificial fingernails can also cause infection or keeping polish on your nails the majority of the time.

What does it look like?

The most common pattern is when the fungus invades the nailbed at the tip of the finger or toe. The nail turns yellow or white and begins to rise and separate from the nailbed. In another form, the fungus is on the surface of the nail and the nail is soft, dry, and powdery and can be easily scraped off.

What is the treatment?

Topical antifungal creams are of little value, when used alone. Anitifungal medication taken in pill form has the highest rate of success. However, use of topical creams after treating the infection with oral medication can prevent reinfection. Oral treatment is expensive and requires a monthly blood test to check for adverse affects. In most cases, improvement is not seen until after twelve weeks of treatment. Sometimes, removing the infected nail plate provides higher cure rates and longer remissions. See your healthcare provider or Student Health to discuss treatment.

What can I do to prevent these infections?

Many of these organisms thrive in dark, damp places so your feet or a perfect host. Help prevent infections to the toenails by wearing socks that wick away moisture, change your socks or hosiery daily, avoid tight-fitting shoes, wear something on your feet (thongs) when you are in places where people are likely to be barefoot- pools, locker rooms and public showers, and be sure to wash and dry your feet thoroughly at least once a day. Fingernails infections can be avoided by staying away from artificial nails and giving your nails a break from nail polish- wearing polish all the time is like having artificial nails. Keep your hands clean and dry and make sure your nails are dry before applying polish-same goes for your toenails. Some of the infecting organisms live in the soil, so wear gardening gloves while handling dirt. Finally, injured nails are more susceptible to all types of infection, so do not bite or pick your nails.

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