Fungal nail infections (also known as Onychomycosis, ringworm of the nails or tinea unguim) are extremely common nail disorders. To provide some context on the prevalence of the condition, here are some rather staggering statistics:
- According to Podiatry Today over 35 million people in the US have Onychomycosis.
- Onychomycosis increases with age. More than half of all infections are in people over the age of 33.
- Onychomycosis accounts for over half of all nail abnormalities
- The prevalence of fungal nail infection in Canada has been estimated at approximately 6.48%.
- The “Achilles Project” conducted in Europe reported an incidence rate of 27% in a population study across 16 countries.
The nail disorder is caused by a naturally occurring fungus identified as a dermatophyte (normally Trichophyton rubrum, but other dermatophyte fungi can be involved). A warm, protected, moist and airless environment favors fungal nail infections which is why toenails (that can spend long periods enclosed in shoes and socks) are far more often affected than fingernails.
Fungal Nail Infection Pictures
If you have ugly looking yellow and brittle nails similar to those illustrated above, chances are you have a nail fungal infection. The nail will often also start to thicken and distort and debris can start to collect under the nail plate. In most cases the infections starts at the tip of the nail and spreads towards the cuticle. This form of infection is identified as Distal Subungal Onychomycosis.
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
By far the most common approach to fungal nail treatment is to use a topical cream or polish. The best products such as Funginix or Zetaclear combine a traditional antifungal agent (such as Undecylenic acid, which is an FDA approved medication) with proven ‘natural” ingredients such as Tea tree oil. The best formulations are designed specifically for deep penetration of the nail down to the nail bed, which is where the fungus typically resides.
While oral medications are available on prescription they remain controversial due to possible side effects, including liver damage. The prescribing doctor can normally avoid these problems by running a series of parallel toxicity tests and stopping the medications if certain liver enzymes become elevated. Oral medications are generally only prescribed for severe cases.
Laser nail fungus treatment is an emerging area that appears to produce positive results. But it remains relatively expensive and more clinical trials are needed to demonstrate long term effectiveness. Having said that, laser therapy is one of the most positive areas of new treatment for nail fungal infection treatment.
Although the same dermatophyte fungus can also cause other fungal infections – see these skin fungus pictures for example – nail fungus treatment in particular is difficult because the infection lies embedded within the nail. This makes it hard to expose the fungus to treatment. In addition nails, and especially toenails, are slow growing and it is important to continue to treat the infection throughout the new nail growth cycle to reduce the risk of re-infection. Sufferers who prepare themselves mentally to a treatment schedule that will last for several month, often with few visible signs of improvement in the early stages, will be better able to maintain the consistent application routine that is needed.