Nail fungus , also  known as  onychomycosis  , is a common condition that can recur and impact quality of life, both healthily and cosmetically. In today's health column, we'll share with you some frequently asked questions about nail fungus and its treatments.

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus , also known as onychomycosis  , is an infectious disease caused by dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts such as Candida  . This disease, which usually manifests as small spots on or near the tips of fingernails and toenails, can lead to nail deformities, thickening, discoloration, odor, and extreme brittleness if left untreated. 

Although it may not initially cause any pain, if left untreated, it can cause pain in the fingers in later stages. Surgery may be necessary when pain begins.

Warm, moist, and airless environments are the most common and risky environments for nail fungus.  Nail fungus can easily appear and spread if foot and hand hygiene is neglected. The fungus can spread to the entire nail, usually through small cuts around the nail, nail breaks, or the space between the skin and the nail.

Nail fungus is an infection that is more common in older adults. This is because blood circulation in the body slows down in older adults. In comparison, the risk of fungal infection is quite low in children ages 6 and younger. 

Nicomycosis  is more common in people with weakened immune systems, HIV, diabetes, cancer treatment, and psoriasis. Trauma to the nail or fingertips can also cause fungal infections. Nail fungus is more common in toenails than in fingernails .

Symptoms of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus symptoms are as follows: Thickening of the nail tissue, Color change, Formation of white or yellow lines, Crumbling or irregular structure, Deformity, Easy nail breakage, Dullness, Slight odor.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Nail fungal infections are caused by various organisms called fungi. In addition to fungi, yeasts and molds can also cause nail fungus. Fungal nail infections occur in people of all ages, but they are more common in older adults. 

As we age, nails become more brittle and dry. Dry nails crack more easily, and fungi can more easily penetrate these cracks. Another reason for the increased incidence of nail fungus in older age is decreased blood circulation in the feet and a weakened immune system.

Risk Factors for Nail Fungus

Risk factors that may affect the development of nail fungus  include: Advanced age, excessive sweating of the feet, a previous foot fungal infection, walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools and gyms, skin and nail injuries or skin conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes, blood circulation problems, and a weakened immune system.

Does Nail Fungus Cause Complications?

Untreated or neglected  nail fungal  infections can cause pain and permanent nail damage. Medication, diabetes, or other immunosuppressive conditions can also lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond the feet.

In people with diabetes who are not under medical care, blood circulation and nerve networks in the feet can be affected. Furthermore, the risk of developing bacterial skin infections is much higher. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of a fungal nail infection, you should seek immediate medical attention.

What Precautions Can Be Taken for Nail Fungus?

The following methods can be applied to prevent the formation of nail fungus:

• Washing hands and feet regularly and using nourishing creams.
• Trim nails straight across. After cutting, the edges should be smoothed with a file, and thickened areas should be thinned. Nail clippers and files should be disinfected after each use.
• Preventing your feet from sweating or being in a sweaty environment by changing socks frequently.
• Be careful in common areas. Wear slippers in common areas such as pools, saunas, and gyms.
• Pay attention to the products you use and avoid using nail polish, nail polish, and artificial nails as much as possible.

When Should You See a Doctor?

At the onset of nail fungus,  when home remedies are ineffective, the nail gradually changes color, thickens, and deforms. In this case, it's important to see a doctor to prevent the infection from spreading. Furthermore, if you have diabetes and experience nail fungus, you should see a specialist immediately.

How is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

Nail fungus can usually be easily diagnosed during an examination. However, in some cases, your doctor may want to identify the type of fungus causing the infection. Therefore, a sample of the nail may be taken for laboratory testing.

Nail Fungus Treatment

Treatment for nail fungus  can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus involved. It can take months to see results, and even if the infection clears up, it can recur. Doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications, either taken orally or applied to the nails. In some cases, a combination of oral and topical antifungal medications may be used.

Oral Treatment

Oral therapy is the treatment method generally used for severe fungal nail infections affecting multiple nails. This method involves taking antifungal medications orally. Although the nail infection is treated with medication, the nail must grow back to see results. The most common medications used in this treatment are terbinafine and itraconazole.

However, such medications should always be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Long-term use or use without a doctor's supervision can lead to various complications. Oral treatments for nail fungal infections are not recommended for people with liver disease, heart disease, those taking regular medications, or pregnant women.

Oral treatment is the first choice for treating nail fungus. This method clears the infection faster than topical medications. These medications help clear the infected nail quickly while preventing infection from spreading to other nails.

Oral antifungal medications are usually used for six to 12 weeks. Results are observed when the nail grows back. However, it can take four months or longer for an infection to completely clear up. Oral antifungal medications can cause serious side effects. Therefore, these medications should be used under the supervision of a doctor, and regular blood tests should be performed while using them.

Topical Treatment

Topical treatment is generally used for mild infections or as a supplement to oral therapy. Topical creams are rarely effective against nail fungus when used alone. This is because the nail hardens due to infection, making it less permeable, and the cream is unable to effectively treat the fungus.

Nails can be thinned to improve the effectiveness of topical creams. Your doctor may recommend a lotion containing urea or use a nail file or similar tool to thin the nails.

Medicated nail polishes, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, provide a much more effective and successful treatment than antifungal creams. In topical treatment, medicated polishes are applied directly to the nail at regular intervals.

Medicated nail polish is applied to the infected nails and surrounding tissue once a day. The area where the polish was applied should be cleaned with alcohol once a week. This treatment should be applied daily for one year. This method requires a relatively long treatment period.

Surgical intervention

In severe nail fungal infections, medication may not be sufficient to treat them. If the infection is severe or extremely painful, the nail may need to be temporarily removed so that antifungal medications can be applied directly to the nail infection. In these cases, the doctor may resort to surgical procedures.

Good Methods for Nail Fungus

There are some treatments that can be beneficial for nail fungus. These include:

• Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and polishes.
• Regularly thinning and maintaining nails.
• Get regular foot care to ensure blood flow in the feet.