1. SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT
FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT

2. INTRODUCTION TO FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
A fungal nail infection occurs due to the overgrowth of fungi on the toenail, fingernail, or under the toe of the nail known as nail bed.
Fungal nail infection is not a serious problem, but may hamper the appearance of nail and cause damage to the nails.
Fungal nail infection is highly contagious and can spread easily to healthy person from an infected person.
Fungal nail infection occurs more in toenails than fingernails. 

3. CAUSES OF FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
The overgrowth of fungi in the nails is one of the most common causes of fungal nail infection.
Fungi are already present on our bodies, but become active when we come in contact with the person who has a fungal nail infection.
Living in warm and moist temperature may also cause fungal nail infection as fungi flourishes under warm temperature.
The risk of developing a fungal nail infection also increases if anyone in the family has fungal nail infection.

4. SYMPTOMS OF FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
The common symptoms of fungal nail infection include: 
Turning of nail color into pale yellow
Broken or brittle nails
Formation of debris under the nail
White spots on the nail
Damaged nail surface
Pain in the nails
Loss of nail
Odor from the infected nail
Scaling under the nail

5. RISK FACTORS FOR FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
These are some of the few factors that increase the chance of developing a fungal nail infection:
Weak immune system
Uncontrolled diabetes
Wearing artificial nails
Poor circulation of blood
People older than 60
Living in hot and humid weather
Nail injury

6. DIAGNOSIS OF FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
A dermatologist will start the diagnosis of fungal nail infection by performing a physical exam and asking about your medical history. Lab tests to examine fungal nail infection include: 
Potassium hydroxide test to check for the development of fungi on the nails.
Nail biopsy includes taking the sample of the affected tissue and observing it under the microscope.
Fungal culture test to check for the growth of fungi on the nails.

7. TREATMENT OF FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
Anti-fungal medicines such as diflucan, gris-peg, and lamisil may be given to a patient to slow down fungal nail infection.
A dermatologist may also prescribe antifungal gels and creams to prevent fungal nail infection from developing further.
Sometime he may have to perform a nail removal surgery. A patient with fungal nail infection can also apply tea tree oil or neem oil directly over the affected area to get rid of fungal nail infection.
Keep the nails trimmed and clean to prevent the recurrence of fungal nail infection. 

8. PREVENTING FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
Wear socks to avoid moisture
Use antifungal soap for cleaning the fungal nail infection
Avoid the use of artificial nails and nail polish
Do not share your own items for manicure or pedicure
Keep the areas between nails dry

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