Fungal nail infection
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onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)
Fungal nail infections - a short introduction.

What is it?

Fungal nail infection is also known as onychomycosis. It is a very common problem. It can be caused by several types of micro-organisms: dermatophytes (such as Trichophyton rubrum), yeasts (such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis) and moulds (mainly Fusarium species). 

Symptoms of fungal nail infection.

Fungal nail infection is most common in toe nails. Infection of fingernails is quite rare. Infection by dermatophytes can present itself with a discoloration of parts of the nail. This change can be a yellow or white opaque area either at one side of the nail or near the base of the nail. Also, keratosis under the distal part of the nails can occur. Infection of the nail with moulds result in the same clinical picture as with dermatophytes. Infection with yeasts such as candida species can result in green, yellow or white color changes of the nail. Very often a paronychia due to a Candida infection accompanies or precedes the changes of the nailplate.

What is the cause?

Infection of the nail may be the result of a neglected fungal infection of the skin.

Treatment

Mild fungal nail infections can be treated with topical antifungal preparations such as amorolfine and ciclopiroxolamine. However, in many cases combined topical and oral therapy may prove to be the best way to treat fungal nail infection.

fungal toe nail infection

fungal nail infection (candida parapsilosis)
granuloma annulare looking like warts on the hand
skin mycosis and fungal nail infection

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