How is nail fungus treated?

The appearance of white or yellow spots on the fingernails or toenails, itchy fingers... Nail fungus is a fairly common problem that everyone faces at least once in their lifetime. How to treat nail fungus and what causes it, exactly? Read on for more details.

Bohdana Kazantseva

Podologist

Why does nail fungus occur?

«For the development of a fungal infection, there must be three factors: warmth, darkness, and moisture», the podologist claims. Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, typically develops as a result of trauma when the nail is bruised or compressed. Traumatization of the nail plate or onycholysis, which is the complete or partial detachment of the nail plate, is a common cause since these conditions are very favorable for the growth of fungus on the nails.

The thermal burn that occurs when gel polish-coated nails are dried in a lamp is the second reason for nail fungus. The nail plate begins to flake, and spore and fungus infection follows. Insufficiently excellent hygiene, onychomycosis in a manicurist or pedicurist, or inadequately sterilised manicure tools can also be the cause of fungus.

Who has a higher chance of getting a fungus?

Although we all encounter fungal infections, only a few people get sick. Why? Those who have certain diseases are more susceptible to the development of onychomycosis.

For example, these are people:

• with weak immunity;
• long-term treatment with antibiotics;
• with avitaminosis;
• during and after chemotherapy;
• chronic diseases of the nervous system;
• people who regularly come into contact with chemicals.

What signs indicate that there is a fungus on the nails?

Onycholysis, changes in the relief and colour of the nails, and thickening of the nail plate can all be signs of fungus.

Why does nail fungus appear after gel polish?

In actuality, the fungus doesn’t appear on the nails after gel polish. It develops when we close the nail with damage or onycholysis and apply gel varnish to the nail plate that has already been infected by the fungus. «Gel polish is a factor that increases the risk of fungus development and appearance, but gel polish does not itself cause fungus», the expert stated.

Is it possible to make a coating with gel polish when there is fungus?

When there is a fungus, gel varnish is contraindicated! «Such nails need to be treated and not masked with gel polish», said Bohdana Kazantseva. Because the fungus does not hurt or create any discomfort other than from an aesthetic standpoint, patients frequently seek medical attention in the late stages of the condition. Women often cover fungal nails with gel polish, trying to hide the fungus, and thus making the treatment last longer.

How to cure nail fungus?

External and internal therapy is usually recommended for the treatment of nail fungus. External these are drops, ointments and oils; internal is a tablet therapy that is selected individually for each person. In addition, it is necessary to visit the podologist and do a cleaning every month.

Contact a doctor if you see fungal symptoms on your nails; do not attempt to treat the fungus yourself.

How can onycholysis and fungus be avoided?

Wearing wide, comfortable shoes is the best defense against fungus since tight shoes put pressure on the nail plate, causing onycholysis and the possibility of fungus growth. A specialist should be consulted as soon as you get an injury or onycholysis so that the causes can be found early on and treated effectively. Ask about the sterilization of the tools and take into account whether the technician uses gloves when you visit a manicurist or pedicurist.

Ask about the sterilization of the tools and take into account whether the technician uses gloves when you visit a manicurist or pedicurist.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!