Understanding Tinea Unguium

Tinea unguium is a type of fungal infection. The fungus infects the fingernails and, more commonly, the toenails. It’s more common in men, older adults, and people who have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or another health problem that weakens the immune system.

What causes tinea unguium?

Tinea unguium is caused by a fungus. Several different types of fungus can grow on the nails.

The condition is much more likely to occur on the toenails. It can spread from one nail to another. You are more likely to get tinea unguium if you:

• Have another fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot

• Have sweaty feet

• Share nail clippers with a person who has a fungal infection

• Swim often

• Walk barefoot in damp areas, such as locker rooms

• Use communal or shared showers

What are the symptoms of tinea unguium?

If you have an infected nail, it may become:

• Brittle

• Thick

• Hard

• Discolored, yellow to brown

• Irregular in shape

The nail may also have crumbling white or colored material under it.

If left untreated, the fungus may spread to the nail bed, which is the skin under the nail. The nail may

also fall off.

How is tinea unguium treated?

With proper treatment, tinea unguium may be cured. But it often takes several months as the nail grows.

Treatments include:

• Good hygiene. Keep feet and nails clean and dry. If the infection is on the toenails, check that your shoes fit properly.

• Medicine. Over-the-counter antifungal products, such as creams, may kill the fungus and ease symptoms. If you have a severe infection, or the infection won’t go away, you may need to take another medicine by mouth.  Some of these oral medicines can have side effects and need to be used for 3 months.

• Surgery.  The nail may be removed. But there is a high chance the fungus will return.

• Laser. A special type of laser directed at the nail itself can kill the fungus.