Tinea Unguium

What Is Tinea Unguium? Complete Guide

About:

A fungal infection of the nails, also known as Onychomycosis.

Tinea Unguium represents about 30% of all dermatophyte (fungal) infections and accounts for 18-40% of all nail disorders. (1)

- Can be treated by a medical professional
- Usually self-diagnosed, abnormal developments can be seen
- Spreads easily, from one part to another or to people
- Long-term: chronic, can last for a long time

It is an infection in which the fungi breed on the nail plate, and/or the nail bed starts developing. There are various types of this disorder -

- Distal Subungual Onychomycosis - Growth of the fungi is away from the center or lateral, and can occur in both fingernails and toenails.
- White Superficial Onychomycosis - A certain type of fungi starts developing superficial layers of plaque on the nail.
- Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis - The least common of all, it invades the nail from near the cuticles/nail fold and then progresses on.
- Candidal Onychomycosis - It is caused by the Candida species and often occurs when people immerse their hands in water a lot.
- Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis - it is a combined state of all the above and can result in the total destruction of the nail.

Ages affected: Most common in adults, especially after 60 years of age

Symptoms:

Self Diagnosable
Symptoms include changes in nail structure, coloration, and formation of an outer layer of plaque, either yellow or white in color.

People may experience
- Thickened, hard or crumbled nails
- Darkened skin underneath the nail
- Foul smell

Treatment:

Self-care: Medicated nail polish, like Penlac and antifungal nail creams, can be used if suitable.

Medications: Antifungal medicines that have shown positive results in patients

Specialists: Clinical cure can be effective for therapy. At mfine, we find the right doctors to help assist you in quality healthcare.