Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, and it is one of the common infections that affects fingers or toenails. Typically, this infection shows more frequently in toenails because of moist environments and constant exposure to warm temperatures. When fungi enter the nails through some small cracks or cuts in the nail skin. In the early stages, nail fungus may appear in yellow-brown under the nail tip. It can lead to brittle, dislocated nails, discomfort in walking, wearing shoes, and other nail problems. This can cause long term nail problems or discomfort if not treated on time, so initial nail fungus treatment is crucial to avoid this disease. India is a leading country, and it has top dermatologists who have experience, and some have international training.

Symptoms of Nail Fungus Infection

Nail Discoloration: The nail becomes infected which results in a yellow, brown and white and black discoloration of the nail. The signs of an infection show varying degrees of existence which depend on the different types of fungal infection.
Thickened Nails: The nail develops increasing thickness which creates challenges for proper nail trimming and maintenance.
Brittle or Crumbly Texture: The nail starts to develop weak areas which cause it to break when exposed to light pressure or during normal nail care activities.
Dislocated Nail Shape: The infection causes the nail to develop an abnormal growth pattern which results in the loss of its natural smooth texture.
Foul Odor: The area surrounding the infected nail emits a bad smell because of fungal accumulation.
Nail Separation: The infected nail will break away from its connection to the nail bed which establishes a gap that can collect dirt.
Pain or Discomfort: The advanced infection results in intense pain during activities such as walking, running and wearing shoes.

Causes & Risk Factors

Exposure to Fungal Environments: Walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms may increase the risks of contact with fungi that can affect the nail.
Poor Hygiene Practices: Not washing or drying feet may allow to accumulate.
Excessive Sweating: The people who sweat heavily may face more nail fungal infections due to moisture.
Tight or Non-Breathable Footwear: The shoes, which do not have proper airflow, can trap heat and moisture which increases the chances of infections.
Aging: Older adults may have higher risk of this infection due slower nail growth, reduced blood circulation, etc.
Weak Immune System: The people who has weak immune system are less capable of fighting the infection.
Diabetes: The People with diabetes are at higher risk of nail fungus due to poor circulation.

Types of Nail Fungus

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis: The most common type of nail disease begins at the nail tip and develops through the nail plate which causes the nail to change color and grow thicker until it suffers complete destruction.
White Superficial Onychomycosis: This condition presents as white spots which develop on the nail surface and show better treatment results during their initial development.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis: The condition starts at the cuticle area and moves to different parts of the body which mostly affects people who have immune system problems and face severe health issues.
Candidal Onychomycosis: The condition results from yeast infections that typically impact fingernails and most commonly occur in people who work with wet environments.

Diagnosis & Tests

Diagnosis of nail fungus is essential to detect the infection types and confirm the suitable treatment for effective care. The expert will check external surface of affected nail for dislocation, brittleness and nail separation. The laboratory tests are crucial for understanding nail conditions. The nail fungus is diagnosed by some physical examination such as nail’s colour, texture, or shape, and other tests like KOH, PAS stain, or PCR.

Nail Fungus Treatment Options

Nail fungus treatment depends on the severiity of infection, type of fungus, and patient’s overall health condition. India has advanced hospitals which have highly skilled dermatologists who provide effective care at an affordable cost.

Oral Medications: Oral medications is one of the common treatment options for moderate nail fungus infections. These medications reduce the fungus and promote the growth of healthy nails. Don’t take any medications blindly, consult with your doctor and takes prescribed medications.
Topical Treatments: Topical treatment includes antifungal creams, ointments, and medicated nail lacquers. These products are directly apply to the infected nail area or skin. The doctor may suggest these treatments combined with oral medications for mild infections.
Laser Nail Fungus Treatment: Laser treatment is an advanced non-invasive medical procedure which uses light energy to target and eliminate the fungal cells. It is a painless treatment and does not require downtime. This treatment might be the best option for patients who can’t take oral medications.
Surgical Nail Removal: When other treatments are not effective that condition is perfect for surgical nail removal. In this surgery, healthcare expert removes the infected part or entire nail under local anesthesia. It is a safe and effective option for nail fungus infection.

Treatment Procedure Step-by-Step

Before the Procedure: The dermatologist evaluates the patient’s nail condition and confirms the diagnosis through the important tests. Patients should have discussed with expert about their medical history. Before going to the surgery, patient has to follow doctor’s instructions like fasting, avoiding certain medications, maintaining hygiene, etc.
During the Procedure: After preparation, doctor performs the selected surgery using oral medications, topical therapy, laser treatment, and nail removal surgery. Most are minimally invasive and painless treatment options.
After the Procedure: After treatment, patient has to stay in hospital or clinic as per the doctor's instructions. The medical staff prevent the surgical part and maintain hygiene by keeping nails dry and clean. Don’t skip any schedule, follow up appointments, and the complete healthy nail to appear takes several months.