Healthy nails are also an important part of your overall health. But most of us ignore nail problems until they worsen and are painful. Common nail infections can occur on fingernails or toenails, causing discomfort, pain and long-term damage if not treated well.
Nail infections are usually caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses and can spread easily in the absence of proper care and treatment. Let us understand more about common nail infections, their causes, symptoms and treatments.
Causes of Nail Infection
Causes of nail infections are many; understanding this can be helpful for prevention and early care. Nail infections usually occur when harmful microbes enter through small cuts or wounds around the nails.
The main causes include:
- Walking barefoot in public showers, gyms etc.
- Consistent sweating of hands and feet
- Wearing tight shoes
- Nail biting, improper trimming and sharing unclean nail tools
- Other health conditions like diabetes or lower immunity
- Continued exposure to moisture
One of the common nail infection causes is fungal growth due to moisture or warmth. So those who are exposed continuously to moisture or wearing closed shoes for long hours should be cautious about nail infections.
Symptoms of Nail Infection
Understanding the symptoms of nail infection can help in early diagnosis of the problems and finding solutions before it causes any long-term damage. The symptoms will be different for different types of infections. Some common symptoms include:
- Thickened, discoloured and brittle nails
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in the nails
- Nail separation from nail bed
- Bad odor from the nails
- Swollen skin around the nail edge
Ignoring the symptoms can lead to worsening of the condition over time and may also spread to uninfected nails. This may result in serious damages and take longer periods for healing.
Common Nail Infections
Common nail infections are of various types depending on the microorganism that causes the infection. Here are some of the types and what causes them.
- Fungal infections: These are one of the most common types of nail infection, caused by fungi thriving in warm and moist environments. It affects mostly toe nails rather than finger nails. They develop slowly and common symptoms include discoloured and thickened nails sometimes with a bad odor.
- Bacterial infections: Caused by bacteria that enter through minor injuries, cuts or nail bites. The skin around the nails become red and swollen with pus, causing pain and discomfort.
- Viral infections: These infections are caused by viruses and may spread through contact. Symptoms include painful, red, swollen skin and tender blisters.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Fungal infections are the most common among nail infections. Nail fungus is formed when fungi grow around nails and cause harm. Understanding the causes can help in preventing them. So, what causes nail fungus?
- Walking barefoot in public areas especially like pools and gyms
- Wearing damp shoes or socks and also wearing tight shoes for long periods
- Underlying health conditions and weak immune system
- Using socks or nail clippers used by infected persons
- Through cuts and injuries
- Prolonged exposure to moisture and water
Fungal infections start smaller and grow faster if left untreated. It can appear as small yellow or white spots on the nail that spread over time. Yellow or brown discoloration, thick or distorted nail shapes, cracking edges of nails etc. are common signs of nail fungus. You better consult a dermatologist in case of these symptoms.
Nail Infection Treatments
There are different nail infection treatments addressing different types of infections. The treatments depend on the type and intensity of infections. It is better to treat these infections in the earlier stages itself for fast and smooth recovery.
Your dermatologist will closely examine your nails and the surrounding skin to determine the type of infection you have. Fungal infections are easy to spread, and affected areas should be treated immediately. Nail infection treatment includes creams and ointments, oral medications, nail lacquers etc. prescribed as per the severity and infection type.
Consulting trusted skin clinics and experienced dermatologists can help with effective treatment measures, avoiding complications.
Conclusion
Keeping nails clean, avoiding sharing nail tools, wearing breathable footwear, trimming nails regularly are a few prevention methods that you can follow to stay away from nail infections. Nail infections may seem like a minor issue. But it is not. It can cause serious damage to your skin and nails if ignored.
Aluer, one of the best skin clinics in Calicut, provides you with the right medical support and treatment plans, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective results. Nails are not just about looks; their health also matters. Contact us for more details.
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FAQ
Mild cases may improve faster with minimal treatment like ointments and hygiene. As per severity, the infection requires proper treatment to heal.
It depends on the severity and type of infections. It can take from a few weeks to several months for full recovery.
Most of the time, they are contagious. Especially fungal infections can spread through direct contact or shared items. in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Home remedies may help in mild conditions. But professional nail infection treatment is recommended for effectiveness.
