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Nail Infection
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Overview of Nail Infection
Fungal infection of the nails medically referred as tinea unguium or onychomycosis accounts for about 50% of the infections occurring in the nails. Generally noted in adults above the age of 60 years, onychomycosis affects toenails more than fingernails and is characterized by disfigurement of the nails.1

Causes of Nail Infection
The nail infection is usually caused by dermatophytes that belong to the species of T. rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var mentagrophyte. Candida species and nondermatophyte molds may also be the causative   
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Signs and Symptoms of Nail Infection
Fungal infections of the nails are characterized by disfigurement of the nail to varying extent. The nail bed, matrix or the plates are the common sites of nail infection. The signs and symptoms may vary with the area of the nail involved. Read more....

Diagnosis of Nail Infection
The diagnosis of nail infection is based on the signs and symptoms observed. Additionally, specific tests such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and culture or study of the scrapings from the affected area under a microscope may be required to confirm the diagnosis. 3

Treatment of Nail Infection
Nail infections are generally treated with the administration of antifungal agents either in the form of tablets or creams/lotions. Commonly advised antifungal agents include imidazole, terbinafine, itraconazole and    
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Complications of Nail Infection
The nail disfigurement may be severe enough to be a cosmetic concern with occasional destruction of the affected nail. The nail infection may recur after successful therapy. In certain cases, the nail infection may result in limited movement due to pain. Onychomycosis can have an indirect effect on the blood circulation resulting in worsening of conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers.3

Prevention of Nail Infection
Read more about the prevention for nail infection

 

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: February 01,2009
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References 

 

  1. Noble SL, Stamm PL. Diagnosis and management of common tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 1998; 58(1): 177.
  2. Thappa DM. Current treatment of onychomycosis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007; 73: 373–376.
  3. Rodgers P, Bassler M. Treating onychomycosis. Am Fam Physician 2001; 63: 663–72, 677–678.
 
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