What Are Ringworm In The Nails And What Causes Them?
Ringworm of the nails, also called tinea unguium, is an infection that affects the toenails or fingernails. The fungus that causes ringworm of the nails is the same one that causes athlete’s foot and jock itch.
Ringworm of the nails is more common in toenails than fingernails, and it is more common in adults than children. The condition is more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. It is also more common in people who wear tight-fitting shoes or who have their feet in water for long periods of time.
What Is Tinea Unguium?
Tinea unguium is the scientific name for ringworm of the nails. The condition is caused by a fungus, which is the same one that causes athlete’s foot and jock itch.
The fungus that causes ringworm of the nails is called Trichophyton rubrum. This fungus is found in soil and on the skin, hair, and nails of humans and animals. The fungus can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, shoes, or floors.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ringworm Nails?
The most common symptom of ringworm of the nails is a nail that is thickened, discolored, and brittle. The nail may also be crumbly. This fungal nail infection can cause pain, inflammation, and itching.
In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed.
How Is Ringworm Of The Nails Diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose ringworm of the nails by examining your nails. He or she may also take a sample of the nail to be tested in a laboratory.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also ask about your exposures to places where ringworm is common, such as locker rooms or public showers.
How Is Ringworm Of The Nails Treated?
There are several treatments for ringworm of the nails. These include:
- Antifungal creams or ointments. These can be applied to the nail and surrounding skin.
- Antifungal pills. These are taken by mouth.
- Laser therapy. This uses a beam of light to kill the fungus.
- Nail removal. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend removing the affected nail. Going to a nail salon for regular manicures or pedicures can also help to prevent ringworm of the nails.
Your doctor will likely recommend a combination of these treatments for nail fungus. Treatment can take several months. It is important to keep up with your treatment even if your symptoms go away. If you stop too soon, the fungal nail infections may come back.
Over The Counter Treatments For Ringworm Of The Nails
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments can be effective in treating ringworm of the nails. These include products that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine.
You can find these products at most drugstores. Follow the directions on the package. Do not use these products for more than four weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after four weeks, see your doctor.
Home Remedies For Ringworm Of The Nails
There are several home remedies that may help treat ringworm of the nails. These include:
- Tea tree oil. This natural antifungal can be applied to the nail with a cotton swab.
- Vinegar. This can be applied to the nail with a cotton swab or added to a foot bath.
- Baking soda. This can be used as a scrub on the affected nails.
- Lavender oil. This can be applied to the nail with a cotton swab.
These home remedies have not been proven to be effective in treating ringworm of the nails. Talk to your doctor before using any of these products.
When To See A Doctor
See your doctor if you think you have ringworm of the nails. He or she will likely recommend one of the treatments described above.
See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after four weeks of treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment.
See your doctor if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. These conditions can make ringworm of the nails more difficult to treat.
Antifungal Medicine Used To Treat Ringworm Of The Nails
There are several antibiotics that can be used to treat ringworm of the nails. These include:
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is available as a cream, lotion, or solution. Miconazole is available as a cream, gel, ointment, or solution. Terbinafine is available as a cream, gel, or solution.
These medications are applied to the entire nail and surrounding skin. Follow the directions on the package. Do not use these products for more than four weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after four weeks, see your doctor.
Miconazole
Miconazole is available as a cream, gel, ointment, or solution. It is applied to the nail and surrounding skin. Follow the directions on the package. Do not use this product for more than four weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after four weeks, see your doctor.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine is available as a cream, gel, or solution. It is applied to the nail and surrounding skin. Follow the directions on the package. Do not use this product for more than four weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after four weeks, see your doctor.
Preventing Ringworm Of The Nails
You can help prevent ringworm of the nails by taking these steps:
- Keep your nails clean and trimmed.
- Avoid sharing nail clippers or other personal items.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials.
- Don’t go barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms or public showers.
- Keep your feet dry. Change your socks often if your feet sweat a lot.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
- If you have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about ways to stay healthy. Avoid wearing artificial nails. Artificial nails cause the nail to become damaged and can allow fungi to grow. If you have artificial nails, have them removed by a professional.
- If you have nail injury, see your doctor. He or she can prescribe an antifungal medication to help prevent infection.
Is Onychomycosis The Same As Ringworm?
Onychomycosis is a different condition that can also cause thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. Onychomycosis is also caused by a fungal infection. However, it is not the same fungus that causes ringworm of the nails.
The symptoms of onychomycosis and ringworm can be similar. Your doctor will need to take a sample of your nail to determine which condition you have.
Treatment for onychomycosis fungal nail infection is similar to treatment for ringworm of the nails. However, onychomycosis is more difficult to treat because the fungus grows deeper into the nail. Treatment can take several months or even years. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed.
Ringworm of the nails is an infection that affects the toenails or fingernails. The fungus that causes ringworm of the nails is the same one that causes athlete’s foot and jock itch. Ringworm of the nails is more common in toenails than fingernails, and it is more common in adults than children.
This infection is more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. It is also more common in people who wear tight-fitting shoes or who have their feet in water for long periods of time.
The most common symptom of ringworm of the nails is a nail that is thickened, discolored, and brittle. The nail may also be crumbly. The infection can cause pain, inflammation, and itching. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed.
Your doctor can usually diagnose ringworm of the nails by examining your nails. He or she may also take a sample of the nail to be tested in a laboratory.
Are Ringworm Fungal Infections The Same As Tinea Fungal Infections?
Tinea infections affect the skin, nails, or hair. Ringworm fungal infections of the nails is a type of tinea infection. Other fungal infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm of the scalp.
The fungus that causes ringworm of the nails is the same one that causes athlete’s foot and jock itch. Ringworm of the nails is more common in toenails than fingernails, and it is more common in adults than children.
These infections are more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. It is also more common in people who wear tight-fitting shoes or who have their feet in water for long periods of time.
Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)
Tinea pedis, also called athlete’s foot, is an infection of the feet. The fungus that causes tinea pedis is the same one that causes ringworm of the nails.
The symptoms of tinea pedis can include itching, redness, and scaling of the skin. The fungus can also cause blisters and ulcers on the skin. Tinea pedis is more common in people who wear tight-fitting shoes or who have their feet in water for long periods of time.
Treatment for tinea pedis usually involves using antifungal creams or powders. You can buy these products without a prescription. However, some cases may require prescription-strength antifungal medication.
Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)
Tinea cruris, also called jock itch, is a fungal infection of the groin. The fungus that causes tinea cruris is the same one that causes ringworm of the nails.
The symptoms of tinea cruris can include itching, redness, and scaling of the skin infection in the groin area. The fungus can also cause blisters and ulcers on the skin. Tinea cruris is more common in people who wear tight-fitting clothing or who have a history of sweating heavily.
Treatment for tinea cruris usually involves using antifungal creams or powders. You can buy these products without a prescription. However, some cases may require prescription-strength antifungal medication.
Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection of the scalp. The fungus that causes it is the same one that causes ringworm of the nails.
Symptoms can include itching, redness, and scaling of the skin on the scalp. The fungus can also cause bald patches on the scalp. Tinea capitis is more common in children than adults.
Treatment for tinea capitis usually involves using antifungal creams or powders. You can buy these products without a prescription. However, some cases may require prescription-strength antifungal medication.
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Tinea corporis, also called ringworm, causes fungal infections on the skin. The fungus that causes tinea corporis is the same one that causes ringworm of the nails.
The symptoms of tinea corporis can include itching, redness, and scaling of the skin. The fungus can also cause blisters and ulcers on the skin. Tinea corporis is more common in people who have weakened immune systems.
Treatment for tinea corporis usually involves using antifungal creams or powders. You can buy these products without a prescription. However, some cases may require prescription-strength antifungal medication.
Are There Common Treatments For These Fungal Skin Infections?
Treatment for ringworm of the nails usually involves using antifungal creams or powders. You can buy these products without a prescription. However, some cases may require prescription-strength antifungal medication.
If you have ringworm of the nails, you should keep your infected nail clean and dry. You should also avoid sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items with someone who has a fungal infection. There are also medicated nail polish and nail cream that can be used to treat infected nails.
If you have ringworm of the scalp, you should avoid sharing combs, brushes, or other personal items with someone who has a fungal infection. You should also clean and dry your affected area thoroughly. There are also medicated shampoos, as well as a selection of antifungal shampoo, that can be used as antifungal treatment for ringworm of the scalp.
If you have tinea pedis, you should keep your feet clean and dry. You should also wear sandals or flip-flops in public places, such as locker rooms or showers. You should also avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks with someone who has a fungal infection. There are also medicated foot powders to choose from.
Bacterial Infection In Nails
Bacterial infections in the nails is usually caused by one of two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These infections can cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, and deformed. Treatment for a bacterial infection of the nails usually involves using antibiotics.