Footnotes / Blog
What Is Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)?
Onychomycosis, also known as Tinea Unguium, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the toenails, though it can also affect fingernails. This condition causes the nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle, often resulting in a noticeable cosmetic issue and discomfort.
Symptoms of Onychomycosis
The primary symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:
- Thickened nails
- Discoloration, which can range from white and yellow to green or black
- Brittle nails that may flake off or detach from the nail bed as the infection progresses
These changes can lead to pain and difficulty in performing everyday activities, especially when the affected nails are in shoes or socks for extended periods.
Causes of Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is usually caused by a dermatophyte fungus, which thrives in moist and warm environments. Several factors increase the risk of developing this infection:
- Moisture: Excessive sweating, wearing non-breathable shoes or socks, or being barefoot in wet environments like swimming pools or public showers
- Poor circulation: Conditions such as peripheral vascular disease and diabetes reduce blood flow to the feet, increasing the risk of infections
- Injury to the nail: Trauma to the nail bed can make it easier for fungi to invade the nail
Treatment Options for Onychomycosis
Complete cure rates for fungal nail infections can be quite low, but various treatments can help manage the condition.
Topical Treatments
- Penlaq (Ciclopirox): This antifungal treatment is applied daily for 6-9 months. It works best when the affected nails are filed. The complete cure rate is around 10%, and it’s best for mild cases.
- Jublia (Efinaconazole): This topical solution is applied once daily for 48 weeks. It has a complete cure rate of about 20%, though it can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance unless other treatments have been attempted first.
Oral Treatments
- Lamisil (Terbinafine): The most commonly prescribed oral medication for fungal toenails, Lamisil is taken as a daily 250 mg pill for 12 weeks. It has a complete cure rate of approximately 35%. It’s generally well tolerated with minimal interactions, but liver function should be monitored.
- Sporonox (Itraconazole): This 200 mg daily pill is effective but comes with a lower cure rate (14%) and may interact with other medications.
- Diflucan (Fluconazole): This medication is taken once a week and is gaining popularity for off-label use to treat fungal nails, with a 50% cure rate in some studies. It involves pulse dosing, reducing the risk of medication interactions.
Laser Treatment
Laser therapy for fungal toenails is a non-invasive treatment option currently being researched for its effectiveness. It often requires multiple office visits and can be combined with topical or oral treatments. Since toenails grow slowly, it can take up to a year to see complete improvements.
Conclusion
Fungal nail infections can be persistent, but with the right treatment, significant improvements are possible. At Innovative Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating onychomycosis using the latest treatment options. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, visit one of our offices in Kenilworth, Little Ferry, Bayonne, or Montclair, New Jersey.