Look around and you are likely to see a man or woman with fingernails or toenails that are thickened and have a dark brown colour.

Such nails often have a squashed, raised, clumpy profile rather than the smooth, nice convex shape of the normal nail, cherished by everybody. This disfigurement of the nail is caused by nail fungus.

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause the nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge. The infection can affect several nails.

If condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back.

Nail fungus condition is known by the medical name, onychomycosis (pronounced as on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). When fungus infects the areas between the toes and the skin of the feet, it’s called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

Symptoms

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are: thickened, whitish to yellow-brown discolouration, brittle, crumbly or ragged’ The other manifestation of nail fungus infection include distorted shape, a dark color, caused by debris building up under nail and a slightly foul smell oozing from the toenail.

Nail fungus affects both fingernails and toenails, but more it is more commonly seen in toenails.

Causes

Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Yeast and molds can also cause nail infections.

Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but it’s more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter. Other factors — such as reduced blood circulation to the feet and a weakened immune system — also may play a role.

Fingernail fungal infection can also result from prolonged exposure of the fingers to detergents and certain soaps, particularly in the case of mothers who wash heaps of their family’s clothes without the protection of gloves over a prolonged of time.

Toenail fungal infection can start from athlete’s foot (foot fungus), and it can spread from one nail to another. But it is uncommon to get an infection from someone else.

When to see a doctor

You may want to see a physician if self-care steps haven’t helped and the nail becomes increasingly discolored, thickened or deformed. Also see a doctor if you have diabetes and think you’re developing nail fungus.

Risk factors

Factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing nail fungus include:

•Being older, owing to reduced blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails

• Sweating heavily

• Having a history of athlete’s foot

•Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms

•Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition, such as psoriasis

•Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

Complications

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

If you have diabetes, you may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet. You’re also at greater risk of a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis). So any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication. See your doctor if you have diabetes and think you’re developing nail fungus.

Prevention

The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or reinfections and athlete’s foot, which can lead to nail fungus:

•Wash your hands and feet regularly. Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize your nails after washing.

•Trim nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.

•Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change your socks throughout the day.

•Choose shoes made of materials that breathe.

•Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders.

•Wear footwear in pool areas and locker rooms.

•Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized manicure tools for each customer.

•Give up nail polish and artificial nails.

►Adapted from mayoclinic.com