Please select from the list of medical conditions from the below drop-down list:

• Acne
• Actinic Keratosis
• Albinism
• Alopecia (Baldness)
• Athletes Foot
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Birthmarks
• Cheilitis
• Cold Sores
• Eczema
• Hair Loss
• Hemangioma
• Herpes
• Hyperhidrosis
• Melanoma
• Melasma
• Onychomykosis (Nail Fungus)
• Port Wine Stain
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhea
• Seborrheic Keratosis
• Skin Cancer
• Skin Checks
• Skin Tags
• Vitiligo
• Warts

Onychomykosis (Nail Fungus)

Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms called dermatophytes that can infect fingernails and toenails. Nail fungus is very common, with more than 35 million people in the United States having it under their nails.

Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails, since socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus (and protects it while it grows), making it hard to reach and stop the fungus. The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people''s feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms, or it can be passed along when you share a nail file or clippers with someone who has a nail fungus infection. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.

What other conditions can be mistaken for fungal nails?

1. Lines and ridges -- these are common and may be considered normal.
2. Whitish or yellowish nails -- due to onycholysis; this is separation of the nail from the nail bed.
3. Red or black nails -- due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually from trauma (like striking your thumb with a hammer).
4. Green nails -- caused by pseudomonas bacteria. This bacteria grows under a nail that has partially separated from the nail bed, thereby producing a green pigment.
5. Pitted nails -- may be associated with psoriasis or other skin problems that affect the nail matrix, the area under the skin just behind the nail.
6. Swelling and redness of the skin around the nail -- called paronychia, this condition occurs when yeast infects a damaged cuticle.

How is nail fungus treated?

Creams and other topical medications are usually not effective against nail fungus, mainly due to the fact that nails are too hard for external applications to penetrate. There are oral medications available that are safe and effective. However, before treating for fungus, be sure that you are diagnosed with it.