2021-12-05 15:30:58
Who’s at risk for fungal infections?
There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. You’re more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
have diabetes
have a disease that causes poor circulation
are over age 65
wear artificial nails
swim in a public swimming pool
have a nail injury
have a skin injury around the nail
have moist fingers or toes for an extended time
have a weakened immune system
wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots
Nail infections occur more oftenTrusted Source in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, you’re more likely to get them as well.
Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
See your doctor if you think you have nail fungus. It can be tough to get rid of, and you’re more likely to have success with a prescription. Treatments include:
Oral antifungals. The doctor may give you a pill to kill fungus in your whole body. This is usually the best way to get rid of a nail infection. Treatment may last 2 months for an infection in your fingernails, or 3 months if it’s in your toenails.
Topical antifungals. You rub or brush these medicines onto your nails. They may work for a mild infection, but they can’t get deep enough into the nail to cure a more serious one. You might use a topical treatment in combination with a pill.
Surgery. If other treatments don’t work, the doctor may need to remove your nail entirely and let a healthy one grow back in its place. The new nail could also get infected.
Laser or photodynamic therapy. Doctors are studying newer treatments that use special light to try to kill the fungus.
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