Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Nail Infections
Number of Conditions: 2
Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Nail Disorders
Sub-category: Nail Infections
Symptoms:
thickened, discolored nails; brittle or crumbly texture; nail separation from nail bed; debris under the nail
Root Cause:
Fungal infection of the nail plate or bed, commonly caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum), yeasts, or molds.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, KOH preparation, or fungal culture of nail clippings.
Treatment:
Systemic or topical antifungal medications.
Medications:
Oral terbinafine or itraconazole – first-line treatments. Topical efinaconazole or ciclopirox – for mild cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in adults and older populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes, poor circulation, nail trauma, and prolonged moisture exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; recurrence is common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pain; Permanent nail deformity; Spread to other nails or skin
Paronychia (Bacterial or Fungal)
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Nail Disorders
Sub-category: Nail Infections
Symptoms:
redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail; pus-filled abscess in severe cases; thickened or discolored nail if chronic
Root Cause:
Infection of the nail fold, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (acute) or Candida albicans (chronic).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; culture or microscopy for confirmation.
Treatment:
Topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial cases; antifungals for chronic fungal cases.
Medications:
Topical mupirocin or clotrimazole – for mild infections. Oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin ) – for severe bacterial cases. Oral antifungals (e.g., fluconazole ) – for chronic fungal cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in individuals with frequent hand immersion or trauma.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Nail biting, frequent moisture exposure, trauma to the nail fold.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; chronic cases may require prolonged therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscess formation; Permanent nail deformity