Nail Fungus Long Island

Fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus grows in and around your fingernail or toenail.

Causes

Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

Common fungal infections include:

• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm on the skin of the body or head

Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Infections occur more often in toenails than in fingernails.

People who often go to public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms, and people who sweat a lot often have these infections. The fungi that cause them live in warm, moist areas.

You are at higher risk of getting a fungal nail infection if you:

• Get manicures or pedicures with tools that have been used on other people
• Have minor skin or nail injuries
• Have deformed nail or nail disease
• Have moist skin for a long time
• Have immune system problems
• Wear closed-in footwear

Symptoms

Symptoms include nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails) such as:

• Brittleness
• Change in nail shape
• Crumbling of the outside edges of the nail
• Debris trapped under the nail
• Loosening or lifting up of the nail
• Loss of luster and shine
• Thickening of the nail
• White or yellow streaks on the side of the nail

Exams and Tests

Our dermatologists will look at your nails to determine if you have a fungal infection.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by looking at scrapings from the nail under a microscope. This can help determine the type of fungus. Samples can also be sent to a lab for a culture. (Results may take up to 3 weeks.)