Onychomycosis is the fungal infection that affects both fingernails and toenails.

Hands are often affected by fungal infections caused by species of Candida while feet are often affected by dermatophytes.

Both genders and all age groups are affected by Onychomycosis.

Risk factors include: age (increased risk with older age), medical conditions like immunodeficiency, tinea pedis and trauma or other contributory factors like poor hygiene.

Clinically, is observed hyperkeratosis, nail thickening, and discoloration.

If it is treated ineffective it may become painful and the infection of can be spread to other nails.

The recurrence of onychomycosis varies among patients and is observed in the following cases:

• The patient does not follow the doctor’s instructions
• The nail plate presents a reduced absorption of drugs
• Interaction with other drugs
• Drug resistance. Some fungal spores, present resistance to antifungal medicines
• Re-infection (with the same or a different kind of fungus)

When should we be worried about?

• While the nails present spots, streaks or areas of yellow, brown or white colour or when they become discolored, damaged, thickened or broken.