How can nail fungus be recognized and treated?
February 18, 2023 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Schlosser
Dear doctor,
My name is Lorenzo Kleine and I have been having problems with my nails for some time. I have noticed that they are discolored yellowish and thickening. Additionally, I feel that they are becoming brittle and uneven. I am worried that it could be nail fungus, as I have heard that these symptoms may indicate it.
However, I am not sure if it is actually nail fungus or if there could be other causes for my issues. I have not experienced any pain or itching on my nails so far, but I have read that nail fungus often progresses painlessly.
I would like to know from you how nail fungus can be recognized and what the best treatment options are. Are there specific tests to definitively diagnose nail fungus? Should I discuss this with my primary care physician or go directly to a dermatologist? Are there also home remedies or over-the-counter medications that could help?
I would greatly appreciate your expertise and advice on this matter, as I am unsure about the best course of action. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Lorenzo Kleine
Dear Lorenzo Kleine,
thank you for your inquiry regarding your nail problems. It is important that you take care of your health and seek advice from a specialist in case of uncertainties. The symptoms you have described, such as yellow discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and unevenness of the nails, indeed suggest a possible nail fungus infection. However, these symptoms can also have other causes, so an accurate diagnosis is important.
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is caused by fungi that settle in the nails and multiply there. The diagnosis of nail fungus can be done through various methods. A simple method is the clinical assessment of the nails by a dermatologist. The doctor can make a tentative diagnosis based on external characteristics such as color, shape, and structure of the nails.
For a more precise diagnosis, a fungal culture can be performed, where nail material is applied to a growth medium to check for the growth of fungi. In addition, microscopic examinations or molecular tests can be conducted to clearly identify the fungal pathogen.
In terms of treatment for nail fungus, there are various options. Depending on the severity of the infection, local therapy with special nail polishes or creams may be sufficient. In more severe cases, systemic therapy with tablets may be necessary. It is important that the treatment is carried out consistently and over a longer period of time, as nail fungus can be stubborn.
It is advisable to consult a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment. Your general practitioner can usually refer you to a dermatologist. It is not recommended to use home remedies or over-the-counter medications for nail fungus on your own, as they are often not sufficiently effective.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or uncertainties, I am happy to assist. Good luck with the treatment of your nail problems and all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Bernd Schlosser, Specialist in Dermatology.
