fungal infection of nail beds of the hands and feet

"Fungal Nail Infection: Hands & Feet Treatment"

By Melissa MartinezMarch 6, 2026

Fungal infections of the nail beds, often referred to as onychomycosis, are a common condition that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. These infections are caused by various types of fungi, with the most common being dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. The infection can occur in one or multiple nails, and it can lead to significant discomfort and cosmetic concerns if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal nail infections typically occur when fungi come into contact with a nail that is damaged or weakened. Some of the most common risk factors include:

Trauma to the nail, such as from injury or nail biting
Moist environments, like sweaty feet or hands, or frequent exposure to water
Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks
Walking barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools or locker rooms
Having a history of athlete's foot or jock itch
Having a weakened immune system or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of fungal nail infections can vary, but they often include:

Organic - Nail Signs That Reveal Hidden Diseases | Nail Diseases 24 Nail Signs & What They May Indicate Beau’s Lines – Horizontal grooves from paused nail growth after severe illness, chemotherapy, or infection. Onycholysis – Nail lifting from the bed; linked to trauma, psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, or fungal infection. Onychorrhexis – Long ridges and brittleness associated with aging, nutrient deficiencies, or eczema. Onychomadesis – Nail shedding from the base following systemic illness, trauma, or hand-foot-mouth disease. Onychoschizia – Peeling/splitting layers from frequent wetting, chemicals, or iron deficiency. Trachyonychia – Rough, sandpaper-like nails seen in alopecia areata, eczema, or lichen planus. Psoriatic Pitting – Shallow pits due to abnormal keratinization in psoriasis. Alopecia Areata Pitting – Fine, regular pits from autoimmune matrix involvement. Lichen Planus (Nails) – Thinning, ridging, and possible scarring of the nail plate. Darier Disease – Red/white streaks with V-shaped notches at the nail edge. True Leukonychia – Nail plate whitening from abnormal keratin formation. Leukonychia (General) – White discoloration from nail plate/bed changes (often trauma or illness). Apparent Leukonychia – Nail bed whitening that fades with pressure (e.g., Terry’s nails). Clubbing – Rounded fingertips and curved nails; associated with lung, heart, or GI disease. Brachyonychia – Short, broad nails; congenital or linked to hyperparathyroidism. Onychogryphosis – Thick, curved “ram’s horn” nails from neglect, trauma, or vascular disease. Dorsal Pterygium – Scarring skin growth over the nail (lichen planus). Ventral Pterygium – Nail plate adhesion underneath; seen in connective tissue disorders. Splinter Hemorrhages – Thin red-brown streaks; trauma, vasculitis, or endocarditis. Pincer Nail – Excessive side-to-side curvature causing pain; arthritis or tight footwear. Yellow Nail Syndrome – Thick, slow-growing yellow nails with respiratory disease or lymphedema. Pachyonychia Congenita – Genetic thick nails with painful palm/sole calluses. Koilonychia (Spoon Nails) – Concave nails often tied to iron-deficiency anemia. Onychauxis – Thickened nails from aging, trauma, or psoriasis. If you notice persistent or worsening changes, a healthcare professional can help interpret what’s normal for you. | Facebook

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Thickening of the nail
Discoloration, typically yellow, brown, or white
Distorted nail shape
Crumbly or ragged nail edges
Nail lifting from the nail bed
Nail loss
Brittleness or nail splitting

If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They may examine your nails and ask about your medical history. In some cases, they may also take a nail clipping or scraping for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment depends on the type of fungus causing the infection, the severity of the infection, and the patient's overall health. Some of the most common treatment options include:

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Oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox)
Topical antifungal medications, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin)
Nail removal, either partial or complete, to allow for direct application of antifungal medication
Laser treatment, which uses light energy to heat and destroy the fungus

Table 1: Comparison of Treatment Options

Treatment Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
Oral antifungal medications	High cure rates, especially for toenail infections	Potential side effects, including liver damage and stomach upset
Topical antifungal medications	Lower risk of side effects, no drug interactions	Lower cure rates, especially for toenail infections, and longer treatment duration
Nail removal	Allows for direct application of antifungal medication	Painful procedure, risk of infection, and slow nail regrowth
Laser treatment	Non-invasive, no drug interactions, and no side effects	High cost, limited evidence of long-term effectiveness, and may require multiple treatments

Prevention Tips

Preventing fungal nail infections involves taking steps to keep your nails healthy and reducing your exposure to fungi. Some prevention tips include:

Keeping your nails clean and trimmed
Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas
Wearing shoes that fit well and allow for good air circulation
Avoiding nail polish and artificial nails, which can trap moisture and promote fungal growth
Wearing gloves to protect your hands when doing chores or gardening
Treating athlete's foot promptly to prevent the spread of fungi to your nails

If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage to your nails. With the right treatment and preventive measures, you can keep your nails healthy and looking their best.