Discoloration of the nail.

Thickened nail.

Nail lifted from the nailbed.

(More)

PREVENTION:

• Keep hands and feet clean and dry.

• Don't walk barefoot in public showers/changing rooms.

• Keep nails short and clean.

TREATMENT:

• Prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth.

• Topical antifungal cream.

• New laser technology

Reccurence is common and is more likely in people with diabetes.

DIAGNOSIS:

• Clinical features, traditional KOH direct microscopy and fungal cultures.

• In more recent years, dermoscopy has provided new options for the diagnosis of Onychomycosis. (More)

TREATMENT:

• Oral prescription drugs are favorable in treating nail fungus but prove to create unwanted/harmful side effects.

• The most common treatment is topical cream as it is cheaper and less likely to cause harm, although it isn't very effective.

• New research has been focused on chemical, mechanical, and physical methods to improve drug delivery. Penetration enhancers enhance drug penetration across the nail plate so that more physical methods such as, iontophoresis, laser and Photodynamic therapy can be used. (More)