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Candida Onychomycosis

Candida onychomycosis is a fungal yeast infection of the fingernails and toenails. Although the disease is non-lethal, it is both painful and disfiguring. It may interfere with daily activities or impair the patient's quality of life depending upon its severity.

  1. Features

    • Candida onychomycosis usually begins as a yeast infection of the skin, according to ToenailFungusTreatments.com. The disease starts near the cuticle and infects the skin around the nail. The nail develops green, yellow or black or white marks that spread to the other nails. Sometimes the fingers or toes become inflamed and swollen, and the nail is tender to the touch. The nail may also lift off the nail bed. Candida onychomycosis infections can eventually destroy the nails.

    Significance

    • Onychomycosis is more pervasive with age. It occurs in 2.6 percent of all children and affects around 20 percent of people between the ages of 40 and 60. 90 percent of the elderly suffer from onychomycosis. People of all races are susceptible.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Mild infections usually respond well to topical antifungal medications, according to DermNet NZ, but patients usually need to take oral antifungal medications for several months to eradicate the fungus. As of 2010, laser treatments are under investigation as an alternative treatment for patients who are unable to use antifungal medications.

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