Fungal infections of nails

• Dermatophytic onychomycosis
• Ringworm of the nail
• Tinea unguium

means fungal infection of the nail.

Fungal infection of the nail may affect toenails or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common.

Types of fungal infection of the nail

• Distal subungual fungal infection

Caused by Trichophyton rubrum, which invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate.

• White superficial fungal infection

Caused by fungal invasion of the superficial layers of the nail plate to form “white islands” on the plate.

• Proximal subungual fungal infection

Caused by fungal penetration of the newly formed nail plate through the proximal nail fold.

• Candidal fungal infection

Candida species invade fingernails usually occurring in persons who frequently immerse their hands in water.

To avoid misdiagnosis as nail psoriasis, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, trauma, nail bed tumor or yellow nail syndrome, laboratory confirmation may be necessary.