Onychomycosis is a nail fungus

Nail fungus affects more than just appearance. People may feel embarrassed wearing open shoes, avoid swimming pools, gyms, or beaches, and experience discomfort in social situations. Over time, this can impact self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life. Additionally, the fungus can easily spread to close contacts and affect the skin of the feet, worsening the problem.

For these reasons, fungal nail infections require proper treatment. The earlier therapy begins, the easier it is to stop onychomycosis, prevent complications, and restore healthy nails. Ignoring symptoms or self-treating often only masks the problem, allowing the infection to spread further. Dermatologists at the LeoDerm Medical Center explain how to recognize nail fungus on hands or feet, what treatment is needed, and which specialist to consult.

Why Does Nail Fungus Occur?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate that gradually changes its structure, color, and strength. Under the influence of the infection, the nail may thicken or, conversely, become brittle, yellow, dull, crumbly, and separate from the nail bed. This is a chronic condition that does not resolve on its own and, without treatment, progresses, affecting other nails and the skin of the feet.

It is important to understand that onychomycosis is not a cosmetic defect, but an infectious disease of the nails and foot skin that requires medical attention and systematic treatment. Nail fungus develops through contact with pathogenic fungi, which actively grow in warm, moist environments.
The main causes of nail fungus include:

• contact with a source of infection — pools, saunas, showers, gyms, beaches, where the fungus can easily spread via floors, mats, or other people’s shoes;
• increased foot moisture — excessive sweating, wearing synthetic socks, or tight, poorly ventilated shoes;
• microtrauma to nails or skin — cracks, cuts, abrasions;
• weakened immune system — after illness, during stress, or chronic conditions;
• circulatory problems (including in diabetes);
• poor hygiene or use of shared towels and shoes.

A combination of several factors greatly increases the risk of onychomycosis, and lack of treatment creates conditions for a prolonged and recurrent course of the disease.

How Does Nail Fungus Begin?

How can you identify nail fungus? It usually starts subtly, so in the early stages it is often overlooked or mistaken for trauma or cosmetic changes.
Early signs of nail fungus may include:

• white, yellowish, or grayish spots;
• loss of the nail’s natural shine;
• slight brittleness of the nail plate;
• mild discomfort.

At this stage, the fungus is superficial, but without treatment, the infection gradually penetrates deeper, affecting the entire nail (both the nail plate and the nail bed). Over time, symptoms worsen, which is why early detection of nail fungus greatly simplifies treatment and helps avoid prolonged and complicated recovery.

What Does Nail Fungus Look Like?

The signs of nail fungus can vary depending on the stage of the infection, the type of pathogen, and individual characteristics. However, there are characteristic symptoms that may indicate onychomycosis even at an early stage.

The most common signs that indicate the need for nail fungus treatment include:

• change in nail color;
• thickening of the nail plate;
• brittleness and splitting;
• deformation of the nail plate;
• separation from the nail bed;
• unpleasant odor.

In the early stages, the fungus may affect only one nail, and the changes may appear as a minor cosmetic issue. However, ignoring how to treat nail fungus can lead to the infection spreading to neighboring nails and the skin of the feet.

Is Nail Fungus Contagious?

Nail fungus of the feet is a contagious condition and can easily spread from person to person.
The most common ways nail fungus is transmitted include:

• household contact — through shared towels, slippers, or socks;
• public places — pools, saunas, showers, gyms, where the fungus can easily reach the skin of the feet via floors or surfaces;
• within the family — infection of household members, especially if towels or bath mats are shared. For example, a child can develop nail fungus from an infected adult;
• through shoes — nail fungus can be acquired by wearing someone else’s shoes or improperly sanitized footwear.

The risk of infection increases significantly in the presence of microtraumas, excessive sweating, or underlying health conditions.

That is why, when nail fungus is detected, it is important not only to learn how to treat it but also to follow preventive measures: sanitize shoes, use personal hygiene items, and, whenever possible, limit contact between nails and potential sources of infection.

How to Treat Onychomycosis

Treatment of onychomycosis requires a consultation with a dermatologist, as it is impossible to determine the type of fungus, the depth of infection, or select an effective therapy on your own. So, who treats nail fungus? It is a dermatologist or a podiatrist (a specialist in medical care of the feet and nails).

Comprehensive treatment of onychomycosis usually involves several stages.

Diagnosis

The first and essential step when nail fungus is suspected is confirming the diagnosis. The doctor examines the nails, collects the medical history, and, if necessary, orders laboratory tests:

• microscopy;
• culture test (fungal culture);
• histological examination (nail clipping), if required.

The results of these tests determine how to treat your nail fungus specifically, rather than using a “blind” approach.

What Does a Specialist Do During a Consultation?

During the consultation, the specialist performs professional care of the nail affected by fungus. Depending on the stage of the infection, this may include:

• mechanical cleaning and removal of infected material;
• reduction of nail plate thickness to improve the penetration of medications.

Medication Therapy:

• topical treatment (applied directly to the nail);
• systemic therapy (oral medication, when indicated).

With onychomycosis, it is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and not stop therapy prematurely, even if the nail’s appearance improves. Only a comprehensive and controlled approach can fully eliminate the fungus and prevent recurrence.

If you notice changes in your nails or suspect a fungal infection, do not self-treat. Consulting a specialist allows for a confirmed diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Book a consultation with a dermatologist at the LeoDerm Medical Center in Lviv to receive an individualized treatment plan and recommendations for preventing recurrences.