What causes nail fungus?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is an infection caused by pathogenic fungi in the nail plate or under the nail. This disease can infect fingernails as well as toenails. Besides the fundamental cause of pathogenic fungi, other common inducers include the environment, particularly damp environments, and contact with other individuals who have nail fungus, which can be spread to others through direct or indirect contact.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can people with onychomycosis eat pork?

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is damage to the nails caused by a fungal infection of the nail bed. Eating pork has no effect on this condition. However, during treatment, it is advised to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and to limit the consumption of lamb and seafood. This disease is highly contagious and recurrent. It is recommended to seek timely treatment. Oral antifungal medications can be used, but if liver function is abnormal and transaminase levels are high, topical medications are advised. Topical treatments work more slowly, but consistent long-term use can completely cure the condition. After recovery, it's important to maintain proper dietary and lifestyle habits, avoid wearing shared slippers, and stay away from public baths and swimming pools to prevent cross-infection and recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Clinical symptoms of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a skin disease caused by fungal infections, presenting various clinical symptoms. It may manifest as spots on the nails that gradually increase in size and number. It could also appear as yellowing and dirty nails, which over time, slowly thicken. Additionally, symptoms could include nail defects and scaling, where the scales and nail fragments are easily shed. If these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
33sec home-news-image

What causes nail fungus?

Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is an infection caused by pathogenic fungi in the nail plate or under the nail. This disease can infect fingernails as well as toenails. Besides the fundamental cause of pathogenic fungi, other common inducers include the environment, particularly damp environments, and contact with other individuals who have nail fungus, which can be spread to others through direct or indirect contact.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
44sec home-news-image

Is onychomycosis the same as nail fungus?

Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, refers to the same condition, which is a disease caused by fungal infection of the nails. Once affected by onychomycosis or tinea unguium, the nails may thicken, turn yellow, flake irregularly, and become deformed. If tested in a hospital, the fungus may test positive. Therefore, after contracting onychomycosis or tinea unguium, it is crucial to maintain personal hygiene, cut off sources of infection, and ensure that used items are disinfected.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does tinea unguium affect pregnancy?

When a pregnant woman suffers from onychomycosis, it generally does not have adverse effects on the fetus. However, when treating onychomycosis with medications, some drugs, especially antifungal drugs, can have a significant impact on the growth and development of the fetus. For pregnant women, onychomycosis mainly causes transmission and infection, and affects the appearance of the nails. In early pregnancy, it is generally not recommended to start treatment with medications. If treatment with medications is necessary, it must be done under the guidance of a doctor, and drugs that do not affect the fetus should be chosen. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)