How do you treat a fungal infection under your finger nail?

I received a fungal dark blotch under my pinky nail after wearing press on tips and am not sure how to treat the infection since it appears to be under the cuticule.How do you treat a fungal infection under your finger nail?
Fungal nail infection


Definition


Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.





Alternative Names


Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails


Causes


The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.





Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:





Athlete's foot


Jock itch


Ringworm


Tinea capitis





Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include:





Diaper rash


Oral thrush


Cutaneous candidiasis


Some cases of genital rashes


Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may recur often. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.





People who frequent public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms -- and people who perspire a great deal -- commonly have mold-like infections, because the fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.





The risk of getting a fungal infection is increased by closed-in footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries.





Symptoms


Nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails):


Brittleness


Discoloration


Loss of luster and shine


Thickening


Distortion of nail shape


Crumbling of the nail


Debris being trapped under the nail


Loosening (detaching) of the nail


Exams and Tests


Your doctor will suspect a fungal infection based on the appearance of the nails.





The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping the nail for a culture, or a microscopic examination to identify the type of fungus.





Treatment


Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.





Prescription anti-fungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus in about 50% of patients. However, such medicines can cause side effects or may interfere with other health medicines the patient is taking.





In some cases, the nail may be removed by the doctor. Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.





Outlook (Prognosis)


Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing them to return in the skin or nails. The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Even with successful treatment, a relapse is common.





Possible Complications


Permanent damage to the nails


Secondary skin infections, including paronychia


Recurrent fungal infections of the nails or other parts of the body


When to Contact a Medical Professional


Call your health care provider if you experience persistent fungal nail infections, or if the fingers become painful, red, or drain pus.





Prevention


Good general health and hygiene help to prevent fungal infections. Keep the skin clean and dry. Take proper care of the nails (see treatment). Wash and dry the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection.








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Review Date: 10/26/2006


Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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Blood in the semen| How do you treat a fungal infection under your finger nail?
|It will grow out, but it will take a while. There is really no treatment. Its just gonna be yucky til it grow completely out to the point where you can trim it off. Just keep it dry. I used to scrape off what I could after taking a shower and when the nail was soft and then put tea tree oil (an anti-fungal) on it. I had it on my toenail. Good luck.