Types of nail fungus (onychomycosis) based on the fungus

Fungal nails, also known as onychomycosis , is one of the most common forms of infection in adults. Did you know that toenail fungus has many types?

Although nail fungus infection is not life threatening, this condition still needs to be treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, the nails can gradually change color and even become brittle until they break, which can become a gateway for other bacteria to enter the body.

Untreated toenail fungus infection can cause pain, making it difficult for you to walk. However, the treatment for nail fungus infection can vary depending on the pathogen causing it.

What are the most common types of nail fungus infections?

Here are six types of nail fungus infections that most commonly affect adults.

1. Distal and Lateral Onychomycosis (DLSO)

DLSO nail fungus infection is caused by a type fungus Tri chophyton rubrum . This fungus can develop on the fingernails, but is more common in toenails. The infection begins when the fungus colonizes the nail bed and underneath the nail, which then extends to the nail matrix (which forms new nail tissue under the skin). Over time, this fungal infection damages the outer skin layer around the nails. Furthermore, the nails will change color to yellow-brown.

2.Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO)

PSO yeast infection is also caused by Trichophyton rubrum, however, this type of infection is less common. PSO infection usually affects the toenails of HIV patients. The mushrooms will enter through cuticles at the nail bed and into the nail matrix to attack the new nails that are about to grow. Then the fungus will rise to the surface. Common symptoms of PSO include subungual hyperkeratosis, white patches, milky white color of the nails, and brittle and damaged outer tips of the nails.

3.White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO)

WSO is caused by Trychopyton interdigitale. WSO only occurs in about 10% compared to other types of nail fungal infections. This fungal infection occurs when the fungus directly enters the outer layer of the nail. The clinical symptoms that appear in WSO are white patches that form like islets on the nails. Then the nails will become brittle and soften. The inflammation that occurs is usually minimal.

4. Candidal onychomycosis

Nail fungus infection candida caused by a fungus candida, which is also a cause of candida skin infections (such as ringworm and ringworm, to chronic candida) and bacterial vaginosis. Candida albicans will enter all parts of the nail and cause a whitish discoloration and inflammation of the tissue that attaches to the nail. Infection candida more common in women than men.

5. Endonyx onychomycosis

This type of fungal infection is rare and is usually caused by Trychopyton soundanense or Trychopyton violaceum. The clinical symptoms that appear in this infection are the appearance of a milky white discoloration of the nails.

6.Total Dystropic Onychomycosis (TDO)

TDO nail fungus infection is the most severe degree of onychomycosis , and is a continuation of untreated DLSO or PSO until complete recovery. The nails will be thickened and yellowish in color.

Consult your doctor about your nail fungus infection and the symptoms that accompany it in order to get the right treatment.

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