Nail Conditions

Fungal infections can occur anywhere in your body but they typically begin on your skin. Most cause some discomfort, such as redness and intense itching. Ringworm is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. The rash often has a ring-shaped pattern and a raised, scaly border. While ringworm can appear on just about any part of your body, the rash lacks the ring-shaped pattern on the palms, soles, scalp, groin and nails.

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, ringworm is common. You’ve already had it if you had athlete’s foot, jock itch or scalp ringworm.

No matter where ringworm appears, treatment is important. Without it, the rash tends to grow slowly and cover a larger area. You can also infect other areas of your body, as well as other people since ringworm is contagious.

Fungi (the plural of fungus) are tiny, microscopic organisms that cause a fungal nail infection. Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail that begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.

How do you pick up the fungi? Often, it’s through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection, or by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room. You can even get a fungal nail infection by sharing an infected nail clipper or towel. You can also get it if your nails are frequently moist or you often wear sweaty socks and shoes.