Nail Infections: When Nails Reveal More Than You Think
Nails do more than complete your look—they reflect your health. So when your nails change color, become brittle, or start hurting, it’s time to pay attention. Often, it’s a sign of a nail infection.
At SkinWise Clinic, we don’t just treat the visible problem—we uncover the cause, restore nail health, and prevent recurrence.
What Are Nail Infections?
Nail infections, medically called onychomycosis (for fungal) or paronychia (for bacterial), are common conditions that affect the fingernails or toenails. These infections can involve the nail plate, nail bed, or surrounding skin, and if left untreated, can lead to discomfort, discoloration, and permanent nail changes.
Types of Nail Infections
1. Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis)
Caused by dermatophytes, yeasts (like Candida), or non-dermatophyte molds
More common in toenails due to moisture and footwear
Nail becomes thick, discolored, crumbly, or lifted from the nail bed
2. Bacterial Infections (Paronychia)
Often due to injury, biting, or excessive wet work
Redness, swelling, and pain around the nail fold
May form pus in acute cases
Chronic paronychia affects multiple nails, usually due to Candida
3. Viral Infections
Warts or periungual warts (around the nail)
Painful and can distort the nail growth
Causes and Risk Factors
Repeated exposure to moisture (dishwashing, wet occupations)
Nail trauma (cutting nails too short, biting, aggressive manicures)
Diabetes or immunosuppression
Wearing tight shoes or non-breathable socks
Visiting unhygienic salons
Fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot spreading to the nail
How Do Nail Infections Present?
Discoloration: yellow, white, brown, or black spots
Thickened or brittle nails
Separation of nail from the nail bed
Red, tender skin around the nail
Pus discharge or throbbing pain
Nail deformities or bad odor
Are Nail Infections Contagious?
Yes, fungal and viral nail infections are contagious, especially in communal settings like gyms, pools, or salons. They spread via direct contact or shared surfaces.
How We Treat Nail Infections at SkinWise Clinic
We believe in targeted, evidence-based care—and no guesswork.
🔬 Diagnosis First
Nail scraping or clippings for microscopy, culture, or PCR
Helps us identify the organism and choose the right treatment
💊 Antifungal Treatments
Topical antifungals (ciclopirox, amorolfine) for early cases
Oral antifungals (terbinafine, itraconazole) for moderate to severe infections
Treatment durations are longer for toenails (3–6 months)
💉 For Bacterial Infections
Topical or oral antibiotics
Drainage if pus is present
Nail hygiene and barrier protection
🩺 Laser or Nail Avulsion (if required)
In resistant or painful cases, we may trim or remove part of the nail
🧴 Chronic Paronychia Management
Barrier creams
Antifungal and anti-inflammatory treatment
Lifestyle correction
Nail Care Tips to Prevent Recurrence
Keep nails clean and dry
Trim nails straight across—not too short
Avoid nail-biting and aggressive cuticle cutting
Disinfect tools and avoid sharing nail equipment
Choose breathable socks and rotate shoes
Moisturize nail folds if hands are frequently in water