Knowra Onychomycosis Onychomycosis Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of a fingernail or toenail. It can discolor, thicken, or make the nail brittle, and may separate it from the nail bed.
Dermatophyte : A fungus that uses keratin in skin, hair, or nails as a nutrient source. Dermatophytes cause most nail infections by invading keratin-rich nail tissue.
Nail matrix : The tissue beneath the nail root that produces new nail cells. Matrix involvement can affect nail growth and complicate recovery.
Potassium hydroxide preparation : A microscopy test that uses potassium hydroxide to dissolve keratin and reveal fungal elements. It can provide rapid evidence of fungal infection in nail material.
Nail psoriasis : Psoriasis affecting the nail matrix or nail bed, often causing pitting, discoloration, or separation. It can resemble onychomycosis, but it is inflammatory rather than fungal.
Onycholysis : Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onychomycosis can cause this separation, which may leave space for further microbial growth.
Trichophyton rubrum : A dermatophyte species that commonly causes infections of skin and nails. It is the most frequent fungal cause of onychomycosis.
Nail growth : The gradual production and outward movement of new nail tissue from the nail matrix. Treatment must allow infected nail to grow out or be replaced.
Fungal culture : A laboratory method that grows fungi from a collected specimen for identification. Culture can help distinguish fungal causes when selecting treatment.
Nail trauma : Physical damage to a nail or surrounding tissue from impact, pressure, or repeated stress. Trauma can cause discoloration and separation without fungal infection.
Nail dystrophy : Abnormal nail shape, texture, or growth resulting from damage or disease. Long-lasting infection can leave nails visibly distorted even after fungi are cleared.
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