Nail Infection

Get treatment for fungal and bacterial nail infections.

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What are nail infections?

There are three types of nail infection that we treat.

Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that can cause nails to become discolored, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails.

Bacterial Nail Infections

Bacterial nail infections, or acute paronychia, are the most common infection of the hand that result from local injuries to the nail fold. Skin normally has many types of bacteria on it. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the nail fold and grow there.

Periungual Warts

Periungual warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). These warts are benign, contagious growths around the nail.

Treatment & Pricing

Treatment for nail infections will depend on the type of infection you are diagnosed with. Common treatments include prescription antibiotics and topical ointments.

Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections typically don’t go away without anti-fungal treatment and often recur even with treatment. For mild to moderate fungal nail infections, either topical or oral tablets are options. The best treatment for a fungal nail infection is usually prescription anti-fungal pills taken orally. In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

Terbinafine
Ciclopirox Topical Solution (nail lacquer)

Jublia

Bacterial Nail Infections

Bacterial nail infections are treated with topical or oral antibiotic drugs, and/or incision and drainage of pus pockets. In addition to medication, your provider may recommend warm water or antiseptic soaks.

Mupirocin (topical)
Fucibet cream (topical)
Dicloxacillin (oral)
Cephalexin (oral)
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (oral)
Clindamycin (oral)
Doxycycline (oral)

Periungual Warts

Intranasal corticosteroid and antihistamine sprays help prevent and treat runny nose and nasal inflammation and itching caused by hay fever. Nasal corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment of allergies.

Prescription salicylic acid (topical)
Prescription tretinoin (topical)
Prescription glycolic acid (topical)

Suffering from a nail infection? Alpha Providers can help.

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Learn About Nail Infections

How do you know if you have a fungal or bacterial nail infection, or cutaneous warts? How can you avoid nail infections?

Symptoms & Causes

SYMPTOMS

Bacterial Nail Infection:

Redness of the skin around your nail
Tenderness of the skin around your nail
Pus-filled blisters
Changes in nail shape, color, or texture
Detachment of the nails

Fungal Nail Infection:

Discolored nails (yellow, brown, or white)
Thick nails
Fragile or cracked nails
Distorted shape of nails

Periungual Warts:

Small, fleshy, grainy bumps on fingers or hands
Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan warts
Rough to the touch
Black pinpoints (small, clotted blood vessels)

causes

Bacterial Nail Infection:

Overzealous manicuring
Nail biting or picking hangnails
Thumb-sucking

Fungal Nail Infection:

Fungi (yeast or molds) that live in the environment
Brittle and dry nails
Weakened immune system
Athlete’s foot (for toenail fungal infection)

Periungual Warts:

Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Spread by casual skin contact or through shared objects like towels
Spreads through breaks in the skin (hangnail or scrapes)

Tips & Advice

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT NAIL INFECTIONS

Keep your hands and feet clean and dry
Clip your fingernails and toenails short and clean
Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers
Don’t share nail clippers with other people
Avoid cutting your cuticles
Avoid shared, unsterilized nail manicure equipment
Opt to bring your own sterilized manicure equipment to a nail salon
Don’t pick at warts on hand (if present)
Clean and cover cuts to minimize the risk of HPV getting into your body

How it works

Describe your symptoms

Answer questions about your health condition online.

Connect with a medical provider

A medical provider will review your responses and send an appropriate treatment plan. Your care is evidence-based and personalized at every visit.

Get whole-person care

Your care team will respond to any questions through our secure messaging platform and you can get medication at your preferred pharmacy.

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