How to Diagnose Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the nails that can cause discoloration, thickening and separation of the nail from the toe or finger. If left untreated, a fungal nail infection can lead to pain and discomfort in the affected area. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose a fungal nail infection so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

1. Visual Exam: One of the most common methods for diagnosing a fungal nail infection is by performing a visual examination. Your doctor will look for signs such as discoloration or thickening of the nails, debris beneath the nails and separation of the nail from its bed.

2. Nail Clipping: In some cases, your doctor may take a sample from your infected nail by clipping off part of it with sterile scissors or clippers. This sample will be sent away to be analyzed in order to identify any fungus present in your nails.

3. KOH Test: The KOH test (potassium hydroxide) is another method used to diagnose fungal infections in fingernails and toenails. During this test, your doctor will apply potassium hydroxide solution directly onto an affected area of your skin or nails and wait for 10 minutes before examining it under a microscope for any signs of fungi present on the skin or beneath your nails.

4. Culture Test: A culture test involves taking samples from both healthy and infected areas on your body or nails and then sending them away for laboratory analysis where they will be tested against different types of fungi in order to identify which type is causing your infection .

If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can begin quickly before it causes further damage or discomfort .

---

Tags:

Fungal nail infection, Onychomycosis, Discoloration, Thickening, Separation, Visual Exam, Nail Clipping, KOH Test, Culture Test,

Topics