Medical Questions » Nails Questions » Question No. 709
| Question: | I have a horrible looking black/green growth under one of my toenails. What is it? |
| Answer: | Probably a fungus.
Fungi are microscopic algae (or mushrooms) and they like warm, damp places on the body. People who put their hands frequently in warm water (eg. dishwashing) can develop fungal infections under the nails. The growth slowly spreads back into the finger, lifting the nail off the nail bed. There is usually no pain, but the patient complains of the horrible appearance of the nail, which may be white, yellow, brown, black or green depending on the type of fungus causing the disease.
There are several methods of treatment. The nail over the infection normally can be cut away to allow antifungal creams or lotions to reach the infection. Tablets (Griseofulvin) have been available for many years to kill the fungus, but these may cause liver problems, and must be used for many months.
In 1993 a new tablet (Lamisil) was introduced. This cures the vast majority of fungal infections under nails in a few weeks with minimal side effects, but tests must be done to prove that the nail has a fungal infection before this expensive medication can be prescribed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
There is also a nail lacquer (Loceryl) that can be applied to the nail weekly, and penetrates through rhe nail to kill the fungus. This is expensive though, and slow to work.
Until the introduction of Lamisil and Loceryl, these infections were notoriously difficult to treat. Even today, the sooner treatment is started, the easier it is to cure, so see your doctor today.
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