Is tinea unguium contagious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a nail damage caused by fungal infections of the nail bed. This disease is highly contagious and recurrent; it can be transmitted through contact, such as sharing slippers, foot towels, or socks. The most commonly used treatment is oral antifungal medication. However, if liver function is abnormal and transaminase levels are high, it is advisable not to use oral medications. Topical medications can also be effective, but they require a longer time to work. Otherwise, it is difficult to completely cure the condition in the long term. After recovery, avoid sharing slippers, avoid public baths and swimming pools, and minimize contact with others to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

What department should I see for onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a fungal infection of the nail bed that gradually causes damage, corrosion, or destruction of the nails. Once this condition occurs, it is necessary to seek treatment at a dermatology department of a regular hospital. Oral antifungal medications commonly used can cure the disease, but these medicines can affect liver function and should only be used by individuals with normal liver function. If the liver function is poor or transaminase levels are high, oral medications are not recommended. Instead, topical medications can be used for treatment, although the effect of topical treatments is slower and requires long-term commitment to completely cure. Since this disease is contagious and recurrent, during treatment, it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, not to soak in public baths or swim, and not to wear shared slippers. (Medication usage should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is onychomycosis the same as nail fungus?

Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, refers to the same condition, which is a disease caused by fungal infection of the nails. Once affected by onychomycosis or tinea unguium, the nails may thicken, turn yellow, flake irregularly, and become deformed. If tested in a hospital, the fungus may test positive. Therefore, after contracting onychomycosis or tinea unguium, it is crucial to maintain personal hygiene, cut off sources of infection, and ensure that used items are disinfected.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between tinea manus and onychomycosis

Onychomycosis and tinea unguium refer to the same disease, with no differences between the two. Also known as tinea unguium or onychomycosis, it is caused by fungal infections and is characterized by symptoms such as thickening, yellowing, defects, or deformities of the nails. Once onychomycosis occurs, it is crucial to seek timely treatment because it is contagious. It can spread among individuals through direct or indirect contact, and it has relatively strong infectivity. Therefore, prompt treatment of onychomycosis is very important.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes nail fungus?

Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is an infection caused by pathogenic fungi in the nail plate or under the nail. This disease can infect fingernails as well as toenails. Besides the fundamental cause of pathogenic fungi, other common inducers include the environment, particularly damp environments, and contact with other individuals who have nail fungus, which can be spread to others through direct or indirect contact.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can athlete's foot be soaked in white vinegar?

Onychomycosis is a type of nail damage that occurs after a fungal infection of the nail bed, commonly known as athlete's foot. Once infected, if untreated, the nail will gradually deteriorate and may even be contagious and recurrent. Soaking in white vinegar does not effectively treat the condition; while it may suppress the fungus to some degree, it cannot completely cure athlete's foot. Currently, the most effective treatment for this disease is oral antifungal medication. Oral antifungal medications require normal liver function; if liver function is abnormal and transaminase levels are high, oral medications should not be taken. It is recommended to use topical medications to treat athlete's foot. Although the effect is slower, complete recovery is possible with long-term persistence. During treatment, avoid wearing sandals carelessly, and stay away from public baths and swimming to prevent cross-infection. (Use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)