The problem ofnail infection by champignon, an onychomycosis in medical parlance, is rare in children, but common in the elderly : almost one in two people aged 70 has it¹. In the general population, the frequency ranges from 5% to 18%.

THEonychomycose is caused by different types of microscopic fungi that proliferate in environments hot, wet and dark, like shoes. Those champignons feed on keratin, the protein that makes up the nail.

The nails most often affected are those of big and little toe. Infected surfaces enlarge over time.

On distingue divers types d’onychomycose, which affect the nail slightly differently: more on the sides or at the base of the nail, more or less in depth, etc.

Evolution

THEonychomycose rarely heals without intervention. It can cause dpermanent damage to the nail.

People with severely weakened immune systems and people with diabetes who neglect to treat this infection are at risk of getting a second infection, called cellulitis (not to be confused with aesthetic cellulite or “orange peel”). Cellulite, in the medical sense, is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue which is accompanied by fever and redness. It requires immediate medical attention.

When to consult?

As soon as the first signs of infection are detected: a thickening or a change in color of a nail.

Diagnostic

The doctor observes thenail. He sometimes collects a sample for laboratory analysis. This analysis is used to verify whether it is indeed an infection with champignon. It is best to do this, as the symptoms could be from psoriasis or from repetitive strain injuries to the nail. Other, rarer factors may explain a change in the appearance of the nails. For example, onychomycosis must be distinguished from “yellow nail syndrome”, which deforms the nail and is not caused by a fungus.