Dermatology - Candidal Infection of the Nail

Dermatology - Candidal Infection of the Nail 
Nail infection caused by Candida 
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Candida spp. infections of the nail can cause the immune-compromised host's nail to fall off. Rarely are environmental fungus primary infections; instead, they produce secondary colonization of damaged nails.

Nail candidiasis can result in a persistent, severe, and sporadic infection of the paronychia, accompanied by erythema, pus, and discomfort. The nail may develop transverse furrows, areas of opacification, and discolorations of white, yellow, green, or black as it becomes dystrophic. Diabetes patients may develop subungual candidiasis and an onycholytic space abscess. Children with HIV/AIDS frequently develop paronychia and onychia, which are frequently linked to mucosal candidiasis.

Tinea unguium, psoriasis, eczema, chronic paronychia, and lichen planus are among the differential diagnoses made using direct microscopy and potassium hydroxide.
Use oral antifungal medications to treat.