Nail Fungal Infection: Causes, Signs & Treatment | Jada Kenya

At Jada Kenya, we understand how frustrating and persistent fungal nail infections can be. The infection can begin subtly, a small yellow streak at the edge of a nail  and gradually spread, thickening, discoloring, and sometimes even separating the nail from the bed. But with the right care, knowledge, and consistent treatment, healthy nails can be restored.

This guide explains what fungal nail infections are, why they develop, how to identify them early, and how Jada’s clinically inspired approach restores nail integrity safely and effectively.

Understanding Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) occur when dermatophytes, yeast, or mold invade the keratin structure of the nail. In a healthy nail, the dorsal nail plate (the outermost layer) acts as a strong, impermeable barrier that keeps fungi from penetrating deeper into the nail. However, when this layer becomes compromised from over-buffing, trauma, or dryness the underlying layers become vulnerable.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, entering through small cracks near the cuticle, sidewalls, or hyponychium (the area under the nail tip). Once inside, they feed on keratin, slowly breaking down the nail’s structure.

Key scientific note (fact-checked):
 A nail consists of three layers: the dorsal, intermediate, and ventral nail plates.

  • The dorsal nail plate is impermeable and protective.

  • The intermediate nail plate provides strength and is semi-permeable the main target for fungal colonization.

  • The ventral nail plate connects to the nail bed.

When the dorsal layer thins (for example, due to over-buffing or rough salon procedures), fungi can infiltrate the intermediate layer, where moisture and warmth enable them to multiply.

Types of Fungal Nail Infections

As noted in dermatological classifications (e.g., Baran & Dawber’s Diseases of the Nails and Their Management), there are five major types of nail fungal infections. Understanding them helps guide treatment:

  1. Distal Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) – The most common type. It begins at the nail’s corners or edges and moves inward.

  2. White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO) – Fungal growth affects the top surface of the nail, appearing as chalky white patches.

  3. Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO) – Begins at the cuticle area and moves outward, often signaling immune compromise.

  4. Endonyx Onychomycosis – Fungus penetrates inside the nail plate without affecting the nail bed.

  5. Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis (TDO) – The advanced stage where the nail thickens, crumbles, and may detach entirely.

How Nail Fungus Develops

At first, a fungal infection might look like a small yellow or white patch under the nail edge. Over time, it progresses:

  • The color shifts from yellow to brown or even black.

  • The nail texture becomes thicker and rough.

  • The nail plate may lift from the bed (onycholysis), creating space for more fungal growth.

  • In severe cases, odor and pain appear due to bacterial co-infection.

Jada Insight:

Many infections begin because of dry, overgrown cuticles or nail separation, two conditionsJada addresses in its targeted care guides. When the hyponychium or cuticle seal breaks, fungal spores can enter the nail’s base. This is why maintaining a hydrated, sealed cuticle area using the Jada Cuticle Salve is a critical preventive step.

Why Some Nails Get Infected (and Others Don’t)

Healthy nails naturally carry harmless fungal organisms without infection. Problems begin when:

  • The dorsal nail plate is over-buffed or thinned.

  • Cuticles are picked or trimmed excessively, breaking the protective seal.

  • Prolonged nail polish wear traps moisture.

  • Sweaty or tight footwear creates a warm, moist environment ideal for fungal growth.

  • Underlying conditions like diabetes or reduced immunity weaken defenses.

The Jada Approach to Treating Fungal Nail Infections

Traditional antifungal treatments often fail because the nail plate itself blocks medication absorption. The dorsal nail plate is impermeable. Topical antifungals struggle to reach the fungus living in the deeper layers.

At Jada Nail Clinic, we overcome this challenge by first breaking down the outer layer safely using the Jada Anti-Fungal Peel or Anti-Fungal Powder, allowing the treatment to reach the actual infection site.

Step 1: Cleanse with Jada Anti-Fungal Wash

Start by soaking nails twice a day in Jada Anti-Fungal Wash for 15 minutes.
This gently removes debris, softens buildup, and disinfects the nail surface. The antifungal ingredients help create a clean environment, ready for deeper treatment And alters the pH to allow topical antifungals to penetrate

Step 2: Exfoliate the Nail Surface

Twice a week, use Jada Anti-Fungal Peel or Powder to gently dissolve the topmost layer of the nail plate.
This controlled exfoliation allows active antifungal agents to penetrate into the intermediate nail plate, the actual site of fungal colonization.

Step 3: Apply Fungal Medication

Once the plate is permeable, apply your prescribed antifungal product. Keep it on for 15 minutes for maximum absorption.

Step 4: Restore & Strengthen

After treatment, use:

This dual action rebuilds both structure and barrier integrity, ensuring long-term healing.

Clinical note: Results are gradual but reliable. Consistent use following Jada’s protocol shows recovery rates up to 94%, based on internal case data.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Because nails grow slowly, recovery takes patience.

  • Visible improvement appears after 4–6 weeks.

  • Healthy regrowth continues over 3–6 months for fingernails, up to 12 months for toenails.

Consistency and hygiene are key: skipping steps or reapplying nail polish too soon may reintroduce infection.

Prevention & Maintenance

Once your nails have healed, keep them protected by adopting these Jada-endorsed habits:

Related Conditions & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can fungal nail infections heal without treatment?
 Not usually. Once inside the nail plate, fungi won’t clear up on their own. Treatment like the Jada Anti-Fungal System is necessary to remove the infection and restore nail health.

2. Is it safe to use nail polish during treatment?
 We recommend avoiding polish until the infection clears. Once healed, switch to Jada’s Non-Toxic 21+ Free Polish, which allows nails to breathe.

3. How can I prevent recurrence?
 Maintain clean, dry nails and protect the cuticle area with Cuticle Salve daily. The key is keeping the dorsal layer sealed and hydrated.

4. Can I use home remedies like vinegar or tea tree oil?
 While mildly antifungal, home remedies can’t penetrate the nail plate effectively. Jada’s peel-based protocol is designed to reach the deeper layers where the fungus lives.

5. How do I know it’s fungal and not psoriasis or trauma?
 Fungal infections often involve discoloration, thickening, and odor, while psoriasis typically shows pitting and scaling. If uncertain, seek a professional diagnosis. Jada Nail Clinic can help assess and guide appropriate care.

Summary

  • Fungal nail infections thrive when the nail’s barrier is broken.

  • Treatment requires permeability, consistency, and structural repair.

  • Jada’s Anti-Fungal System (Wash + Peel + Serum + Salve) addresses all three pillars of recovery: cleanse, treat, rebuild.

  • Prevention is ongoing: hydrated cuticles and clean nail habits protect against reinfection.

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