Nail Fungus
The infection by nail fungus of fingernails, toenails or “yeast” is known as Onychomycosis. But don’t despair – there is a good nail fungus treatment for you to overcome the problem.
If you wear shoes and socks for extended periods, your toenails are more likely to get infected than fingernails. Toenail fungus usually enters via the eponychium or the lateral nail folds. The infection may lead to nails thickening and changes in color and texture. You may also feel some pain in your finger tips and your nail plate may eventually separate from the bed nail (onycholysis).
Onychomycosis is not difficult to diagnose, because infected nails are white or yellowish due to the accumulation of organic debris under the nail plate, and the may also change in shape and texture.
Another common nail disorder is Paronychia, a superficial infection of the skin around the nail. This type of fungal nail infection is usually the result on nail or nail folds biting. It may also occur after biting the skin around the nail. The infection may be caused by fungus, bacteria or some viruses and be rather painful. It is also characterised by swelling and redness of the folds.
Who can get infected?
Anybody can get infected. However, nail fungus infections are more common in adults over 60 years old, especially if they suffer from diabetes or circulatory problems. Fungal infections are rare in children.
Why did I get a fungal nail infection?
It may be difficult to know where or how your nails got infected. A wet dark warm place is a great place for fungus to grow.
Toenail Fungus
If you wear boots quite often, it may facilitate the growth of fungus around your toenails. Walking barefoot in a public swimming pool changing room may also be a cause for toenail fungus because floors are usually in the ideal condition for growth.
People whose hands are wet very often (for example custodians, maids, housewives, etc.) are more likely to get a nail fungus infection. Sometimes, several members of a family may get infected. A disorder in their immune systems may be the cause, or the infection may be passed among the family if they share their towels. Wearing shoes in public places at all times and using a different towel will help and are always good precautions to consider.
Nail Fungus Cure and Treatment
There are several efficient medicines to cure nail fungus. However, some of them are not advisable for people suffering from liver or some heart disorders. So make sure you tell your doctor if that is your case.
You will most likely have to undergo some kind of nail fungus treatment. Patients usually take their medicine for six weeks, but in some persistent infections, it may take months. Don’t take any medicine or home remedy for nail fungus before consulting a physician.
Diagnose studies may depend on other signs, in case they are part of your disorder. Those studies may include blood tests or analysis of part of the infected nail in the laboratory.