Cure Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is something most people know very little about. We may see a few different advertisements or commercials about nail fungus treatment and prevention, but we really do not know what nail fungus actually is. Nail fungus is a fungal infection of the nail also known as onychomycosis in the medial world.

Studies show that while nail fungus is a common occurrence, it will typically infect the toenails. Very seldom will nail fungus attack the fingernails. Further studies show that approximately twelve percent of the U.S. population has some sort of nail fungus and it is typical with age. People aged 40 and older are the most susceptible to nail fungus. Like many other forms of affliction, nail fungus is hereditary; it seems to run in families. Some others may be more susceptible to nail fungus as well such as those who have a suppressed immune system due to certain diseases or treatments. People who have been diagnosed with AIDS, have received transplants, are undergoing cancer treatments are at risk.

In order to determine if you have nail fungus, you must make an appointment with a dermatologist. They will scrape your infected nail and submit it for microscopic examination. The nail will be carefully examined with a microscope and, occasionally, cultured, to determine what type of fungus is growing in the nail. Your dermatologist will determine if you have nail fungus and which type you have. Dermatophytes are nail fungus found in the toenails. Yeast is the type of nail fungus found in the fingernails.

If your dermatologist has diagnosed either type of nail fungus, he or she will prescribe one of many varieties of treatments available to combat the infection. In treatment of nail fungus, there are prescriptions such as gels, creams, and lotions that may be affective in treating mild cases of nail fungus. For particularly harsh cases, your dermatologist may prescribe oral medication to clear the problem. In extreme cases, the doctor may remove the nail, either the section that is infected or the entire nail to assist in treatment of the nail fungus.

The good news about nail fungus is, if you do get it, it can be treated fairly quickly. There are also steps you can take to avoid getting the infection or avoid getting it again. Talk to your dermatologist, he or she will provide you with the necessary information you need about nail fungus and how you can prevent it.

This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more nail fungus resources at nail-fungus-hub.info.

Definition

Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:

Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include
Diaper rash
Oral thrush
Cutaneous candidiasis
Some cases of genital rashes
Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may recur often. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.

People who frequent public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms — and people who perspire a great deal — commonly have mold-like infections, because the fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.

The risk of getting a fungal infection is increased by closed-in footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries.

Symptoms
Symptoms Return to top

Nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails):
Brittleness
Discoloration
Loss of luster and shine
Thickening
Distortion of nail shape
Crumbling of the nail
Debris being trapped under the nail
Loosening (detaching) of the nail
Signs and tests

Your doctor will suspect a fungal infection based on the appearance of the nails.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping the nail for a culture, or a microscopic examination to identify the type of fungus.

Treatment

Creams and ointments are generally not helpful in treating this condition.

Oral medications such as Sporanox (itraconazole) or Lamisil (terbinafine) may be taken for several months. While these medicines may clear the fungus in about half of all patients, they can cause numerous side effects. Many people are not able to take these medications because of other medications that they are taking, or other medical problems.

Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to replace the old nail.

Expectations (prognosis)

Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing them to return in the skin or nails. The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Even with successful treatment, a relapse is common.

Complications

Permanent damage to the nails
Secondary skin infections, including paronychia
Recurrent fungal infections of the nails or other parts of the body
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you experience persistent fungal nail infections, or if the fingers become painful, red, or drain pus.

Prevention

Good general health and hygiene help to prevent fungal infections. Keep the skin clean and dry. Take proper care of the nails (see treatment). Wash and dry the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection.

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Here’s how to cure that ugly nail fungus.