Fungal nail

Many people don’t realize thaey have a fungal nail problem, therefore, don’t seek treatment. Yet fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. Left untreated, it can present serious problems.

Fungal Nails (onychomycosis), fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may penetrate the nail. symptoms may include discolorization, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.

A group of fungi, called dermophytes, easily attack the nail and thrive on keratin, the nail’s protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker in color, and foul smelling Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks may frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic disease, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of athlete’s foot of excessive perspiration.

Precaution:

1. Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes
2. Keep your feet clean and dry
3. wear shower shoes in pubic facilitis whenever possible.
4. clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
5. Use a quality foot powder in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
6. Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to “wick” away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active life styles.
7. Disinfect home pedicure tools and don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement.

In severe cases, surgical treatment maybe required to removed the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.