Nail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis, is a cosmetic condition in which microscopic fungus in the form of dermatophytes get into finger or toe nails thus causing problems like discomfort and itchiness.
Since it is mostly entrenched within the matrix of cells in the nail bed under the nail, it may sometimes become extremely hard to treat it.
Nail fungus more often affects toenails than fingernails.
Initially it attacks the toe nail and then gradually spread to adjacent nails.
It usually begins with the patches of white or yellow discoloration on the nails.
Later, it attacks the nail roots, thereby leaving them thick as well as deformed.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may sometimes damage the skin that surrounds the nail.
Causes of ToeNail Fungus A person usually gets this disease when fungus enters the skin or nail through some cuts, wounds, and scratches.
Some of the risk factors for nail fungus are diabetes, poor blood circulation, hyperhydrosis, athlete's foot, poor hygiene, nail trauma, peripheral vascular disease, over exposure of nails to water, and immunodeficiency.
Al though it can affect anyone irrespective of their age and sex, it is most commonly seen in men, especially who are over the age of 60.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus The symptoms of toenail fungus include: Yellow or brownish discoloration at the tip of the finger or toe nails Black or brown tinge on toenails Nail become thick and makes it even difficult to trim Pain in such a way that it may sometimes disrupt your normal activities like walking and wearing shoes Flaky or chipped nails Collection of debris underneath the nails Small bumps that takes after small pus formations Nail Fungus Treatments As mentioned earlier, it is quite difficult to cure this medical condition.
However, a variety of treatment options are available to treat this condition, from oral antifungal medications and topical medications to surgery and photodynamic therapy.
Oral medication is suitable for people suffering from diabetes or has a history of cellulitis.
Other options such as surgery is suggested when nail fungus becomes severe and causes rigorous pain.
Since it is mostly entrenched within the matrix of cells in the nail bed under the nail, it may sometimes become extremely hard to treat it.
Nail fungus more often affects toenails than fingernails.
Initially it attacks the toe nail and then gradually spread to adjacent nails.
It usually begins with the patches of white or yellow discoloration on the nails.
Later, it attacks the nail roots, thereby leaving them thick as well as deformed.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may sometimes damage the skin that surrounds the nail.
Causes of ToeNail Fungus A person usually gets this disease when fungus enters the skin or nail through some cuts, wounds, and scratches.
Some of the risk factors for nail fungus are diabetes, poor blood circulation, hyperhydrosis, athlete's foot, poor hygiene, nail trauma, peripheral vascular disease, over exposure of nails to water, and immunodeficiency.
Al though it can affect anyone irrespective of their age and sex, it is most commonly seen in men, especially who are over the age of 60.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus The symptoms of toenail fungus include: Yellow or brownish discoloration at the tip of the finger or toe nails Black or brown tinge on toenails Nail become thick and makes it even difficult to trim Pain in such a way that it may sometimes disrupt your normal activities like walking and wearing shoes Flaky or chipped nails Collection of debris underneath the nails Small bumps that takes after small pus formations Nail Fungus Treatments As mentioned earlier, it is quite difficult to cure this medical condition.
However, a variety of treatment options are available to treat this condition, from oral antifungal medications and topical medications to surgery and photodynamic therapy.
Oral medication is suitable for people suffering from diabetes or has a history of cellulitis.
Other options such as surgery is suggested when nail fungus becomes severe and causes rigorous pain.