Health Digest Daily » Nail Fungus

Nails In Health And Disease

Sunny — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:05:30 +0000

Introduction:

The nails are present at the end of each finger tip on the dorsal surface.The main function of nail is protection and it also helps for a firm grip for holding articles.It consists of a strong relatively flexible keratinous nail plate originating from the nail matrix. Under the nail plate there is a soft tissue called nail bed.Between the skin and nail plate there is a nail fold or cuticle.Normal healthy nail is slight pink in colour and the surface is convex from side to side.Finger nails grow 1 cm in three months and toe nails take 24 months for the same.

Importance of nails in disease diagnosis:

The colour ,appearance,shape and nature of the nails give some information about the general health and hygiene of a person . Nails are examined as a routine by all doctors to get some clues about underlying diseases.Just looking at nails we can makeout the hygiene of a person.The abnormal nail may be congenital or due to some diseases.The cause for changes in the nail extend from simple reasons to life threatening diseases.Hence the examination by a doctor is essential for diagnosis .Some abnormal findings with probable causes are discussed here for general awareness.

Hygiene:-
We can make out an unhygienic nail very easily .Deposition of dirt under the distal end of nail plate can make a chance for ingestion of pathogens while eating.If nail cutting is not done properly it can result in worm troubles in children.When the worms crawl in the anal orifice children will scratch which lodges the ova of worms under the nails and will be taken in while eating.Prominent nail can also complicate a skin disease by habitual scratching.Sharp nails in small kids cause small wounds when they do feet kicking or hand waving.
Colour of the nails
1. Nails become pale in anaemia.
2. Opaque white discolouration(leuconychia) is seen in chronic renal failure and nephrotic syndrome.
3. Whitening is also seen in hypoalbuminaemia as in cirrhosis and kidney disorders.
4. Drugs like sulpha group,anti malarial and antibiotics ect can produce discolouration in the nails.
5. Fungal infection causes black discolouration.
6. In pseudomonas infection nails become black or green.
7. Nail bed infarction occures in vasculitis especially in SLE and polyarteritis.
8. Red dots are seen in nails due to splinter haemorrhages in subacute bacterial endo carditis, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, collagen vascular diseases.
9. Blunt injury produces haemorrhage and causes blue/black discolouration.
10. Nails become brown in kidney diseases and in decreased adrenal activity.
11. In wilsons disease blue colour in semicircle appears in the nail.
12. When the blood supply decreases nail become yellow .In jaundice and psoriasis also nail become yellowish.
13. In yellow nail syndrome all nails become yellowish with pleural effusion.
Shape of nails:-
1. Clubbing: Here tissues at the base of nails are thickened and the angle between the nail base and the skin is obliterated. The nail becomes more convex and the finger tip becomes bulbous and looks like an end of a drumstick. When the condition becomes worse the nail looks like a parrot beak.
  Causes of clubbing:-
  Congenital Injuries
  Severe chronic cyanosis
  Lung diseases like empyema,bronchiactesis,carcinoma of bronchus and pulmonary tuberculosis.
  Abdominal diseases like crohn's disease,polyposis of colon,ulcerative colitis,liver cirrhosis etc…
  Heart diseases like fallot's tetralogy,subacute bacterial endocarditis and etc..
2. Koilonychia:-
  Here the nails become concave like a spoon.This condition is seen in iron deficiency anaemia.In this condition the nails become thin,soft and brittle.The normal convexity will be replaced by concavity.
3. Longitudinal ridging is seen in raynaud's disease.
4. Cuticle becomes ragged in dermatomyositis.
5. Nail fold telangiectasia is a sign in dermatomyositis ,systemic sclerosis and SLE.
Structure and consistancy:-
1. Fungal infection of nail causes discolouration,deformity,hypertrophy and abnormal brittleness.
2. Thimble pitting of nail is charecteristic of psoriasis ,acute eczema and alopecia aereata.
3. The inflamation of cuticle or nail fold is called paronychia.
4. Onycholysis is the seperation of nail bed seen in psoriasis,infection and after taking tetracyclines.
5. Destruction of nail is seen in lichen planus,epidermolysis bullosa.
6. Missing nail is seen in nail patella syndrome.It is a hereditary disease.
7. Nails become brittle in raynauds disease and gangrene.
8. Falling of nail is seen in fungal infection,psoriasis and thyroid diseases.
Growth:-
Reduction in blood supply affects the growth of nails. Nail growth is also affected in severe ilness. when the disease disappears the growth starts again resulting in formation of transverse ridges.These lines are called Beau's lines and are healpful to date the onset of illness.

Tips For Keeping Your Nails Healthy

Sunny — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:30:54 +0000

Keeping your nails free from fungal infections is relatively simple when you take certain precautions. Healthy looking nails are often the sign of good overall health. Fungal infections tend to appear in individuals with compromised immune systems. Brittle, infected nails may signal a compromised immune system. So, in a roundabout way, taking good care for your nails can have an indirect effect on your whole health. Here are just a few simple ways to ensure that your nails stay healthy and free from fungal infections.

Like many conditions that are hard to get rid of, the best medicine is prevention. Nail fungal infections thrive in warm, dark environments. Keep your nails as inhospitable to nail fungus as possible. Keep your feet dry and clean. Wear non-porous clean cotton socks and try to wear closed shoes, especially if you know your feet will be exposed to water. You should avoid exposing your feet to wet public spaces, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, shower stalls, and bathrooms. If you must expose your feet to wet or moist locations, wear water resistant sandals. If you must get your hands wet for extended periods of time, wear gloves.

If possible, avoid wearing nail polish. Nail polish wearers appear to be at much higher risk for developing nail fungal infections than those who do not wear polish. If you can't live without your nail polish, avoid applying it frequently or using repair nail enamel on a regular basis. Why do nail polish wearers suffer from nail fungus infections more than non-wearers? It appears that the layer of nail polish keeps the nails in a waterproof state, but it makes the skin under the nails stay moist for an extended period of time. If you must wear nail polish, try to use lighter color enamels. Lighter color polishes allow lighter to penetrate the nail, causing the area beneath the nail to dry faster. If you use a darker color, less light will penetrate and the area beneath the nail is more likely to remain dark and moist. Also, use nail polish remover with caution. Most nail polish removers are strong and can cause the nails and cuticles to dry. Dry nails and cuticles are generally more prone to infection.

To avoid nail fungal infections, don't apply acrylic or plastic nails. Applying artificial nails over your own natural nails can destroy the natural surface of the nails. The chemicals contained in the adhesives of the glue that is used to apply acrylic nails can also be harmful to your nail health. If your nail is already less than healthy, applying adhesive products can lead to greater damage. These adhesives have been known to absorb through the nail head and can greatly exacerbate already present fungal infections.

If you are vulnerable to nail fungal infections, strive to keep your nails clean and cut short and smooth. Avoid nail polish and keep your nails clean and dry. This can go a long way to preventing nail fungal infections.

Risk Factors and Complications of Nail Fungus

Sunny — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:45:08 +0000

Nail fungus is a nasty problem that can be hard to get rid of. Over ten million Americans are afflicted with some kind of nail fungal infection. Once you have become infected, it can be difficult to get rid of nail fungus. Nail fungus thrives in the area beneath your fingernails and toenails. Who is most at risk of developing a nail fungal infection? Here are some risk factors for developing nail fungus. If you think you may be at a greater risk for nail infections, take extra precautions to keep clear of these nasty fungi.

Nail fungal infections are more common among the older population, so if you are an older adult you may be at a greater risk for developing an infection. This is because nails tend to grow thick and more slowly with age. Thick nails are more susceptible to becoming infected. If you have a family history of nail infections, you may also be more susceptible to developing infection. There appears to be a strong hereditary factor for this condition. Also, men appear to be contract fungal infections at higher rates than women. Men seem especially prone to developing nail fungal infections in the toenails.

What other risk factors are there for nail fungal infections? People who smoke appear more likely to develop nail fungus. Individuals who perspire heavily may also be at a greater risk of developing fungal infections. This is because perspiration provides a warm and moist environment for fungus to thrive. People who work in a moist or humid environment may also be at a greater risk, for precisely the same reasons that heavy sweaters are more prone to it. Wearing socks and shoes that promote a moist and dark environment may also increase your risk of contracting an infection. Opt for clean cotton socks that are non-porous and that wick away moisture. Other risk factors include walking barefoot, especially in wet public spaces such as public pools and locker rooms. You may also be more prone to nail fungus if you keep your hands wet for extended periods of time, during dish washing for instance. Wear gloves if you must keep your hands wet for long periods of time. If you have sustained some kind of injury to your nails, this can also be the impetus for a nail fungal infection. Finally, having a compromised or weakened immune system may also increase your chances of developing a skin or nail infection.

Complications of nail fungal infections can range from minor discomfort to serious permanent damage. The most serious scenario is that the nail fungal infection can spread into a more dangerous infection. The infection can spread beyond your feet or hands and begin to affect other areas of your skin and even internal organs. Nail fungal infections can pose a serious health threat for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or those with a compromised immune system. Nail fungal infections can also cause nerve damage, open sores, problems with blood circulation, foot ulcers and other complications.

An Overview of Nail Fungus

Sunny — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:45:03 +0000

It may or may not come as a consolation to you to learn that nail fungal infections are incredibly common. When nail fungal infections strike, it's hard to look past the physical signs of this condition. The main signs of nail fungus include yellow discoloration and brittle nail texture. Nails afflicted with fungal infections can break easily and take on a brittle, crumbly appearance. Nails may also begin to grow irregularly.

As previously noted, nail fungal infections are generally common. The fungus tends to grow around the area where the skin and nail meet, often referred to as the nail bed. Like most fungal infections, nail fungal infections develop gradually. Nail fungal infections do not spread to other parts of the body or internal organs. There are many conditions that can result in nail discoloration, so a positive diagnosis of nail fungal infection can sometimes be difficult to make solely on the basis of a physical inspection. In order to officially confirm the presence of a nail fungal infection, the doctor may often need to clip a piece of the nail and send it to the laboratory to confirm the presence of fungi.

Although nail fungal infections can technically be transferred from one person to another, the condition is generally not considered very contagious. More commonly, nail fungal infections tend to occur in individuals with lowered immune systems. Healthy immune systems are generally very efficient at fight off fungal infections. However, if a person's immune system is compromised, nail fungal infections cannot be suppressed as easily. Once a fungal infection becomes established, it can be difficult to get rid of it for good. It may help to keep your feet dry. Wear clean cotton, nonporous socks in closed shoes, especially around water. Avoid walking barefoot over wet surfaces, particularly in public places such as sidewalks, public swimming pools, and bathrooms. This can help prevent fungal nail infections, as well as other fungal infections like athlete's foots. If you must use a public shower, wear waterproof sandals. Always avoid keeping your feet wet for extended periods of time.

What can you do to treat a fungal infection? Over the counter nail fungal infections can be helpful in less advanced cases. These medications may not be very effective in more severe, advanced cases. For more advanced cases, prescription oral medications are prescribed. These are strong oral medications that must be taken for many months on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, these medications can have serious potential side effects. They can cause damage to the liver, bone marrow, the skin, and other body organs. Because of the potential side effects of these oral medications, your doctor must order blood tests to be conducted on a periodic basis. These blood tests are intended to monitor any side effects that may occur during the length of the treatment. Your physician will provide you with a list of symptoms to watch for that may indicate a problem. These include fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, pale stool coupled with dark urine, skin rashes, bleeding, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Nail Fungus and the Nature of Fungal Infections

Sunny — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:15:04 +0000

Nail fungal infections are one of the most common types of fungal infections. All fungal infections are conditions caused by a proliferation of fungal organism. Although most people tend to think of fungal and bacterial infections as almost the same thing, fungi are actually much more like plants than bacteria. As strange as it may sound, many people actually consume and enjoy fungi! Simply think of the mushroom toppings on your pizza pie, or that delicious grilled Portobello mushroom that you had with dinner. All these delicious mushrooms represent different types of fungi. Although most of the time fungi are harmless, sometimes they can turn into an infection that can be difficult to overcome.

Individuals with strong and healthy immune systems can usually combat and control fungal infections with general ease. However, people with more compromised immune systems may have a much harder time in combating fungal infections with long-term success. Most fungal infections develop rather slowly. It may take several months or even years before the symptoms of a fungal infection become serious enough to be brought to medical attention and to receive treatment. Like the onset of the fungal infection, treatment can also move excruciatingly slowly.

Skin and nail fungal infections can be difficult to treat. Common forms of skin and nail fungal infections include athlete's foot, ring worm, white spot, and nail fungi. These are generally treated with topical antifungal agents. Like all fungal infections, the best treatment is prevention. How can you go about preventing a fungal infection? It's not the simplest thing to accomplish because fungi breeds all around us. However, by taking a few simple precautions you can prevent a fungal infection from finding you.

One simple thing you can do to prevent the onset of a fungal infection is to keep the skin around your nails clean and dry at all times. If you must get your hands wet for an extended period of time, like when you are washing the dishes for instance, wear gloves to protect your nails. After you shower, make sure your dry your feet and hands thoroughly. Remember that fungi thrive in moist and wet areas, so you want to keep as dry as possible. Use anti-bacterial soap when washing your hands as an extra line of defense against fungal infections. Avoid borrowing napkins or towels.

To protect a fungal infection from developing around your feet and on your toenails, avoid walking barefoot. Being barefoot can leave you vulnerable to picking up fungi. You should especially avoid walking barefoot in wet public areas, such as public swimming pools, boardwalks, bathrooms, or other areas where fungi can thrive. Even wearing sandals can leave your feet open to fungal exposure. If you are at a greater risk for developing a fungal infection around your toenails, strive to wear clean cotton socks and dry shoes. Avoid nylon socks and materials as these absorb wetness more easily. But if your feet are prone to sweating, consider wearing open-toed shoes to keep your footsies breathing and dry.

Types of Nail Fungus

Sunny — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:15:04 +0000

Fungal infections are very common, affecting an estimated 11 million Americans. How do you know if you have a nail infection? Because nail fungal infections tend to develop gradually over time, it can be difficult at first to determine the presence of nail fungus. Once the infection has become well established, it is hard to miss the signs of nail fungus. Individuals with nail fungal infections tend to suffer from thick, yellowish nails that grow irregularly, often manifesting ridges or spots. The nails may also appear brown or black in color. So how do our nails become like this? Here is a brief overview of they most common types of nail fungus.

First, it helps to understand the nature of fungus. Fungus grows in any warm, dark and moist location. Fungus grows everywhere in our environment and on our skin. Nail fungal infections occur when fungi enters the nails and finds an environment that allows it to thrive and grow. People who are prone to developing nail fungal infections may have nails that are vulnerable in some way. For instance, people who work in moist or warm locations may be more vulnerable.

One of the most common forms of fungi is related to the fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus is known as tinea. The tinea fungus may be present in people who have athlete's foot. This fungus can grow around the skin and spread into the nails. Dermatologists estimate that roughly 30 percent of those affected with athlete's foot will also develop a nail infection.

Another common type of fungi that can cause serious infections is Candida. Candida is common yeast that can cause infections in skin around nails. Candida is known as a rather nasty type of fungus that can develop into a difficult to treat skin and nail infections. Yeast fungi are the most common types of fungi in the United States.

Yet another common type of fungi that is responsible for many nail fungal infections around the world is known as dermatophyte. This type of fungi literally means "plant that lives on the skin." Dermatophyte is fungi characterized by its small, parasitic-like properties. Dermatophyte fungi are most common in temperate areas of the world. The fungi work by digesting keratin (the protein that makes up our skin, hair, and nails), and this causes a trigger response in the nails to produce extra keratin. This causes the nails to thicken and eventually become discolored. When nails thicken due to infection, they may separate from the rest of the toe or finger. Dermatophyte fungi are also responsible for other common skin and nail infections, including some types of athlete's foot, ringworm and "crotch rot."

All types of fungi flourish in warm, dark and moist environments. To prevent fungi from multiplying beneath your nails, keep your feet and hands clean and dry. Avoid the warm, dark, wet and dirty conditions that fungi love to thrive in because once they settle in, it can be quite difficult to rid the skin and nails of fungi forever.

Home Remedy for Nail Fungus

Sunny — Tue, 15 May 2007 16:45:06 +0000

Nail fungal infections are very common and can be difficult to treat. Prescription oral medications can have harsh and serious side effects, and over the counter agents tend to be ineffective. Fortunately, because there exist so many people who suffer from nail fungal infections, resourceful nail fungal sufferers have concocted dozens of home remedies that are safe and often effective. As with most home remedies, not every treatment will work for everyone. There is no one universal cure for nail fungal infections. However, many people swear by these remedies, and they are often inexpensive and easy to produce at home. Here is an overview of the most common home remedies for nail fungal infections.

Tea tree oil: This is by far the most popular home remedy for nail fungal infections. Tea tree oil is a powerful and natural antiseptic and fungicide. It originates from Australia, where indigenous tribes have used it for hundreds of years. It is often used to relive scrapes, cuts, and to treat acne. Now, it has also gained popularity as a fungicide. For maximum result, use a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on the affected area. Tea tree oil is very strong, so do not use more than a few drops at once. Place a few drops on the affected nail and rub it in with a clean tissue, q-tip, or cotton ball. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with olive oil for easier application, with a moisturizing effect.

Apple Cider Vinegar with water: Apple cider vinegar has long been known as a well-known cure-all. Pour equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water into a basin. Soak your nails (either toenails, fingernails, or both) in the basin for about 15 minutes. When you are done soaking, make sure to dry your hands and feet completely. You can use a hair dryer to make sure that all the moisture has been dried.

Listerine mouthwash: Sounds strange, but many people swear by the ability of Listerine mouthwash to cure their nail fungal infections. Simply soak your fingernails or toenails for a few minutes. Listerine is a strong antiseptic, and it makes sense that it would help get rid of bacteria and fungi.

Oregano and olive oil: Oregano oil has been touted as a very effective essential oil that can be used to treat nail fungal infections. Simply combine two or three drops of Oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Use this mixture on the affected areas.

Alpha Hydroxyl Acid creams: These creams are generally used to exfoliate dry, aging skin or to treat acne. But AHA creams can also be used to strip away the dry and rough skin around your toenails. Dry scaly skin is unhealthy and can make you more prone to a fungal infection. Keeping your skin healthy and smooth can go a long way towards protecting you against fungal infections.

Lavender oil: Dab a few drops of lavender oil to soothe your skin and fight infections. Put a few drops of tea tree oil into the mix for maximum effectiveness.

Antifungal Agents To Treat Fungus

Sunny — Sat, 05 May 2007 18:30:07 +0000

Nail fungal infections were once dismissed as purely cosmetic, but now doctors are beginning to realize that these infections can cause serious health complications. People with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or blood circulation problems may be especially at risk of developing serious health complications. Fortunately, doctors are beginning to treat fungal nail infections with a greater degree of seriousness. Pharmaceutical companies have developed new and powerful antifungal agents to treat these often-stubborn infections. There are three oral antifungal agents in particular that hold much promise. These three agents are easy to absorb and have what is known as a "reservoir effect." This means that the antifungal agents move to the nail plate and remain stored there for many months. This allows the fungal infection that lives behind nail plate to be treated, even as the nail begins to grow out.

The first of these oral antifungal agents to be approved in recent years is Itraconazole (Sporonox). Itraconazole is taken orally on a daily basis for a period of several weeks. The duration of treatment depends partly on the location of the infection. Fingernail infections are generally easier to treat because the nails are not as thick. Fingernail fungus infections can be treated with Itraconazole for a period of roughly six weeks. For toenail infections, treatment may last for up to three months. Itraconazole is often used for a treatment technique described as "pulse dosing." Pulse dosing refers to taking a concentrated amount of medication on a short-term basis to treat localized infections.

Another antifungal agent that is being developed to treat nail infections is known as fluconazole (Diflucan). Fluconazole, as its name applies, is a related to the chemicals present in Itraconazole. Although fluconazole has not yet been approved for treating nail fungal infections, it appears to hold great promise for treating infections on a pulse dosing or long-term schedule. How do itraconazole and fluconazole work? Both of these are classified as fungi static drugs. They work by stopping the growth and reproduction of fungi. Although these antifungal agents are showing great promise for treating common fungal infections, they do contain one serious side effect. Unfortunately, the chemical properties of these antifungal agents tend to interact negatively with other common medications. Older people are more prone to developing nail infections, and this population is also more likely to use medications to treat various ailments. This can make it difficult to use antifungal oral agents to treat nail infections in people taking other prescription medications.

There is a third oral antifungal agent that is currently used to treat most cases of nail infections. The agent is known as terbenafine, and it is widely prescribed commercially as Lamisil. Lamasil seeks to kill germs and fungi, while the previous two agents seek to stop the development of the fungi. Lamasil is generally taken on a daily basis, similar to taking a vitamin. Although it has proven effective for some cases of nail infections, it has not proven to be a universal cure for fungal infections.

Hygiene Keys for Outsmarting Nail Fungus

Sunny — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:15:09 +0000

Nail fungus is a nasty little problem that can be embarrassing, unsightly, and even painful. Fungal infections develop slowly over time and can be difficult to treat. Once they have invaded your nails, it can be quite a battle to get ride of a fungal infection. Fungus thrives in warm and dark environments. It comes as no surprise then that nail fungal infections often develop at the toes. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent the onset of nail fungal infections. Here are seven smart and simple tips for outsmarting nail fungus. It is a lot easier to prevent nail fungal infections than have to fight them off for years.

1. When you go to the nail salon, make certain that the salon is following sanitation standards. We've all heard horror stories about women contracting serious infections from nail salons who use infected tools and supplies. Before you sit down at the manicurist's table, make sure your nail salon is following proper nail salon hygiene. Don't be afraid to ask about hygiene procedures. Reputable and hygienic nail salons want to make their customers feel secure about their salon experience and will not hesitate to outline their safety and hygiene standards. You will want to know how often equipment is sterilized, the procedure for sterilization, and whether they use disposable emery boards. Emery boards cannot be sterilized, so make sure they use a different emery board for each patient.

2. Only visit trained and licensed spa technicians and manicurists. Ask about the training of the manicurists if you are in doubt. Many reputable spas will tout the expertise and training of their staff, so it should not be difficult to find this information if you are visiting a well-known spa.

3. If in doubt, bring your own tools to your salon. If you feel too shy to ask about the salon's hygiene standards, an easy solution is to bring your own nail tools. Simply tell your manicurist that you feel more comfortable using your own tools.

4. Keep your nails trimmed and healthy. One of the easiest ways to prevent nail fungal infection is to keep your nails clean and healthy. Trimming regularly helps prevent fungi from sneaking into the warm, moist part of the inside of your nails.

5. Don't cut your cuticles. If you visit a nail salon, tell your manicurist that you do not want your cuticles cut. Instead, have your manicurist push the cuticles back. Why should you avoid having your cuticles clipped? Snipping the cuticles can result in the nail becoming separated from the nail. Also, if the cuticles are clipped, this makes it easier for fungi and other infectious agents to get into the nail.

6. Visit your dermatologist or derma surgeon every year, especially if you have a history of nail fungal infections. Prevention is key when it comes to nail fungal infections. Once the infection has settled in, it can be hard to overcome. Make it a point to visit your dermatologist or derma surgeon each year and have them check for early signs of problems or infection.

7. Keep you nails clean and dry. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist and dark areas. This means that fungus loves to live in the warmth of your shoes. Wear clean cotton socks and closed shoes if you plan to be around water. Avoid walking in public wet places, such as wet sidewalks, bathrooms, shower stalls, or public swimming pools. Although fungal infections are not very contagious, they can be passed on from one person to another

The Progressive Nature of Nail Fungus

Sunny — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 11:15:06 +0000

Nail fungal infections can be characterized as a progressive condition that develops rather slowly and can be difficult to overcome. It is officially known as onychomycosis, and is characterized by thickened discolored nails, often flecked by white dots. The disease usually begins when debris enters the nail plate and causes it to become discolored. Infection of the toenails is much more common than the fingernails. In fact, it is estimated that toenail infections are roughly four to five times more common than fingernail infections. This is because toenails are more exposed to the moist, dark and warm environment on which fungus thrives. More than ten million Americans suffer from some form of nail fungus. Older individuals are more prone to developing nail fungal infections because their nails tend to grow thicker. It is estimated that by the time most individuals reach the age of 70, they will suffer from some kind of nail infection.

Nail fungal infections are progressive in nature. As fungi grow, it feeds on keratin, the material that skin is made up of. Nails are made of tough keratin protein. In most cases, the fungi responsible for toenail infections are known as dermatophytes. Other common nail fungal infection culprits include bacteria, mold, and yeast, although fungi remain the number one cause for infection. For most people who contract this stubborn condition, the toenail fungus establishes itself as a chronic condition. At times the symptoms of infection dissipate, but they may eventually return. Very rarely do nail fungal infections heal by themselves permanently. Even those individuals who lose their toenail due to injury or spontaneous drop off do not gain permanent relief from nail fungus. In most cases, the new toenail that grows in is also affected by fungus. In the most serious cases where the patient complains of severe pain or becomes immobilized due to the infection, surgical intervention may become necessary.

Men are more likely to develop toenail fungi than women. This is because they tend to spend more time barefoot on wet public spaces. For instance, military personnel and athletes appear to be at greater risk of developing a nail fungal infection. This is because they are exposed the wet floors of showers, locker rooms, and public bathrooms. Women who visit nail salons regularly are more susceptible to developing fungal infections in their fingernails. Most people who develop nail fungal infections tend to have some predisposition, including compromised immune systems and a family history of fungal infections.

Currently, there exists no universally effective treatment for nail fungal infections. Prescription oral or topical medications may prove effective for some patients, but they have been linked to a host of undesirable side effects. For less advanced cases, simple home remedies may be able to provide temporary relief. Surgical intervention is another option for more serious cases. Visit your physician or dermatologist to seek appropriate treatment for your case. The progressive nature of nail fungal infections makes it a challenge to treat, but with persistence it can be adequately treated.