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Causes, Signs and Effective Treatment for Nail Fungus

 


Fungus Infection

Fungus is normally found inside your body, as many bacteria live. The problem stems when it overgrows. When it infects your nail over time, you see some visible abnormalities in your nails. 

Also called Onychomycosis or tinea unguium, this infection disfigures toenails or fingernails. However, you don’t feel it immediately. Over time, some subtle changes start to appear. 

Causes of Fungus Infection

·         Moist Environment

As aforementioned, the overgrowing fungi start troubling in, under or on the nail. Generally, the warm and moist environments allow it to overpopulate naturally. Consequently, you see jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm, which are nail infections.  

·         From Contacts

It is a contagious disease, which spreads on being contacted with someone or manicure/pedicure tools that are already infected. If you have a tendency to confine your feet in shoes, it gets a reproduction-friendly space that is warm and moist. This is how it gets overpopulated.

Common Signs

  •  a thick & disfigured nail that may lift off from the nail bed
  •  an odor coming from the infected nail
  •  a brittle or thickened nail

Ideal Candidates who Can Catch It Easily

Men are likely to catch it more often than those of women. Adults and older adults have a high risk to get it for having poor blood circulation.

Besides, these are some ideal candidates who are more prone to catch it: 

  •   Those who are diabetic
  •  Those who are over 65
  •  Those who get a nail injury
  •  Those who have weak immunity
  •  Those who have poor circulation 
  •  Those who put on artificial nails
  •  Those who put on tight shoes or boots
  •  Those who swim in a public swimming pool
  •  Those who have a skin injury around the nail
  •  Those who sweat &have moist fingers or toes

Treatment

It’s better not to hide your nail infection if you really want to get rid of it. You can try some over-the-counter available anti-fungal creams and lotions. If this does not work, go for the prescription of an experienced dermatologist. He will examine the type of fungus in a laboratory and then, prescribe a stronger medicine.

Some topical creams and lotions may show improvement, but compromising on some other side effects like redness, swelling and burning sensation.   

·         Laser Treatment

Fungus is hard to destroy. It does not get off for being stubborn. As per Dr. Sanjay Mohindra, the laser treatment is now introduced to kill nail fungus. He clarifies, “high doses of light are passed through the infected area. Its results are so far found good. But, more surveys and reports are yet to be conducted to ensure that it is safe and useful on patients. It’s non-invasive and painless also.”

However, being fairly new, it’s costly and even, the insurance does not cover it.

·         Uproot Nail

If over-the-counter remedies fail, or the laser does not prove good enough, your doctor may suggest for the removal of the infected fingernail or toenail. Once it’s uprooted, you can regrow a new healthy nail. But, this could take a whole year or more time.

You need to undergo a small surgery. Or, the doctor will pull it out using a strong chemical. This procedure won’t take more than an hour. You can go home right away upon the surgery. 

Post Procedure Precautions

  •   Keep your bathroom disinfected.
  • Avoid moving out with barefoot.
  • You can use shower shoes.
  • Avoid getting in touch with infected tools or persons.
  •  Put on socks, especially made up of cotton, if your feet sweat a lot. 


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