Severe Fungal Nail InfectionsA severe fungal nail infection takes place when a fungus finds its way to the nail bed of a fingernail or a toenail and starts to grow unimpeded for a long time without being treated. One such fungal nail infection is called Onychomycosis. It mostly develops in toenails as compared to fingernails as nails on your feet grow slowly which gives time to the fungus to grow and develop.
There are four types of fungal nail infections. Ninety percent of all fungal nail infections are caused due to a fungus called dermatophytes. Distal Subungual Onychmycosis is the most common type of fungal nail infection. People who are above 40 are more prone to this fungal nail infection, and men more than women are known to suffer from it. Causes Once a fungus finds a way inside your nail, it starts growing on or under the nail. Fungi develop faster in areas in and around the toes where it is warm, and wet or moist. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis is a communicable infection. It gets transferred directly or indirectly from one person to another. Fungal toenail infection can also occur due to long-standing athlete's foot. Wearing tight and airless shoes in which feet get warm and moist shoes increases the chances of developing fungal nail infection. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis has the following symptoms: * Yellow streaks under the nail. * Powdery debris under the nail. * Brittle, thickened and broken nail * Thick and discolored nail. * Distortion of nails shape * Brittle and crumbly nails There are high chances of developing a fungal infection in * People who have skin injuries and small nails. * People who wear closed and tight footwear. * People who use public swimming pools, shower rooms, gyms, etc. * People who sweat a lot. * People with moist skin. Fungal nail infection and its diagnosis The fungal nail infection will be diagnosed by your health professional by checking your nail. He may ask the history of your health. If there are suspicious signs and symptoms, he may do a fungal test since most nail infections are caused by fungi. A proper test is important to understand the nail problem and give the most appropriate treatment related to it. How to treat a fungal nail infection? You can get a fungal nail infection treated with antifungal medication. Many antifungal medicines are available but takes time to cure the infection and make the nail normal. The treatment largely depends upon the stage at which the infection is. At the initial stages, applying an ointment or a topical cream may be enough to heal the nail. In the case of severe infection, antifungal pills are the best way to cure the nail infection. Most pills come with their set of side-effects. If the infection gets too serious, your health professional may recommend a surgery for you. A surgery is the best option for removing the nail infection from the root if oral or topical medication does not prove to be effective. SummaryFungal nail infections, if allowed to fester, can become extremely painful and difficult to treat. In chronic cases, the infection returns again and again and causes discomfort to the infected person. Never wait for long and contact your health professional if you find your fingernails or toenails red or developing pus, or any of the symptoms mentioned above.
|