Identify And Learn How To Heal Fungal Nail Infection Safely
In this article, we will discuss fungal nail infection. You will learn about the cause of this unsightly problem and what puts you at risk for it. Find out about the signs and symptoms, how your doctor confirms the diagnosis, and what you might expect in the course of treatment.
This is an infection of the nails with any of several causative fungi, both yeast like (example: Candida) and spore formers (Tinea) to just name two. Most often found in older individuals, they often follow a fungal infection of the skin or other trauma to the area and most often effect the toenails more than other areas, likely due to the moist and warm environment inside of shoes.
It is common to contract such a fungus while using public facilities like gym dressing rooms and showers, and swimming pools. The conditions within your shoes favor the growth of all sorts of fungi and bacteria. Older age, broken skin or other infections of the foot or damage to the nails can encourage the growth of fungi.
A fungal infection of the nails can present with a number of distinctive signs and symptoms. Changes in the texture, strength and shape and attachment of the nails appear with thickened, opaque and brittle nails. There is crumbling and an accumulation of detritus under the nails, which appears, crumbly and chalky.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is important to see a doctor so he can run some lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. This is because other conditions can present with similar signs and symptoms and might not get the proper treatment.
Several treatment options are available — topical, oral, and surgical. Most topical agents are pretty ineffective, but there is a prescription nail lacquer that can help where oral meds cannot be tolerated. Oral medications are effective in about 50% of cases. They can have serious side effects and react with other medications. Surgical removal of the effected nail allows a new nail to grow back.
