What is Toenail Fungal Infection? Causes, Symptoms and Cure
What is Toenail Fungal Infection? Causes, Symptoms and Cure
According to statistics, onychomycosis or commonly known as toenail fungus affects almost half of Americans, 70 years of age and beyond. This is a disease that is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungus breed and they feed on the keratin which makes up the surface of the toenail. The disease is relatively rare in young people particularly kids. Then again, the prevalence of this disease increases as the person advances in age. The fungal infection happens when microscopic fungi begins to enter a small trauma in the nail, then blossom and spread in the warm and damp areas inside the person's socks or shoes.
What causes toenail fungal infection?
People can pick up toenail fungus in moist areas such as shower stalls, common gyms or swimming pools. This can be passed amongst family members and links via direct or indirect contact.
Unluckily, this disease can be transmitted from one toe to another or even to the other areas of the body. Individuals who are dynamic in sports and wear tight-fitting shoes or keep their feet from drying out are at higher risk of having this disease.
What are the symptoms?
Following are the most common symptoms of this condition - weak toenail, foul smell due to the decay, frail nails and spots on the sides of the affected area.
It seems that, toenail and fingernail fungal infections are quite different. Clearly, the former is harder to treat. The most prone area to be infected are the big and little toenails. In spite of this, the other toenails are still not secure as the infection can be transmitted to surrounding areas.
To correctly deal with the disease, it is defining to distinguish the risk factors associated with the disease like the following - wet and moist feet, abnormal PH of the skin and low immune system. People suffering from diabetes have a high risk of having a toenail fungus because their immune system is weak. Noticeably, nearly all diabetics would seek the help of a podiatrist to assist them in managing their sensitive toenails.
Is the Condition Curable?
As soon as you have detected the symptoms associated with the condition, you need to consult a specialist right away. The disease is curable. On the other hand, the treatment process is slow. There are two main types of fungal infection treatment. First is the topical management care, where the patient applies the medicine onto the nail's surface. Second is per orem medication. From the word itself, it is taken orally.
Research studies proved that topical remedy for nail fungus works best in the early periods of a mild infection. Ciclopirox is usually prescribed and it is applied like a nail burnish. You can also find supplementary over-the-counter fungus treatments, although their potency varies.
More often than not, people who are affected with the disease would choose to take the oral medications as they are more convenient. In addition, home or natural' remedies are still used by some. These remedies vary from apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil to balm and mouthwash. Nevertheless, none of them has been verified scientifically.
Is the condition inescapable? Since treating a toenail infection can be very complex, it is best to try to prevent the development of the disease. Remember the significance of wearing protective shoes or sandals when using public showers, pool and gyms. By doing so, you are protecting your feet from contracting unseen microorganisms and fungi. Also, as much as possible do not borrow other people's socks or shoes particularly if he has observable toenail fungus symptoms. Trim your toenails and wash your feet frequently. You should dry them comprehensively particularly after taking a shower. Remember that early detection is key to the treatment plan. So if you suspect any symptoms, call your respective health care provider in order to be given the right diagnosis and treatment for the disease.
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