Nail Fungus

Although special situations may discolor fingernails, the cause is more often a fungal infection, caused by the microorganism called fungi. The medical term for this condition is onychomycosis, affecting about 12% of all Americans. Opportune diagnosis for fingernail fungus may accelerate the healing process, which usually takes over a year to improve. 

Fungal infections are usually seen until the nail is affected, but a dermatologist is able to take nail samples and identify the problem before a notorious manifestation occurs, making it possible for appropriate treatment. Samples are obtained by scraping a nail, then applying KOH chemical solution, which allows an examination under a microscope. 

Research shows that approximately 25% of all people at age 40 suffer from fingernail or toenail fungus, while the percentage increases up to 40% in older people. This condition seems also to have an inherited tendency, sometimes running in families for several generations, although not all the members of a family may be susceptible to the infection.

Fingernail Fungus occurs as result of psoriasis or allergic reactions to acrylic nails, nail polish, hardeners, and even nail creams, which are a vehicle to spread the infection when it already exists. Fingernail Fungus rarely occurs in children at any age, unless one or both parents are infected. 

However, fingernail infections are more frequently developed in women than in men. Many specialists attribute this tendency to the use of fingernail polish and enamel, which usually causes no harm but in a few cases may contribute to the growth of nail fungus, where the oxygen supply is cut off and changes the PH to the fingernail. 

People with fingernail fungus may develop rugged ridges that may be trimmed to prevent the spreading of the infection, although ridges are not a symptom of fungal infection. Ridges can also be the result of injury to the nail, hereditary condition and even age. However, the main infection focus resides in the salons where acrylic nails and nail treatments and manicure are applied. 

There are a large number of salons reported for unhygienic installations and tools, if not unqualified technicians as well. Recently, American Idol Judge Paula Abdul testified before Legislature to lobby regarding a fungal infection she got in her thumb, after visiting a nail technician using dirty tools. 

Salons usually contribute to the spread of fingernail fungus, as public showers, swimming pools and gyms contribute to toenail fungus. After a nail bed is infected, an overall breakdown in the body’s defenses occurs, propitiating immune system illness, and the fast development of nail fold laceration and fingertip crush.