Nail Fungus

There are many types of fungal infections, but the most common of them is nail fungus, also known as Tinea Unguium or nychomycosis, resulting from an infection of the fingernails and toenails by a fungus. Bacteria and fungi are hosted on our body along with other microorganisms, living on the dead tissues of your nails. 

Fungal infections develop when conditions are optimal for bacteria causing ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot and tinea capitis, although Fungi usually is the cause of Candida yeast infections. It is estimated that over 35 million people in America get nail fungus by contact, particularly toenails fungus.

Because fungal infection resides underneath the nail, it is hard to eradicate it indefinitely, requiring several treatments to control the spreading and stopping the infection. Many people contract the fungus after attending public pools and other damp places, so basic education to prevent and combat the illness is necessary. 

Fungus may appear as symptom after oral thrush, diaper rash and cutaneous candidiasis, and sometimes a as the result of genital rashes. This infection occurs more often in toenails than fingernails, being difficult to cure due to its recurring condition. 

When fungi infects one or more of your nails, the first notorious signs is a white or yellowish spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernail, making it discolor the nail as the infection spreads, developing thickness and crumbling edges. 

Athlete’s foot is the usual condition leading to severe infection, although a damage or trauma to nails influences the development of onychomycosis, a potentially painful problem. People should be aware to prevent nail fungus before it actually occurs. 

Prevention is better (and quicker) than the cure, wearing sandals in public gyms, shower rooms and swimming pools and taking care of footwear when perspiration is the problem, because mold and fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas. Avoid closed-shoes and prolonged moist skin to prevent any other nail injury. 

Nail fungus can be diagnosed by a skilled doctor, by a simple examination of the appearance of the nails, prescribing antibiotics after the fungal infection is confirmed by means of scraping the nail for microscopic examination or a culture to identify the type of fungus accurately. 

If you are experiencing changes in the shape or color of your nails, or having symptoms of a fungal infection, call your health care provider immediately. Untreated nail fungus leads to the recurrence of fungal infections of the nail, permanent damage to your nails, and secondary skin infections, including paronychia, and infection around a finger or toenail, extending to other parts of your body.