What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is also known as Onychomycosis or Tinea unguium. It is a fairly common infection that can occur in the fingernails and/or the toenails. Nail fungus starts when tiny organisms called dermatophytes grow underneath the skin. The nail provides a safe, dark and damp place for the fungus to breed and also protects it while it grows. Because of its position under the nail it is often very hard to reach or stop it from growing. Usually, fungi cause the area around the base and the sides of the nail to become red and irritated. Initially, the edges or base of the nail are affected. As it spreads, the nail and nail bed begin to show changes. Mild discomfort, itchiness, or even pain bleeding or detachment of the cuticles may occur. Fungal nail infections can be contagious and the organisms can spread from one person to another. These organisms survive where the air is moist and can then attack bare hands and feet. This fungal infection is more common in the toenails because socks and
Your body hosts millions of microscopic organisms, some harmful, some hurtful. Fungi are one type of tiny, plant-like organism that lives on your body or inside it. Unlike plants, they have no chlorophyll, a chemical which turns sunlight into food. To survive, fungi absorb nutrients from other living or dead things. They thrive in warm, moist places, like underneath your toenails. It is estimated that around 36 million people in the United States have onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are more common in toenails, but they also occur in fingernails. They are more likely in adults and often follow a fungal foot infection, like athlete’s foot. When the nail is infected with fungi, it becomes yellowish, dry and brittle. The nail also becomes thicker, as layers of fungi grow and bloom. The nail may even separate from the skin, slightly rising off the toe. Locker rooms, public pools and gym showers can all be sources of fungal infections. Fungi love these hot, da
Also known as Onychomycosis , nail fungus is very common worldwide. Nail fungus is caused by tiny organisms that infect the fingernails and toenails. Nail fungus happens below the fingernails or toenails, making it difficult to reach and cure at times. The fungus thrives in places that are warm, moist and dark. This is the reason why many who wear shoes constantly in warmer climates have toenail fungus infections. Common Causes of Toenail Fungus Toenails are affected more by the nail fungus than fingernails. This is because of the ideal conditions present in the toenails for the breeding of the fungus. Toenail fungus occurs when the fungus gets under the toenails. Common causes of toenail fungus may include: — A break in the nail, helping the fungus to enter. — Toenails that are weak due to wearing very tight-fitting shoes. — Wearing the same shoes daily without allowing them to dry thoroughly in between wearing them. — Most people cut toenails extremely close to the skin, causing
Nail fungus is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. Another name for a nail fungus infection is onychomycosis.. Mild infections may produce few or no symptoms. More severe infections may cause the nail to turn whitish, thicken, become brittle, and even detach from the nailbed. Some people have blisters and painful swelling around the infected nail. Fungal infection of the toenails is more common than fingernails. You can get a toenail infection by walking barefoot in public places or as part of an athlete’s foot infection. Fungal infections of the nail can be difficult to cure. Alternative, over-the-counter and prescription treatments can help kill the fungus on the skin surrounding the nail. For fungal infections of the nailbed, prescription medicines taken by mouth are the most effective treatment. Before prescribing a medicine, your doctor can take a small sample from the nail to find out which fungus is causing the infection. For comfort, keep affected nails short. Fo
– Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. – These fungal infections usually cause discoloration, thickening and often softening of the nails. – Nail fungus is a difficult condition to treat and may often cause permanent damage to the nails and possibly nail loss.
