What is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis represents approximately 50% of all nail disorders. Onychomycosis is far more common on the toenail than it is on the fingernail. It may be associated with trauma to the nail and is commonly seen in association with fungal involvement of the soles of the feet, known as tinea pedis. This disease, which causes the nails to become thickened, hard to cut and often painful, is worsened by moisture, warmth, trauma, communal bathing, and other activities that lead to the exposure of fungi. Common complaints of the disorder are pain, deformed nails, and interference with daily activities such as walking, typing, or playing a musical instrument. Those who suffer from the disease cite a substantial negative effect on their quality of life. Nevertheless, the perception still persists in the minds of many physicians that onychomycosis is more of a cosmetic nuisance than a significant disease, which is not the approach at Le MedSpa.
Definition Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. The actual infection is of the bed of the nail and of the plate under the surface of the nail. Description Onychomycosis is the most common of all diseases of the nails in adults. In North America, the incidence falls roughly between 2–13%. The incidence of onychomycosis is also greater in older adults, and up to 90% of the elderly may be affected. Men are more commonly infected than women. Individuals who are especially susceptible include those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and circulatory problems and those with diseases that suppress the immune system. Other risk factors include a family history, previous trauma to the nails, warm climate, occlusive or tight footwear. Causes and symptoms Onychomycosis is caused by three types of fungi, called dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds. Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms that don’t need sunlight to grow. Toenails are especially susc
Onychomycosis refers to fungal infections present in fingernails or toenails. It can be called nail ringworm and more commonly affects the toes. The condition causes the nail to take on a yellow color and the nail may look like it is opaque instead of clear. Onychomycosis additionally may damage the integrity of affected nails and they may break or crumble easily. Usually, this fungal infection doesn’t cause nail pain, but it does look painful and it’s pretty easy to notice. In very severe cases, nails may be painful. There are many fungi present in a lot of human environments that can result in onychomycosis. It’s not always clear why some people develop reactions to these fungi while others don’t, especially when exposure is the same. One factor that may particularly encourage growth of these special fungi that attack the nails, called dermatophytes, is a warm and wet environment. If you have constantly sweaty feet and wear heavy shoes, you might encourage growth of dermatophytes, to
