Nail Fungus - No Need To Keep Living With The Infection
Nail Fungus
Nail disorders are rarely disabling or even painful. But they are a nuisance. One of the most common problems is toenail fungus (medical name onychomysosis)-about 15% of people have it, including nearly half of those over 70.
This infection has received a great deal of press and advertisement time, as there are finally therapies that actually successfully eradicate these infections.
A fast overview of the disease can really help us to get rid of it.
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. An infection of nail fungus (called-onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. Onychomycosis usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. This commonly affects toe nails rather than finger nails. The infection actually eats your skin and nail, so it can continue growing and may spread to other nails. Your nails may look "different," be so thick they're hard to trim, and may cause you discomfort, pain or tenderness that disrupts daily activities.The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 15% in the adult population.
Infections of nail fungus account for about half of all nail disorders. These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. nail infections may be difficult to treat and may recur often.
What are the symptoms of nail infection ?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children hardly ever get fungal nail infections.
Primarily you may see, smell, or feel a nail fungus infection once it takes hold.
· Nails may look brownish, yellowish, or have little white patches. Some may even be brown or black.
· Nails may get flaky, brittle, and chipped.
· Bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails.
Your nails may smell bad.
· Nails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes pain.
· Discomfort from the infection may make it hard to walk, work, or do other activities.
These symptoms may not get better. In fact, if nail fungus infections are not treated, they may get worse.
First, your healthcare provider will look closely at your nails. If your healthcare provider thinks you have nail fungus, he may perform a test. Your healthcare provider may clip off a small piece of your nail so that it can be examined. It may be examined in the office or sent out to a lab. This is the only way to know if you really have nail fungus.The sooner you visit your doctor and get diagnosed , the sooner, you can stop the infection from getting worse and begin to see healthier nails grow again.Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing their recurrence in the skin or nails.
What are the causes of the nail infection and how did you get it ?
Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. Nail fungus is very common.The nail fungus moves in under the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows.Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, such as:
· An injury (like banging a fingernail with a hammer)
· Tight shoes that pinch the toes
Other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus are:
· Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration
· Perspiring heavily
· Walking barefoot in damp public places ,such as swimming pools,gyms and shower rooms
· Smoking
· People whose hands are often wet (for example, dishwashers in restaurants and professional house cleaners) are more likely to get fungal fingernail infections.
That's why it's so hard to reach and stop nail fungus.Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails. This is because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. This is a perfect place for the fungus to grow.The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms.Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.People with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to get nail fungus infection as people without diabetes. Because people with diabetes have circulation problems, left untreated, the infection can often lead to more severe health problems on the foot.
How to take care on the infection ?
Here are some things you can do to take care of your nails if you have a fungal infection (nail fungus infection) :
· Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
· Don't use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, you should bring your own nail files and trimmers from home.
· Wear waterproof gloves for wet work (like washing dishes or floors). To protect your fingers, wear 100 percent cotton gloves for dry work.
· Wear 100 percent cotton socks. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day.
· Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Don't wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
· Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms.
These are just some simple steps to do for your infection. The first step to beating nail fungus is getting a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely examine your nails first. Knowing the cause of your infection helps determine the best course of treatment.When your doctor diagnose your infection ,he will (most often) prescribe you some oral antifungal medication.It’s quite impossible to beat fungus without proper medications.
These days there is one very effective drug to treat nail fungus. Lamisil (Terbinafine hydrochloride) is prescribed for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes .Terbinafine is in a class of medications called antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.The fungus under your nails is attracted to keratin, one of the substances in your nails and skin. The fungus feeds on keratin deep under the nail in the nail bed.
Terbinafine is also attracted to keratin. It can be there to attack the infection. Surface treatments may not be able to reach it in sufficient amounts, so terbinafine hydrochloride is given orally in tablet form, which is absorbed through the bloodstream to reach the infection. Lamisil Tablets are the #1 prescribed treatment for nail fungus infection worldwide.And because nail fungus infection can be so tough to treat, the medicine from Lamisil Tablets will stay in the nail bed months after your prescription is done and continue fighting the infection so you can grow clearer, healthier nails.Terbinafine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken for 6 weeks for fingernail fungus and once a day for 12 weeks for toenail fungus ,but you won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four to 12 months to eliminate an infection.
Nail Fungus - What you need to know about
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Signs and symptoms of a nail fungus infection.
A nail fungus can be seen, smelled, or even felt once it takes hold. Here is a list of some of the most common signs and symptoms of nail fungus:
- The nail fungus may affect the appearance of the nails. They might look greenish, yellowish, or even darker colors. Some may have little white patches on them.
- Nails may get flaky, brittle and chipped.
- Debris might collect under your nails causing them to smell bad.
- Sometimes nail fungus causes the nails to split.
- Sometimes toenails get so thick that even wearing shoes or walking will be painful.
If you think that you have a nail fungus go to your healthcare provider and he or she will perform a test. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a nail fungus.
How to prevent a nail fungus from affecting your toenails?
Well-fitting shoes is always a good defense against a nail fungus. Shoes are well-fitting where there is space (about the width of a thumb) between the end of the shoe and the tip of the longest toe, preventing the toe from being damaged upon impact. Another way to prevent the nail fungus from appearing is to change socks whenever they become damp.
What to do when you have a nail fungal infection?
The nail fungus is hard to eliminate and needs treatment with proper medications, once it establishes in your nail bed. Unfortunately, in most cases, anti-fungal creams applied to the nail are useless because they do not penetrate the nail bed killing the fungus at its sourse.
However, there are strong oral medications that must be taken for months in order to be effective. But, be careful as most medications have side effects to other body organs like the liver or the skin, etc. Ask your physician to monitor side effects during treatment. This consists in periodic blood tests, usually monthly. Any of the following symptoms suggests organ damage and should be reported immediately to your physician: nausea, unusual fatigue, severe loss of appetite, skin rashes, yellow eyes, dark urine, bleeding.
Keep in mind that this list is far from being complete. If you are treating yourself for nail-fungal infection using oral medications, ask your physician for a complete list.
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Top Five FAQs About Nail Fungus
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails. The fingernail and toenail are naturally built to be strong barriers, and resistant to fungi and other infections. However, because of how strong this barrier is, once the infection is present, it is sometimes very difficult to eliminate.
How can I prevent nail fungus?
One of the most important steps in preventing nail infections is to keep nails well trimmed, but not over trimming them. Cutting the nail too short can cause small cuts and tears, which could allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed. To prevent toenail fungal infections, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times. Change socks and shoes frequently. If you have athlete's foot, treat it regularly. Athlete's foot is a fungus which can spread to your toenails. Do not share nail clippers with anyone else, as it is possible to transmit the fungus.
How common is nail fungus?
No one knows for sure, but experts estimate that 30-35 million Americans are affected by this condition.
What are the symptoms?
Because nail fungus can affect the toenails' appearance, they are rather unsightly for an untrained eye. Usually people first discover the infection because of the nail discoloration. Nails may turn green or yellow, but in some cases they turn into an even darken color. Other rather common nail fungus symptoms may be: nails may get flaky, and chipped, bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails, your nails may smell bad, toenails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes pain, discomfort from the infection may make it hard to walk, or do other activities.
How can I cure my nail infection?
There are two primary methods of treating nail fungus. Topical treatments (liquids, creams) are commonly used for to treat less severe cases. These treatments are usually acid-based liquids or anti-fungal creams. Oral treatments are powerful anti-fungal medications, such as Lamisil or Sporanox. Prescription oral medications are usually used in more severe or difficult cases. Nail infections can be difficult to cure, but can usually be treated effectively. See the nail fungus treatments section at http://www.nail-fungus.org for more information.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should see your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor will do a test to tell if you do have a fungal nail infection, and if you do, make a recommendation on treatment options. The earlier that an infection is detected, the easier it will be to treat.
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