Onychomycosis is a condition where the nail becomes infested with fungi. More commonly referred to as nail fungus, this ailment is one of the most widespread diseases that affects the nails and is responsible for roughly 50 percent of all nail abnormalities. Nail fungus can affect both toenails and fingernails, but getting nail fungus on your feet is much more common than having it on your hands.
A thicker than normal nail with a cloude or yellow appearance is usually signs on an infested nail. The nail migh become increasingly rough and sometimes separation from the nail bed occurs. In most cases it is not associated with discomfort or pain.
It is hard to cure to to being embedded in the nail and treating toe nail fungus usually requires long term nail fungus treatment. Do not be surprised if the process takes up to a year or more, especially when the big toe is affected since this large nail needs a lot of time to regenerate.
Most toenail fungus treatment products are either systemic or topical, but during recent years some doctors have begun to use a combination of both. Examples of commonly utilized antifungal medications are itraconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox and amorolfine. Another way of treating toe nail fungus is by using laser.
Nail fungus can be caused by a number of different culprits including dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic moulds and candida. Dermatophytes is the most common culprit in colder climates while non-dermatophytic moulds and candida are more common in warmer and tropical climates.
Deramtophytes feeds on keratinized rich materials and is therefore commonly found in hair, skin and nails. They usually dont penetrate the nonliving cornified layers of the skin since the immune system keeps them at bay and prevent them from entering living tissue. A problem with the immune system, e.g. due to underlying health conditions or certain medications, can however allow the fungi to attack living cells. They can be transmitted in a number of ways and can spread both by direct contact with an infected individual or or indirect due to contact with shedded skin, nails or hair particles. Common sources for infecteions include locker rooms, towels, clothing, combs and furniture. Renting shoes, e.g. for bowling, poses a risk unless the shoes are sterilized.
