Basic Facts About Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is recognized as one of the most widely known nail abnormalities. It's characterized by the deformation, discoloration, and eventual deterioration of the infected toenail. The condition is known by various medical jargon, particularly, Onychomycosis, ringworm of the nail, dermatophytic onychomycosis and Tinea unguium.Toenail fungus is a significantly contagious condition and can quickly be transmitted from one individual to another individual.

The aging population and those men and women with Diabetes mellitus and HIV are extremely predisposed to this fungal infection. Its incidence has additionally been traced to shower stalls, locker rooms and bathrooms, particularly those in community places as well as other places that are unhygienic.

Toenail fungus is categorized into 4 primary categories based on the extent and type of the fungal infection. These are the following:

1. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis – This type of the toenail fungus could likewise be reckoned as the most widely known type of the fungal disease. It's brought on by the pathogenic microorganism called Trichophyton rubrum. It is an exceptionally severe disease as it causes harm to the infected toenail and considerable destruction to the keratin by burrowing into the nail bed and infection the nail plate.
2. Candida Onychomycosis – This is another kind of the fungal infection which is extremely common. It is normally linked to habitual and extended soaking in water of the feet.
3. Proximal Subungal Onchomycosis – This form of the fungal infection is a type of Tinea unguium and it is oftentimes associated to weakened immunity system. The fungus that is responsible for the toenail disease at first penetrates the proximal nail fold and reaches the nail plate and the nail bed.
4. White Superficial Onychomycosis – This fungal issue is identified by the existence of what is understood in medical parlance as "white islands" on the tainted toenails. This problem is caused by the ongoing degradation and disintegration of the superficial external layer as a result of its exposure to the fungus. This form of the fungal infection only makes up a small portion of the identified events of toenail fungus. While it may not be as common as the other types of the fungal disease bearing on the toenails, it is assumed as a great wellness concern as it is once in a while confused for another health issue called keratin granulation.

Nail fungus can be associated with pain and can lead to irreversible damage to the tainted toenail. The fungal disease can furthermore be a precursor of other serious infections that can have an affect on other parts of the body. Such complications are often due to poor immune system, a condition that may be connected to the intake of certain prescriptions, diabetes and HIV.

Nail fungus has the potential to become a significant medical condition for individuals who are experiencing diabetes mellitus, leukemia and AIDS. A compromised immune system can set off severe problems to people with toenail fungus while recipients of organ transplants are facing the highest risk of getting severe complications.

The medical practitioner will usually perform physical evaluation of the infected toenail first. A small sample may be taken by scraping some particles from underneath the affected toenail for lab testing. Specifically, the debris extracted from the infected toenail will be examined under the microscope or be subjected to culture to identify the pathogenic microorganism. There are other health conditions which can mimic the signs or symptoms of toenail fungus. Thus, it is vital that such conditions are isolated for the finding the appropriate treatment course.

There are a few healthy practices that must be followed to reduce the possibility of developing toenail fungus. It is vital that you follow these preventive measures not only to prevent the fungal infection but to lessen its recurrence also.

• Keep your toenails dry, clean and short.
• Avoid wearing artificial-fiber socks. Wear breathable cotton socks instead.
• Use antifungal powder or spray.
• Never walk with your barefoot in public shower rooms, locker rooms and other public areas.
• Pay a visit to reputable pedicure salons.
• Frequently clean your hands, especially after coming in contact with the tainted toenail

Treatment and Cure of Toenail Fungus

Treatment of toenail fungus can be a difficult task and the treatment regimen would in most cases simply take months to finish. The courses of therapy can be divided into 2 primary groups – Pharmacological or medical treatments and natural treatment or home remedies.

Pharmacological treatments focus on the usage of anti-fungal medicines, systemic and topical preparations in curing the fungal disease. The period of the treatment is essentially hinged on the severity of the condition and the time that's needed to shed off the infected nail and make space for a new nail to form. The treatment regime may run up to 12 months or more in order to achieve a complete cure.

But then, the effectiveness of natural therapy and home treatments for toenail fungus is grounded on the appropriate application of these treatment plans. Such non-traditional treatments can be used to effectively control and remove toenail fungus without the negative effects which are frequently observed in pharmacological treatments.