Nail fungus or a nail fungal infection is very common. It can affect anyone including people above the age of 70. It is found to affect men more than women and is more common as one gets older. Nail fungus causes the nail to become thickened and discolored. The nail loses its natural color and turns yellow or brown. It also turns green, white or black in some cases. The nail becomes brittle and ridged. It curls inwards and becomes difficult to cut or trim. In some cases it lifts away from the toe and dirt and debris collect under the nail and can become malodorous. Nail fungus is merely cosmetic and is not painful. It can cause pain in some cases when the person wears tight shoes.
Fungal nail infections mainly occur on the toes as the conditions are right for the growth of the fungus. Feet that are enclosed in shoes all day long get hot and sweaty. This warm, damp environment is ideal for fungal growth. These infections are primarily caused by yeasts and moulds that thrive in these conditions. Skin infections also cause this problem. People suffering from Athletes foot have a high chance of a nail infection. The infection can travel from the foot to the nail. Factors like nail damage from an accident, playing sport or biting your nails increases the chance of a nail infection. General poor health and smoking also increase the risk. People that suffer from diabetes or psoriasis are at a higher risk of contracting this infection. Sharing footwear, nail cutting equipment or washing facilities with a person that has this infection can also get infected.
If you feel you have a nail infection, show it to your doctor. The most common symptoms of a nail infection are the thickening and discoloration of the nail. The nail will start to grow outwards or inwards and ridges will appear on it. A doctor will take a sample of the nail to determine the type of fungus. Once the type of fungus causing the infection is determined he or she will prescribe anti-fungal medication and topical creams to be applied on the affected nail. The medication needs to be taken daily and will take about 6 months to eliminate the infection and after that it will take time for the nail to grow back.
The oral and surface treatment is found to work in only 67% of the cases. Now there is an alternative treatment that people can opt for. Laser nail treatment requires as little as one session that lasts less than an hour. It targets the fungus in and around the nail directly and has no side effects. This method has a much higher success rate and is very effective. After the treatment is done the nail is sprayed with an anti-fungal medication. You are advised to carry a new pair of socks to wear after the treatment. Your shoes are sprayed as well.
Fungal nail infections are cosmetic and can cause a person to become conscious and embarrassed. Fungal nail infections can be easily treated and should not be a cause of embarrassment.
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