Fungus infection of Nails

Infection of nails by fungus is very common. Fungi usually infect one nail but multiple nail involvement can occur. Infection of the nail by fungus is medically known as onchymycosis. Fungus which infect nails belong to the group called dermatophytes. However, other yeast and molds can also be responsible for fungal infection of nails.

When the fungus infects nail(s), it usually starts as a small whitish or yellow tinge under the tip of finger or toenail. With time, the nail become hard, thickens, and starts to crumble along the edges. Pain is a delayed complaint but most people are embarrassed about the poor cosmesis caused by the infection. In most cases, fungal infection makes the nail looks like crap.

Fungus infections typically are more common in individuals who have their hands and feet continually exposed to moist environments like water, shower rooms, swimming pool floors and hot humid shoes.

One has to be aware that the nail fungus is quite different from fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The latter generally only infects skin of the foot but sometimes may also infect the nail. Fungal nail infections are very difficult to treat and even when treatment is successful, recurrence are common. Unlike the past, today, we do have some decent medications that can help cure nail fungus infections. On cyberspace, there are hundreds of treatments for fungal nail infections—this should immediately tell the consumer that there is no ideal treatment for the infection and most treatments fall into the category of scams.