Fungus infection of Nails part 2

Symptoms of fungal nail infection include:

- Thick and uneven nails
- Dull looking nails
- Crumbling or ragged nails
- Uneven shape
- Discolored nails, usually white or yellow patches
- No polish to nails

Sometimes the fungal infection may spread to the nail bed and result in separation of the nail, a condition known as oncholysis. The nail slowly become loose and starts to break apart. In the beginning, there is no pain, but when the infection is not treated, most individual complain of a continuous dual ache. When the infection is full blown, one may also notice a foul odor.

How does one acquire fungal nail infection?

Fungi and many other microorganisms live in warm moist environments, including swimming pools, exercise rooms, gym, sauna, and shower floors. These fungi normally contact feet all the time but are not able to penetrate skin. However, if an individual has any crack or break in skin, the fungus quickly penetrates skin and infects the nail bed. A single exposure of fungus is not adequate to cause an infection. Most people need continual exposure of fungus to develop an infection. Further, the exposure must be in an environment that is conducive to fungal survival. Fungi usually love to grow in warm moist environments.

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.

Home Care Treatment for Ingrown Toe Nails

For those who have no time to see a physician and have an ingrown toenail, the following may help:

Soak your feet for 15-20 mins twice a day in warm water. There is no need to add salt or any other anti septic to the water. The water will soften the nail, relieve pain, and reduce redness.

If there is room, you may place a small piece of gauze underneath the nail. This is not very easy and the gauze will keep on falling out. Moreover, when the nail is tender you may not be able to stuff the gauze inside. If you can get the gauze inside the nail, change it daily

If there is no infection, avoid antibiotic

Wear decent shoes. Sandals are preferred. If you go back to wearing high heels, then you deserve the pain from ingrown toenails

In most cases, the pain is mild but can be moderate while wearing shoes. Advil or Motrin is sufficient for most individuals

Take good care of your feet and practice good hygiene. We live in a society where almost everyone worries about their face and not their feet. However, if you are a diabetic your feet should be the most important part of your body.

What causes ingrown toenails?

In all cases, the condition arises when nails grows into the flesh of the toe. The most common causes of ingrown toenails include:

- Wearing tight fitting shoes (eg high heels)
- Cutting toe nails too short
- Cutting toe nails unevenly
- Injuring skin during clipping of toe nail
- Having curved toe nails
- Anatomical factors
- Repetitive nail trauma
- Genetics
- Excess sweating
- Poor foot hygiene

Other possible risk factors include broaden nail folds and thinner, flatter nails.

Medical disorders that are associated with ingrown toe nails include diabetes, obesity, thyroid, liver and kidney disease- all these disorders are associated with swelling of the foot.

Can an ingrown toe nail cause complications?

Sure, if left untreated, the infection can spread to underlying tissues and bone. This can cause more pain and spread of infection.

In diabetics an ingrown toenail can lead to serious limb threatening complications
Individual who smoke and have poor circulation in their feet can also develop serious infections.