There are a lot of articles available on toenail and fingernail fungus.‚ Almost as many as there are meds to treat these conditions.‚ But if you don’t take time to understand the problem, learn how one gets it and how to avoid getting it again or passing it on, you will likely suffer from fungus all your life.‚ ‚ A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, like sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn’t the same as athlete’s foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus.
A fungal‚ infection can‚ be difficult to treat, and infections may recur. But medications are available to help clear up nail fungus.

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Signs and symptoms

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You may have a nail fungal infection - also called onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis) - if one or more of your nails are:
¢‚¬¢ Thickened
¢‚¬¢ Brittle, crumbly or ragged
¢‚¬¢ Distorted in shape
¢‚¬¢ Dull, with no luster or shine
¢‚¬¢ A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail

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Infected nails may also separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. You may even feel pain in your toes or fingertips and detect a slightly foul odor.

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Causes

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Fungi are microscopic organisms that don’t need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection.
Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

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All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture - conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

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Infection with nail fungus occurs more in toenails than in fingernails because toenails are often confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes - where fungi can thrive. Another reason may be the diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers, which makes it harder for your body’s immune system to detect and eliminate the infection.

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Risk factors

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Nail fungus is more common among older adults for several reasons, including diminished blood circulation, more years of exposure to fungi and because nails may grow more slowly and thicken with aging, making them more susceptible to infection. Nail fungus also tends to affect men more than women and those with a family history of this infection. Resistance to fungal infection likely has a genetic component.

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These factors also can increase your risk of developing nail fungus:
¢‚¬¢ Perspiring heavily
¢‚¬¢ Working in a humid or moist environment
¢‚¬¢ Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don’t absorb perspiration
¢‚¬¢ Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
¢‚¬¢ A minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection
¢‚¬¢ Diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system.

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When to seek medical advice

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Once a nail fungal infection begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated. See your doctor at the first sign of nail fungus, which is often nothing more than a tiny white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail.

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Complications

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Nail fungal infections can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. They may also lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

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Fungal infections of the nail pose the most serious health risk for people with diabetes and for those with weakened immune systems, such as people with leukemia or those who’ve had an organ transplant. If you have diabetes, your blood circulation and the nerve supply to your feet can become impaired. Therefore, any relatively minor injury to your feet - including a nail fungal infection - can lead to a more serious complication, requiring timely medical care. See your doctor immediately if you suspect nail fungus.

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Screening and diagnosis

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The first step to beating nail fungus is getting a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely examine your nails first. To test for fungi, your doctor may scrape some debris from under your nail for analysis.

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The debris can be examined under a microscope or cultured in a lab to identify what’s causing the infection. Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a fungal infection of the nail. Microorganisms, including yeast and bacteria, also can infect nails. Knowing the cause of your infection helps determine the best course of treatment.

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Treatment

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Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Do not underestimate the potential problems this fungus can cause.‚ Seek reliable treatment right away.

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Beverly Vines-Haines is the Marketing, Research and Text Coordinator for Healing Leaf LLC.‚ This is a company that tackles the toughest skin and nail conditions known to man.‚ A best-selling author for years before she became a part of Healing Leaf LLC, she is dedicated to natural healing and creating pure products that are both safe and earth friendly. For more information about these effective products, visit www.NoFungusAmongUs.com.

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