Fungal nail infection or onychomicosis

Fungi are imperceptibly present on the human body at all times, without giving discomfort to a person. However, fungi may cause problems when someone has a damaged skin or nail. In hot and humid areas, fungi can multiply swiftly and cause infections. As a result, nails can be deformed and in extreme cases start to separate from the nail bed.

Fungal invasion and keratosis

A fungal nail can be recognised by its yellowish colour. The fungus invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail via the nail root. If a fungal nail is not treated, keratosis will occur and make it fall off eventually. Keratosis is the process of keratinization of a nail, giving the nail plate a pattern of shallow pits and grooves and a thickened, yellow, or crumbly appearance. 

Causes

The skin and nails are more sensitive to fungi when somebody has a damaged skin, or if people wash too much with perfumed soap or wear pinching shoes. High-exposure areas for fungal infections are swimming pools, saunas and showers at sports clubs. Consequently, it is good advise to always wear flipflops or sandals in these areas.

Prevention

Fungal nails can be prevented by always keeping the nails clean and drying your toes and in between thoroughly after having a shower. It is wise to always wear cotton socks during cold days and put on cleans socks every day. During hot days, it is advisable to wear airy shoes like flipflops and sandals whenever possible.

In case of keratinization of the nail, it is not safe to file it and make it look smooth, because it contains many spores of fungi, which may land on other nails or contaminate them.

Remedies and cures

Though many ointments, creams, oils and lotions are available for combatting fungal nails, they are not adequate. The fact is that, instead of invading the underside of the nail, these remedies attack the surface of the nail plate only.

For combatting fungi effectively, it is necessary to take a cure of antifungal tablets, which is to be had on prescription from the family doctor. It may take months or even a year before fungus-free nails have grown back, because toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.

Mind you, contraceptive pills are less effective as soon as antifungal tablets are taken, so remember to use condoms for your protection.  

Sources: www.todio.nl