The Progressive Nature of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus infections can be characterized as a progressive and recurring condition that develops rather slowly and can be difficult to eliminate. The medical term for is "onychomycosis" (on-ih-ko-my-KO-sis), and symptoms generally include thickened discoloured nails, often ridged and flecked by white dots. The disease usually begins when debris enters the nail plate and causes it to become discoloured. The types of differ in their pattern of growth.

Of the two types of nail fungus, toenail fungus infections occur more frequently than fingernail infections and are often harder to treat. In fact, it is estimated that toenail infections are roughly four to five times more common than fingernail infections. One reason for this is because thanks to our shoes and socks, toenails are more exposed to the moist, dark and warm environment on which fungus thrives. If you are older you are also more likely to develop nail fungal infections because your nails tend to grow thicker. By the time you reach the age of 70, you'll probably have suffered from some kind of nail infection.

A infection is progressive in nature; in other words, it won't go away by itself and will continue to get worse if you don't do something about it. Nail fungus is attracted to keratin which is a substance in your nails and skin. Your nails are made of tough keratin protein. Toe is caused by many different types of mould and mildew related fungi; in most cases, the fungi responsible for toenail infections are known as dermatophytes. Other common nail fungal infection culprits include bacteria, mould, and yeast, although fungi remain the number one cause for infection.

Men are more likely to develop toenail fungi than women, who are more likely to suffer from fingernail infections than men. For instance, military personnel and athletes appear to be at greater risk of developing a nail fungal infection, which may be because they are more exposed to the wet floors of showers, locker rooms, and public bathrooms. Women



who visit nail salons regularly are more susceptible to developing fungal infections in their fingernails. Most people who develop nail fungal infections tend to have some predisposition, including compromised immune systems and a family history of fungal infections. Nail fungus is especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems.

For most people who contract this stubborn infection, the establishes itself as a chronic condition. At times the symptoms of infection can seem to dissipate, but as a rule they eventually return. Many times is a sign that the person has a deep-seated yeast infection and has had this for years. Nail fungus infections very rarely heal by themselves permanently. Even those individuals who lose their toenail due to injury or spontaneous drop off do not gain permanent relief from nail fungus. In most cases, the new toenail that grows in is also affected by fungus. In some cases, a more serious infection may develop if is not treated quickly and accurately, and where the patient complains of severe pain or becomes immobilized due to the infection, surgical intervention may become necessary.

At the present time, no universally effective treatment for nail fungal infections exists. Prescription oral or topical medications may prove effective for some patients, but they have been linked to a litany of undesirable side effects. Terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole are the common oral medications that are prescribed to treat nail fungus. For less advanced cases, simple home remedies may be able to provide temporary relief. The progressive nature of nail fungal infections makes it a challenge to cure, but with persistence it can be adequately treated.

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