Saturday, March 10, 2012

ONYCHOMYCOSIS - NAIL FUNGAL INFECTION

ONYCHOMYCOSIS - NAIL FUNGAL INFECTION


The nail infections of the fungal type are the thickening and discoloration of the toe nails. There are certain types of fungi that feed on the toe nails, that is, keratin. Fungi grow in dark and moist environments and some footwear are ideal for the growth of the fungi. When your nail catches a fungal infection, it gets chalky, brown and yellow.

The nail would become brittle. The nail will become loose and thicken and it is likely that the infection would spread to the other nails too. You must see the skin expert for advice if you tend to have thickened nails. Nail infection can happen at any age although it happens with increasing age. Attention must be paid to the changes in nails and this may lead to local infections too.

There are quite a variety of treatments available for fungal infections of nails and these treatments are general as well as surgical. A thickened nail has to undergo a diagnosis.

Lacquers, ointments and creams are to be applied topically and these can be bought from the pharmacist while other medicines would need a prescription. Many nails are not resolved even with the application of drugs. The nails have to be cut short for the drug to get penetrated. This is generally done with the help of a file.  A small nail drill can also be used. There are tablets available for the infection and these can be taken orally. However, only taking tablets would not help in the cure as ointments have to be applied. Surgery is often used for removing a fungus affected nail. The nail is sometimes fully removed and then the new nail can be treated with drugs.

A nail infection is not much harmful but it should be stopped from getting enhanced and if regular and proper care is taken, it would be easier to come out of this nail problem.

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