Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is the scientific name for when the nails are ingected by fungi. More commonly referred to as nail fungus, this problem is widespread and is believed to be the cause behind atleast 50% of all nail abnormalities. It can infect both you finger and toe nails but it is much more common to attract it on your feets than on your hands.
A thicker than normal nail with a cloude or yellow appearance is usually signs on an infested nail. Sometimes the nail becomes rough and crumbly, and separation form the nail bed can occur. In mild to moderate cases, the ailment is not associated with any pain or discomfort.
Since the infection is embedded within the nail, onychomycosis is notoriously difficult to cure and normally requires prolonged nail fungus treatment. Do not be surprised if the process takes up to a year or more, especially when the big toe is affected since this large nail needs a lot of time to regenerate.
A majority of all toenail fungus treatment products are either systemic or topical, but during recent years some doctors have begun to use a combination of both. Some of the most used products are itraconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox and amorolfine. Another way of treating toe nail fungus is by using laser.
Nail fungus can be caused by a number of different culprits including dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic moulds and candida. Dermatophytes is the most common culprit in colder climates while non-dermatophytic moulds and candida are more common in warmer and tropical climates.
Deramtophytes feeds on keratinized rich materials and is therefore commonly found in hair, skin and nails. They often stay in the nonliving cornified layer of the skin since the immune system makes it hard for them to penetrate viable tissue. However if you have a weakened immune system, e.g. due to underlying health conditions or certain medications, can however allow the fungi to attack living cells. Dermatophytes are transmitted in a multitude of ways, either by direct contact with an infected host or by direct or indirect contact with infected skin, hair or nail particles. They can for instance spread through locker room floors, towels, bed linens, clothing, combs and brushes, and furniture. Shoe rental. e.g. for bowling, poses a risk unless the shoes are sterilized.
