Nail Infections

Treatment for Nail Infections with Best Diagnosis

Nail fungal infections are the most common diseases of the nails, making up about 50 percent of nail abnormalities. Fungus is normally present on the body, but if it overgrows, it can become a problem.They are also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium.

Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to infection, which usually appears as discoloration and thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges. The condition most commonly occurs in toenails.

Around 10 percent of the adult population suffers from nail fungus infection.

Microscopic fungi in the nail cause the condition.
It can affect both fingernails and toenails but is more common in feet.
Diagnosis is carried out by examination of the debris under the nail.

One of the simple methods of prevention for nail fungal infection is keeping nails short and clean. However, treating nail fungus infections can be a long process. There are oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, and alternative therapies.

It typically take up to 4 months before fully replacing the infected nail with uninfected nail. And In some extreme cases, the doctor may opt to remove the entire nail.

Microscopic organisms called fungi cause nail fungal infections; they do not require sunlight to survive so can thrive in these areas. Most commonly, a group of fungi called dermatophytes (such as Candida) is responsible for nail fungal infections. However, some yeasts and molds also cause these infections; these include:

Trichophyton rubrum – the most common dermatophyte that causes nail fungal infections.
Trichophyton interdigitale.
Epidermophyton floccosum.
Trichophyton violaceum.
Microsporum gypseum.
Trichophyton tonsurans.
Trichophyton soudanense.

Common mold causes include:

neoscytalidium
scopulariopsis
aspergillus

Pathogens that cause nail fungus infection usually enter the skin through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail bed. The fungi grow when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.

Older adults are the most at risk of nail fungus infections as lower blood circulation and slower growing nails are part of the natural aging process.