Fungal infections of the nails are common. The fungus grows in the nail bed, where the nail meets the skin. The fungus grows slowly and does not spread to internal organs. Fungal infections of the nail are not by themselves painful. As the nail thickens, pressure from shoes and adjacent toes will put pressure on the skin surrounding the toe nail resulting in pain and possible soft
tissue infections.
A fungus can be passed from person to person, sometimes via commonly used floors, public pools or showers, shared shoes, or other personal items like bath towels. The primary fungi that cause onychomycosis (commonly know as nail fungus) are trichophyton rubrum and trichophyton mentagrophytes. They are dermatophytes, or fungi that infect hair, skin and nails, and feed on
keratinized (nail) tissue. Untreated athletes foot can result in fungal toenail infections, as well. Shoes that are moist and tight contribute to
these kinds of nail infections and many women suffer from them because of highly stylized footwear.
The nail infection can have a variety of symptoms. Some of the first signs include nail cracking and thickening, becoming discolored, streaked or spotted. As the infection progresses, the nail can become really unsightly and thick.
Wearing tight shoes and standing or walking for long periods of time can be uncomfortable or even painful as the infection progresses.
If tested and onychomycosis is diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication. It is important to get treatment because over time as
the toenail slowly grows, a fungal nail infection can cause permanent damage and it can become more difficult to treat the longer and deeper the infection goes. Untreated nails can affect other nails and skin, as well. Milder infections sometimes can be treated with topical medications or more often with oral antifungal pills. Severely affected toenails are usually treated with oral medications. Early treatment can stop the infection from causing permanent damage to the nail, shorten the time needed for treatment and
increase the change of a cure. Fungal nail infections do not always respond to treatment, and tend to recur in susceptible people even after successful treatment, especially if preventative measures are not taken.
Patients with diabetes often develop onychomycosis because blood circulation is poor in the extremities, and the bodys ability to fight infections is compromised. Any small injury to a diabetic patients foot can have serious
consequences and it is especially important for them to inspect their feet closely each day and work with their doctors on preventative foot care.
Types of Onychomycosis
Distal/Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis: The most common variant of onychomycosis is distal/lateral subungual onychomycosis, a condition usually caused by T rubrum. The nail is abnormally colored (white or brown) along the
lateral edges of the upper distal areas and may be eroded. Unless aggressively treated, the fungus may spread across the entire nail bed. The nail becomes brittle and may disintegrate and flake away with repeated shoe contact. The nail beneath the abnormal area experiences subungual hyperkeratosis with loosening and possible onycholysis (loss of the nail).
Superficial White Onychomycosis: This uncommon toenail fungus is usually caused by Tinea mentagrophytes. It initially affects the upper nail surface, extending to the nail bed and area beneath the nail. The nail develops small powdery white speckles or patches, with roughening, crumbling, and/or flaking on the surface. Surrounding skin is seldom affected and the nail usually remains intact.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis: This toenail fungus involves the proximal area beneath the nail bed; it is most common in immunosuppressed patients and is usually caused by T rubrum.
Candidal Onychomycosis: This may be seen in patients whose feet are constantly wet. With continued water exposure, the cuticle loosens from the nail plate, and microorganisms enter the exposed area. Eventually, the patient develops an overt infection (paronychia). As the cuticle continues to loosen, the organisms penetrate further. To break this cycle, the foot must dry;
antibiotics may be needed.
Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis: In this condition, the nail plate is virtually eradicated. If untreated, any of the four variants may proceed to this degree.
About The Author
Lisa Davis is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.nailfungusadvice.com
An online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest on latest treatments and breakthroughs in the treatment of nail fungus.