Onychomycosis otherwise known as Toenail fungus, is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails.
Incidence – Infections of nail fungus account for about half all nail disorders.
Ranges from 0.5% – 5% in the general population in India, in India, incidence is particularly high due to warm humid climates, affects about many by the age of 70. it’s relatively rare in children, but the incidence increases with age.
symptoms –
Fungus infections occur when microscopic fungi gain entry through a little trauma within the nail, then grow and spread within the warm, moist environment inside the patient’s socks and shoes.
The condition usually begins towards the far end of the nail and should start with patches of white or yellow or brown discoloration. If the condition is left untreated, it’ll proceed to the bottom of the nail. it’ll attack the nail root (matrix) and cause the nail to grow very thick and deformed.
Toe Nail fungus may be a difficult condition to treat because toenails grow more slowly and should often cause permanent damage to the nails presents as crumbling of the nail, streaks or spots down the side of the nail, and even possibly nail loss.
Risk factors – which will increase the event of nail fungus include humidity, heat, trauma, DM, and underlying athlete’s foot (athlete’s foot).
Cause –
Toenail fungus are often picked up in damp areas like public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools, and may be passed among relations. Athletes and other people who wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery that cause trauma to the toes or keep the feet from drying out are at higher risk. The condition also can spread from one toe to a different, or to other parts of the body.
Prevention-
it is better to prevent it as it is difficult to treat or eradicate toenail fungus.
1)keep nails well-trimmed, but not over trimming them which can cause small cuts and tears, which acts as portal of entry of fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed.
2)keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times.
3)Change socks and shoes frequently.
4)If you have athlete’s foot, treat it regularly. Since it can spread to your toenails. Don’t share nail clippers
5)wear protective shoes or sandals in damp places like public showers, pool areas and gymnasiums, and to avoid borrowing someone else’s shoes or sharing socks or towels with someone who has toenail fungus.
Treatment–
If you are doing develop toenail fungus, see your chiropodist. remove infected nail as much as possible by trimming, filing or dissolving it. And apply Medicated nail lacquer like amorolfine etc., and oral antifungal medication. These oral medications can have side effects, so make certain to figure closely together with your doctor on your treatment plan. Only in severe cases will surgical removal of the nail be recommended.
If you think that you simply have toenail fungus, see your chiropodist.
