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Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a relatively common condition that disfigures and sometimes destroys the nail. Fungal infections are very common on both fingernail and toenails. These fungal infections usually cause discoloration, thickening and often softening of the nails. The condition usually begins towards the far end of the nail and may start with patches of white or yellow discoloration. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, because they grow very slowly, allowing the fungi more time to develop. Other conditions such as nail psoriasis or allergic reactions to nail polish, hardeners, or acrylic nails may look like fungal infections, but they are not. More than 35 million people in the United States get this fungus. There are many types of fungus present in our environment. Most are harmless, however, a group of fungi called dermatophytes can affect the feet. Dermatophytes thrive on warm, moist conditions. In more severe conditions, affected nails can have a yellowish or brownish discoloration. They may thicken or become brittle over time, and may even shed. Sometimes the nails have crumbling edges. It is relatively rare in children, affecting only about 1 out of every 200 people younger than 18. However, the likelihood of getting toenail fungus increases with age. Almost anyone who wears tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery is more likely to develop toenail fungus, especially if they also practice poor foot hygiene. It is a contagious disease and some times it may be hereditary.
Toenail fungus is not pretty. The most common form, trichophyton rubrum, begins at the far end of the toenail, and grows inward. In a less common variety of toenail fungus, called white superficial onychomycosis, the nail turns white rather than yellow or brown, and the surface becomes soft, dry and powdery. Fungus infections occur when microscopic fungi gain entry through a small trauma in the nail, then grow and spread in the warm, moist environment inside the patient's socks and shoes. Toe nail fungus can also be spread person to person in public areas such as locker rooms and showers. Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungus because their immune system is compromised. Toenail infections, however, are more difficult to treat because the toenail grows more slowly. A nail fungus often spreads to other digits, and sometimes spreads to other sites (groin, skin, and scalp). Over the counter anti-fungal compounds are fine for skin infections and vaginal yeast, but won't do any good for nails. Oral prescription medication needs to be taken for one to two years to get rid of the problem.
Causes of Toe nail fungus
The common causes of Toe nail fungus include the following:
- Dermatophyte fungi (tinea unguium).
- A minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection.
- Yeasts such as Candida albicans.
- Sweaty shoes and moist socks can be a contributing factor.
- Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungus because their immune system is compromised.
Symptoms of Toe nail fungus
Some symptoms related to Toe nail fungus are as follows:
- In some rare cases, Toe nail fungus may cause pain, limit mobility, and interfere with manual dexterity.
- Yellow or white patches of color on the nail.
- Distorted in shape.
- Flat or dull, having lost luster and shine.
- You may notice foul-smelling debris under the nail.
Treatment of Toe nail fungus
Here is list of the methods for treating Toe nail fungus:
- Topical antifungal creams, lotions, gels, and lacquers may be used, however, it is difficult for them to penetrate the nail. Creams include Lotrimin, Monistat, Nizoral, Tinactin, and Lamisil.
- Oral medicines like itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole are used, and may require monitoring with blood tests.
- A new medication, terbinafine, is now available for the treatment of toe and finger nail fungal infections. Terbinafine is taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks. This medication has less side effects than griseofulvin.
- If you have a mild to moderate infection of Toe nail fungus, your doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish.
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