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Nail Fungus - Toe nail fungus - home remedy for nail fungus
Nail fungal infections account for about half of all nail disorders. They usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. The infection isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet.
Fungal infections make up about 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. Known medically as onychomycosis, nail fungus often causes the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Debris - white, green, yellow or black - may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. Fungal infection of the toenails occurs four times more frequently than that of the fingernails, due to the warm, moist environment in shoes that promotes fungal growth.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a relatively common condition that disfigures and sometimes destroys the nail. Onychomycosis can be caused by several different types of fungi (microscopic organisms related to mold and mildew). These fungi thrive in the dark, moist and stuffy environment inside shoes. As they grow, they feed on keratin, the tough protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenails.
Causes of Nail Fungus
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
SYMPTOMS OF FUNGUS NAILS
- In severe cases, inflammation may arise from an ingrowing toe nail which may result in a secondary infection.
- If the condition is left untreated for along period of time, the nail will become very brittle and the patient may experience episodes of total removal of the nail followed by re-growth.
- The nail may become brittle and split in to several pieces.
- The actual condition is not painful. However, if the nail becomes thick and deformed it may grow into the skin at an angle and become an ingrowing toe nail.
- It will affect a patients day to day activities as the pressure from the nails against the shoes causes discomfort.
Toenail fungus rarely heals on its own. It is usually a chronic condition that gradually progresses to involve more and more of the nail. Even if the affected nail falls off or is knocked off, the new nail that grows usually is infected with fungus.
Treatment and natural remedy of Nail Fungus - how to treat nail fungus?
Creams and ointments are generally no help in treating onychomycosis. Recently, however, a nail lacquer (called Penlac) has been marketed and may be helpful in some patients.
Oral medications -- such as Sporanox (itraconazole) or Lamisil (terbinafine) -- may be taken for several months. While these medicines may clear the fungus in about half of all patients, they can cause numerous side effects. Many people are not able to take these medications because of other medications that they are taking, or other medical problems.
Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to one year to replace the old nail.
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