The doctor diagnosed your yellowing nails as a fungal infection. You may feel embarrassed, thinking that covering your nails with nail polish will work. However, if you understand what a nail fungus infection is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from recurring, you could treat the infection successfully (1).
What is a nail fungus infection?
Fungus on the body is normal. However, when there is an overgrowth, it becomes problematic. If fungus occurs on the nails (finger and toenails), it is called a nail fungus infection or onychomycosis (affecting the toenails) or tinea unguium (affecting the fingernails). An infection is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes; yeast and molds can also cause an infection. However, pathogens, also responsible for nail infections, normally enter the skin through small fissures between the nail bed and nail where a warm and moist place grows (2).
In addition, some medication, such as some used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, could produce a side effect of a nail-fungus infection.
Furthermore, a diet based on junk food may exacerbate infections, as the body lacks the proper nutrients to build a strong defense against viruses and infections. A visual indication of such an infection would be discoloration (darkening or yellowish color), dull, distorted, crumbling edges, thickening of the nail, and possibly a slightly foul odor. However, the toenails are most affected, with some 50% of the population experiencing such an infection in their lives. Men are three times more at risk than women. Those above the age of 60 are at higher risk of infection than those below the age of 19, with athlete’s foot being one of the most common reasons for infection. This condition is easily diagnosed by examining the debris underneath the nail (3).
Summary:
It is normal to find fungus on the body. However, when there is an overgrowth, it becomes an infection. The nails, particularly the toenails, are normally worst affected. The result is discoloration, thickening of the nails, and even pain. Men, especially and older people in general, are at higher risk.
What treatment is available for a nail fungus infection?
This condition is not self-healing, and it cannot be cured by applying polish or a fake nail over the infected nail. However, there are various treatments for nail fungus infections, ranging from the more effective oral medication treatments to the less effective topical creams, which have only an efficacy rate of about 5 to 12 %, more effective for mild infections (4).
An oral treatment works better in that it penetrates the nail plate and nail bed. However, this type of treatment also comes with side effects and possible damage to the liver. As far as a topical treatment is concerned, researchers have discovered that a mentholated rub can work well as a treatment and protect the good bacteria under the nails by not dipping your nails in a bleach solution as it will destroy them all.
White iodine is also a good solution for fungus. Another solution is to use essential oils, such as thyme, clove, oregano, or lavender, which have antifungal properties and can penetrate the nail bed to some degree. Nonetheless, if the nail is thickening, discolored, or even deformed, approaching a healthcare advisor is best. Treatment will normally be both an oral treatment and ointment, with the treatment taking around four months to a year to resolve. Additionally, the treatment may have to be repeated several times. Alternative treatment methods include laser and photodynamic treatments. If, however, the treatment is ineffective or there is extreme pain, the nail may have to be removed. This is only in extreme cases. A new nail will take around a year to regrow. However, in some cases, the nail will not regrow (5).
Diabetic patients should consult their doctor as soon as an infection is found, as they may suffer from additional complications. Prompt treatment could lead to a positive prognosis (6).
Summary:
You should seek treatment if you have a fungal infection, as this condition will not heal unaided. Your nail fungus problem should ideally be inspected by a doctor. If it is not serious, home remedies or topical solutions may be applied. If the fungal infection has advanced, oral medication will be required. This may, however, be combined with a topical application. Those with a suppressed immune system or diabetes should commence treatment without delay to avoid further complications (7). However, ideally, you should take measures to prevent an infection.
How can a nail fungus infection be prevented?
Although there are different treatment methods, prevention is obviously better than cure. Good hygiene can help to prevent a nail fungus infection. Some of the key prevention suggestions are to:
- Make use of antifungal powders or sprays.
- Trim your nails regularly to keep them short, but also to keep them dry and clean.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing any wet work, including touching cleaning products.
- Wear breathable socks.
- Be careful not to share socks or shoes.
- Wear sandals when using the showers at the gym or when at a public pool.
- Avoid, where possible, the use of artificial nails as well as nail polishes.
Our Ultimate Take Home Message
Contracting a nail fungus infection is relatively common. However, identifying it is vital as there could be other health problems such as paronychia, psoriasis, pseudomonas bacteria, hematoma, or chronic nail trauma (10 ).
Therefore, treating a fungal infection will only be effective if it has been correctly diagnosed as such. However, various treatments are available, from home remedies, topical applications, oral medication, and even laser treatments. All will depend on the severity of the infection. Prevention or taking steps to avoid reinfection may be better. Treating a nail infection can take a long time – up to a year in some cases. In worst cases, it can lead to permanent loss of the nail.
Comments
Post a Comment