Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus): Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Is onychomycosis, sometimes called fingernail fungus, causing you pain and an ugly appearance in your fingernails or toenails? Then, you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this widespread ailment, but the good news is that you’ve come to the correct place to learn how to treat it.

This blog will provide you with what onychomycosis is, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and preventive measures.  

What is Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects one or more toenails. It’s sometimes called nail fungus or toenail fungus. One finds it usually in the toenails, sometimes in the fingernails.

You can get toenail fungus when fungi grow under your nails. This is usually caused by a cut or crack in your toe. Fingernail fungus causes pain and makes the infected nails more easily attacked by other microorganisms. If onychomycosis (nail fungus) is left untreated, it can be challenging to get rid of; moreover, the infection could pass from one nail to another or between people in close contact.

Symptoms of Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can manifest with various symptoms, including:

Nail Discoloration: A change in the colour of nails is one of the most common symptoms caused by onychomycosis. An affected nail might become yellow, brown or even green.

Thickened Nails: The infected nails tend to become thicker. Which means they are hard to cut and often distorted in appearance.

Brittle Nails: Infected nails often become brittle, fragile or crumbly. Or the small pieces may flake off.

Distorted Nail Shape: Onychomycosis can cause the nails to change their shape, becoming irregular or contorted.

Nail Separation: A separated nail usually begins at the tip or on the sides. This separation is painful and creates a space into which debris accumulates.

White Spots or Streaks: White spots or streaks on the nail surface may sometimes indicate a fungus. 

Who is Affected by Toenail Fungus?

A toenail fungus can affect anyone. Older people are frequently affected, particularly those over 60. If you have any of the following, then you may be more susceptible to toenail fungus:

• Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis
• Diabetes
• Hyperhidrosis, a condition in which excessive sweating occurs
• An injury in the nail
• Low blood flow as a result of peripheral vascular illness
• Psoriasis
• A compromised immune system, brought on by HIV or autoimmune diseases

Treatment Options for Onychomycosis 

If you believe you may have nail fungus, consult your doctor. It can be challenging to get rid of, but not impossible. Usually, taking prescription drugs increases your chances of success. Treatments of Onychomycosis include:

• Antifungal Oral Medication: To eradicate the fungus, the doctor might prescribe a medication. Usually, this is the most effective Onychomycosis medication for treating this nail infection. If you have an infection in your fingernails, treatment can take two months, and if it’s in your toenails, this can be three months. 
• Topical Antifungals: You apply these medications to your nails via brushing or rubbing. They might be effective for treating a minor infection, but they can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to treat a more serious one. You could take a tablet along with a topical medication. 
• Surgery: Your nail may need to be completely removed by the doctor to allow a healthy one to grow in its place if previous treatments are unsuccessful. 

Conclusion

Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is an often recalcitrant condition that can affect your nails’ health and appearance. Although it can be an irritating experience, knowing the causes, symptoms and treatment options is critical to tackling this problem. With proper prevention and active intervention, you may be able to win the battle with nail fungus. Dealing with Onychomycosis takes patience and consistency. Treatments can take time to demonstrate an effect, and preventative measures are necessary if nail fungus is not allowed to recur.