Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection. It is a progressive condition that can start with white or yellow spots under the tips of the fingernails and toenails. As the infection progresses, the nail may show a pale color, thickening and crumbling at the edges. Treatment is possible with medication and some personal care measures. However, since it is an infection that can recur later, some precautions should be taken after treatment.
The infection can affect more than one nail at the same time, or it can be limited to a single nail. As a result of the expansion of the infection, the toes and between the toes can be affected. Fungal infections are common in conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes. With some personal care measures and fungicides, the infection can be eliminated. While the success rate in treatment is high, there is also the possibility of subsequent occurrence.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Some types of fungal organisms are among the causes of nail fungus . The most common type that causes the infection to occur is a type of fungus called dermatophyte. In addition, some types of yeast and mold also cause infections and fungus.
Since it can occur at any age and gender, risk factors include children, women, men and the elderly. It is usually seen in adults and the elderly. Depending on the advancement of age, drying and breakage of the person's nails can be seen.
Cracks that occur as a result of broken nails can lead to fungi reaching under the nail and intermediate layers. Decreased blood circulation in the feet is also among the factors that cause this problem to occur.
The possibility of transmission from other people is also among the causes of this condition, although it is rarely encountered. In addition to these, the conditions that increase the risk of fungus can be listed as follows:
- Exposure to fungi for a long time
- Very slow nail growth
- Too much sweating of the feet
- Walking barefoot in damp and common areas
- Injury to the skin or nails
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes (Diabetes)
- Circulatory and immune system problems
What are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
Symptoms of nail fungus include thickening of the nail, discoloration of the nail, easy breakage of the nail, disintegration, crumbling or rough structure and deterioration in the shape of the nail structure.
In addition to these, people may experience dark-colored and often foul-smelling deposits on the underside of their nails. Color change in yellow, white or brown tones can be seen in the fingernails.
How Does Nail Fungus Pass?
It is a common fungal infection. It does not heal on its own. In order for the fungus to pass, heal and treat the condition, some hygiene habits should be adopted and treatment methods should be applied.
In some people, treatment may not be necessary when there is no discomfort. However, in the majority of cases, some medical fungicides may be required for treatment.
In addition, the person needs to ensure hand and foot hygiene during and after this process. While the fungus may disappear with fungicide treatment, this condition may reappear in the future.
Complications of nail fungus
In severe cases, it can cause permanent damage and painful conditions. Some medications can cause serious infections that can spread from the feet to other parts of the body in people who have a suppressed immune system due to diabetes or other conditions.
In diabetics, the circulation and the nerve networks in the feet can be affected. There is also an increased chance of conditions such as skin infections. While there is a possibility of such conditions in serious cases, some minor injuries can also cause serious consequences.
How to Prevent Nail Fungus?
Some precautions can be taken to prevent the development of fungal infection that may occur in the fingernails and toenails. In addition, any bacterial infection that may occur with the measures taken can also be prevented. Hands and feet should be washed regularly.
In case of contact with the nails of an infected person, hands and between the nails should be washed thoroughly with soap and lather and hygiene should be ensured. It is important to cut the nails neatly and evenly and to trim the edges with a nail file.
Disinfecting the nail clippers after use is also important for hygiene. Since athlete's foot can occur as a result of prolonged sweating, individuals can change socks frequently or prefer sweat-absorbing socks to prevent this condition.
In addition, since the choice of shoes also affects the fungus that may occur on the feet, shoes that are comfortable for air circulation and do not cause sweating should be preferred.
Shoes should be cleaned daily. They should be cleaned with disinfectant and antifungal powder. Bare feet should be avoided in common areas such as swimming pools. It is recommended to use personal slippers in such places.
When to See a Doctor?
In cases where hygiene habits are not resolved, if the nail structure deteriorates and the surface and areas where the color changes are enlarged, a doctor should be consulted and medical assistance should be sought.
In addition, since it is a common condition in diabetics, they should definitely see a specialist if they are seen in these patients.
How is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of nail fungus , the physician examines and checks the person's fingernails and toenails. After the check, a sample can be taken from the nail or under the nail. This sample is sent to the laboratory for examination. Depending on the results, the condition is detected and the cause of the infection is determined.
In these infections, which can be confused with some conditions such as psoriasis, it is important that the diagnosis is made correctly in order for the treatment to be applied correctly. If the cause of the infection is determined, the treatment plan to be applied to the person is made.
Nail Fungus Treatment
Nail fungus treatment may differ depending on the spread of the infection and the severity of the condition. In some cases, treatment can be difficult. When personal hygiene practices and over-the-counter medications do not help, a specialist should be consulted.
The doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that can be taken by mouth (oral) or applied directly to the nail (topical). In some cases, both oral and topical antifungal medications may need to be used at the same time.
The treatment process and the results of the treatment may take a long time. If treatment is carried out, it is an infection that can be encountered again. As such, it may take months to get results. If treated, it is an infection that can be encountered again. Fungal infection
What is Good for Nail Fungus?
Among the answers to the question of what is good for nail fungus, there are some applications and methods that are beneficial in terms of removing fungi. Antifungal nail cream and ointments that can be purchased without a prescription can be used. If white spots appear on the nail surface, the nail should be filed, soaked in water and dried. Then cream or lotion should be applied.
Care should be taken with nail cutting and nails should generally be kept short. It is also important for the medication to reach the deeper layers and to reduce pain and pressure. Foot care should be done regularly. When the person has poor blood circulation and cannot cut the toenails himself, he should regularly visit a foot health center.
Nail Fungus Medicine
Nail fungus medicines are medicines prescribed by doctors to people with fungal infections and used to treat fungus. These medicines are known as antifungal medicines that should be applied to the hand or foot. In some cases, oral and topical antifungal treatments are used together. These medicines are as follows:
Oral Antifungal Medicines
It is usually the first preferred method in fungal infections and clears the infection quickly. For this reason, it can be prescribed by a doctor and the dosage is prescribed. In addition, blood tests should be done regularly during the use of such drugs as they can cause serious side effects.
Medicated Nail Polish
It can be preferred as a different method in treatment. It is applied to the nails and surrounding tissues once a day. In antifungal nail polish treatment, which should be used on the advice of a doctor, the applied layers should be cleaned and reapplied after a week. It may also be recommended to be used daily for about a year.
Medicated Nail Cream
In the treatment of fungal infections, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream that can be applied to the nails.