Nail Fungus Explained
One of the most embarrassing and unsightly conditions is Nail Fungus - a fungal condition that can effect either the toenails or the fingernails or both.
Nail fungus is also known as Onychomycosis or Tinea Unguium
It is estimated that over 60 million people worldwide suffer from some form fungal infection of either toenails or fingernails.
This figure could be greater but due to its embarrassment factor many suffers choose to avoid seeking a treatment.
Men are more likely to suffer from the condition than women as lifestyle can often be a contributory factor - men are more likely to play outdoor sports and share communal changing rooms. It is highly unlikely that children can become infected unless there is a history in the family or both parents have the condition.
What Causes Nail Fungus
The infection is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are present in the nail bed, beneath the nail and live off keratin (nail protein).
The fungal nail infection usually begins towards the far end of the nail and may start with patches of white or yellowy discolouration.
Many do not seek attention or treatment in the early stages - Treatment (especially home remedy treatment)s has a much quicker timescale if caught very early on.
After several weeks the fungal infection will spread to the base of the nail. It will attack the nail root (matrix) and cause the nail to grow very thick, deformed and distorted.
A foul (cheesy) smell is often associated with the condition.
The big toenail or thumbnail is usually the first nail to be affected with the condition spreading to adjacent nails. In rare cases this condition can also affect the skin surrounding the nails.
Fungal nail infections are more common among toenails than fingernails as fungus thrives on warm, damp and dark environments – swaety socks are perfect for the reproduction of the bacteria.
If untreated the fungal infection can spread from toe to toe and can be passed from person to person. It is not unusual for a person to have all ten toenails or fingernails infected with the fungus, usually after this the sufferer will usually seek treatment.
Nail fungus often forces suffers to hide away their hands and feet. sadly this is unnecessary as effective treatment exists for varying stages of the condition.
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