Nail Fungus – Accounts For About 1/2 Of All Nail Disorders.

Introduction

Nail fungus is made up of minute organisms (Tinea Unguium) that can invade fingernails and toenails and is not the same as athlete’s foot, which mainly attacks the skin of the feet; However sometimes the 2 will exist together and be caused by the same type of fungus. It is more normally found among older adults because nails grow more slowly and thicken with aging, causing them to be more susceptible to infection.

Moreover the infection tends to affect males more often than females and persons with a family history of the disease. It grows more often in persons with weaker immune systems, which permit the fungus to become established. Nail fungus can be very demanding to treat, and repeated infections are routine. The infection must be treated with medication once it begins and is becoming more common in the US

Infection

Fungus Infections account for about fifty percent of all nail disorders. These infections normally develop on nails that are continually exposed to warm, moist conditions, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. An infection may develop as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. Toenails are more Likely to be affected by fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, humid environment

Bacterial Infections create redness, swelling, and pain of the nail skin folds. Fungal infections of the nail can create discoloration and abnormal growth. A nail fungus infection is often very difficult to treat, and may recur. Watch out for signs of infection, including redness, pain or pus.

Treatment

The best therapy of course is prevention. Non-surgical cures include the use of topical or oral drugs. If the topical treatments fail, more powerful medications can be taken orally if your doctor deems it necessary. However, because other nail conditions sometimes ape fungal infection, most doctors will validate the diagnosis by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation — particularly if treatment is being considered. To monitor side effects your doctor must order periodic blood tests (normally monthly) during treatment. At least 20% of patients will have a recurrence of the original nail infection at some time, making re-treatment with medication to be necessary.

Should the nail infection not cause any of these problems, then MDs often discourage therapy because of the potential side effects, the need to monitor the blood during therapy and the high recurrence rate. Without successful treatment nail fungus infections can spread and may even cause pain or tenderness. The good news is your primary care physician, podiatrist, dermatologist or healthcare professional can aid you in finding an effective treatment. They can examine your nails and find a treatment that’s right for you. Speaking to your MD about your condition can help you feel better about the treatment you receive.

Conclusion

An infection of nail fungus happens when fungi infect 1 or more of your nails. As it spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges – an unsightly and potentially painful problem, But there are medications readily available to help clear up nail fungus.

Those suffering from this infection should add more probiotics (good bacteria) to their diet. Your physician can diagnose whether you have a nail fungus infection and prescribe drugs, if required. A lot of people fail to seek treatment initially because the symptoms of nail fungus may seem to be nothing more than a blemish. If you believet that you are infected, you should seek medical treatment since these infections can last indefinitely when left untreated.

Ricardo Henri is the owner of Natural Remedies,Treatments And Cures,a website containing a library of info about caring for your own health containingout relying on drugs and unneeded surgery. Subscribe to his monthly newsletter @ alternative remedies or natural treatment cures