Three Things To Know About Nail Fungus



Posted: Wednesday, February 28, 2007

by
MED-INFO

The first thing you need to know about nail fungus is nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. A nail fungus infection is also called onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis). The nail fungus moves in under the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows. The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms or it can be passed along on a nail file or emery board. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.

The Second thing you should know about nail fungus is the symptoms The toenail fungus develops as the infection grows in the nail bed, matrix or nail plate. As the toenail fungus grows it produces nail discoloration (usually yellow and sometimes black) and a change in texture of the nail. Nails can become brittle and crumbly and may break easily. Frequently the nail will grow irregularly. Toenail fungus and nail fungus are not simply a cosmetic problem. Without treatment they can result in secondary problems, like pain, recurring ingrown toenails, decreased circulation or secondary systemic fungal or bacterial infections on the skin. In severe cases the fungus or bacteria can spread to the blood system and cause a systemic infection.

The third thing you should know is how to treat nail fungus. Toenail fungus or nail fungus can be treated with natural medicine or by conventional medicine. The conventional medical treatment for toenail fungus or nail fungus infection is a prescription of very strong anti-fungal medications to be taken internally. Currently there is only a 40-60% success rate and there are many side effects to these medications. These oral anti-fungal medications must be taken continuously for several months in order to be effective. One of the reasons that these medications may not be very successful is that they only attack fungus and many nail infections include the presence of bacteria. Remember, when looking up these medications the medical name fo the condition is Onychomycosis.

Pharmaceutical anti-fungal drugs have potential side effects on other body organs (especially the liver, gastrointestinal, skin, or bone marrow). To monitor for side effects, periodic blood testing must be obtained, usually monthly, during the time you take the medication. For more information go to

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