Well, fungal nail infections are the most common ailments or conditions of the nails. It makes up nearly fifty percent of nail abnormalities. The fungus is generally present on the body, but in case it overgrows, it might turn out to be a problem.
You must be thinking about what’s the cause of fungal nail infection. Before you go any further, remember that these are also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium. Both fingernails and toenails are vulnerable to infection that usually appears as discolouration and thickening of the nail, and disintegrating edges. The condition most commonly emerges in toenails. Nearly ten percent of the adult population do suffer from nail fungus infection. Keep on reading to know more about its causes and symptoms.
Quick Facts
- Microscopic fungi present in the nail cause the condition.
- It can impact both fingernails and toenails but is more common in the feet.
- Diagnosis is performed by examination of the debris under the entire nail.
The Causes of Fungal Nail Infection
In general, fungal infections of the nails are caused mainly by a fungus caught from damp, moist, wet areas in healthy people. Communal showers, such as the ones at a gym or swimming pools, are common reasons. Going to nail salons that make use of inadequate sanitization of instruments (such as filers, clippers, and foot tubs) in addition to living with family members who experience fungal nails are also risk factors. Athletes have turned out to be more susceptible to nail fungus. This is presumed to be because of the wearing of tight-fitting, sweaty shoes linked up with repetitive trauma to the toenails. Having an athlete’s foot could make it more likely that the fungus will infect your toenails. Repetitive trauma also damages and weakens the nail, making the nail more susceptible to fungal ®infection.
Microscopic organisms known as fungi cause nail fungal infections; these do not demand sunlight to survive to thrive in such areas. Many fungi known as dermatophytes (such as Candida) are primarily responsible for nail fungal infections. However, there are some yeasts and molds that also cause such infections; these can include:
Yeasts and Moulds Responsible for Nail Fungal Infections
- Trichophyton rubrum – the most common dermatophyte that triggers nail fungal infections.
- And Trichophyton violaceum.
- Trichophyton interdigitale.
- Epidermophyton floccosum.
- Trichophyton soudanense.
- Microsporum gypseum.
- Trichophyton tonsurans.
Common Mould Causes Can Include:
- Scopulariopsis
- Neoscytalidium
- Aspergillus
Pathogens that trigger nail fungus infection generally enter the skin through minor cuts or slight separations between the nail and nail bed. The fungi grow when the nail caters to a suitably warm and soggy environment.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection, but they are more common in men than women and the elderly than the young. Some additional traits or factors raise the risk of nail fungal infection; these include:
- A family history of fungal infection
- Reduced blood circulation
- Slow growing nails
- Wearing artificial nails
- Extensive perspiration
- Humidor moist work environment
- Prior injury or infection to the skin or nail
- Wearing socks and shoes that avert ventilation
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, like gyms, swimming pools, and shower rooms
- An exercise that triggers repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium, where fingertip attaches to the nail
- AIDS, diabetes, circulation problems, a weakened immune system
- Tight footwear with thronging of toes
Elderly adults are the most at risk of nail fungus infections as lesser blood circulation and slower-growing nails are part of the entire natural ageing process.
What Are The Symptoms?
Talking about Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection, they can range from different levels to different levels. Nails that are impacted with fungus typically are:
- Ragged
- Thickened
- Brittle
- Distorted
- Dull
- Crumbly
- Darker or yellowish
There can also be:
- Scaling under your nail known as hyperkeratosis
- Yellow or white streaking is known as lateral onychomycosis
- Yellow spots at the bottom of the nail called proximal onychomycosis
- Infected nails could separate from the nail bed, and a condition is known as onycholysis
These nail fungal infections can end up in pain in the toes or fingers, and these can even emit a foul and bad odour.
Then there are more symptoms associated with nail fungus infections like fungus-free skin lesions known as dermatophytes. These could appear like rashes or itchiness in a body zone that is not infected with the fungus – much like an affected or allergic reaction.
An Idea About Diagnosis
To diagnose this issue of nail fungus infections, a doctor usually examines debris scraped from beneath the nail. The nail scrapings will get used in tests, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear or fungal culture. The KOH test might be quickly performed, while the fungal culture might take up weeks.
Also, remember that the physicians must be careful when diagnosing this fungal infection of the nail because several other conditions might result in similar symptoms. These encompass psoriasis, lichen planus, trauma, contact dermatitis, nail bed tumours, eczema, and yellow nail syndrome.
Also Note:
Patients with diabetes are susceptible to complications and must consult their doctor; however, fungal nail infections generally have a good prognosis if treated promptly. Although they are unpleasant or annoying, most nail fungal infections can get treated successfully without complications after the treatment.
The treatment might take a long time to cure the infection and require additional rounds of treatment fully. Complications in some extreme or severe cases may include nail damage, permanent loss, or even spread of the infection. There is also a tiny chance of developing cellulitis.
Conclusion
So, if you find any symptoms of nail infection, make sure that you start using a good and effective nail fungal infection cream in India right away. Could you not take a chance with it? You can try out Ketomac cream as it is a quality product and effective. The ingredients used in Ketomac antifungal cream are safe and mild and work safely. Once you use the cream, make sure that you have cleaned up the skin before applying it. Also, dry up the skin properly and only then put the cream.