Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungal infection, is more than just an irritation. The fungi that grow on your fingers or toes can completely destroy the nails. Onychomycosis is caused by a bacterium called tinea unguium or dermatophyte, which can form in yeasts and molds.
Fungal infection
The threat of fungi is real and can be dangerous for anyone. Onychomycosis is most common in adults over 60. People with diabetes or leukemia should be extra careful and practice good nail hygiene. They are also more susceptible to nail fungal attacks. Their weaker immune system and blood circulation problems make this more likely.
Neglecting to treat the infection could lead to more serious complications. Since the fungi can hide in our shoes, the best place to hide is the toenails. Fungus on the fingernails is rare unless it is frequently exposed to chemicals and water.
Onychomycosis
It is the most common type of fungal infection according to American statistics. It has been shown that fungal infection of the nail nails on the fingers is more common in men than it is in women. Dermatophyte, by nature, is anaerobic. This means that it lives in moist places where there is little or no oxygen supply.
Once infected, the fungal infection feeds on the keratin protein found in the nails. The nails produce more keratin than normal and slowly build up thick layers. The nail begins to fall apart, eventually separating from the nail bed completely. The symptoms include discoloration (white, yellow or brown), deformity, pain and swelling. Infection can be caused by dermatophyte growing aggressively in damp environments.
Let’s see…
This is why it is possible to get sick from public swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms, and other public places. If the instruments used for manicure and pedicure are not cleaned, you can also get the bacteria from your salon. These are potential sources of infection. Neglecting to clean your nails properly and not ventilating them properly can increase the risk of nail fungal infections.
Always ensure a clean environment to prevent nail fungal infection. Don’t take a wet feet for granted. After a long day, remove your shoes and socks and wash your feet thoroughly. To ensure dryness, you can apply powdered foot powder. Consult a professional if you are already infected. Doctors will prescribe both topical and oral treatments.
Final note
They work slowly but efficiently. Surgery is rarely necessary. There are other options that you can try at home. Many people trust vinegar to soak the infected area. This should be done for around twenty minutes twice daily until the contamination disappears. Although the solution’s acidity kills the bacteria quickly, it can take several months for the infection to heal and for new nails to grow. Good hygiene is key to avoiding the complications of onychomycosis.