Symtoms
A fungal infection isn't a very pretty sight. The infection causes
the nail to look thickened, yellow, and discolored. It is at times
painful and the nail is brittle.
The white and yellow areas usually appear toward the far end
of the nail. Infection can spread to the nail root, where the
nail ends up looking deformed. |
Possible Causes
Infection is caused by fungus. They are microscopic plant like
organisms that are similar to the cuplprits causing athlete's
foot.
Like most fungii, they thrive in dark, warm, moist places. They
are also partial to Keratin (the protein in your nails) and feed
off of it. They grow and multiply underneath the nail. |
Treament
After examination, the doctor will
determine if more tests are needed because fungal nails can often
resemble cases of psoriasis. Because the infection is under the
nail, topical treatments generally don't work. The treatment needs
to start from underneath. Topical creams might be used to prevent
the spreading of the infection only.
Oral medications, like a type of antibiotic are proven to be
more effective to cure the infection. At times, it might be necessary
to remove the nail and treat with topical medication in order
to promote health in the new nail growth.
The doctor will also suggest that you
treat your footwear as it has been infected by the fungal organisms.
This will prevent any reinfection.
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