Nail fungus (onychomycosis): symptoms and treatment

Nail fungus, or onychomycosisis a nails infection that can make your nails thicker, change color or separate. It affects approximately one in 10 people and is common in adults over 60 years of age. While mushrooms are the most common cause, yeasts and molds can also play a role. There are four types of nail mushrooms You may have, depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms.

It starts under your nail and generally develops slowly. It breaks down keratin, nail protein which keeps them strong and protected against damage. You are more likely to obtain this infection:

• As an adult
• If your feet are often damp
• You wear tight shoes
• Hurt
• Have diabetes or poor circulation

The fungus generally causes this infection. The molds can also cause it, but it’s less common.

Distal lateral subungal onychomycosis

It is the most common form of nail fungus. It usually starts at the point or next to your nail, often on your big toe or pink, and spreads below. The first symptoms include a yellow or white sequence near the edge or under the nail. As it worsens, it can cause:

• Brittle or friable nail edges
• Keratosis, accumulation of a chalky substance under the nail
• Onycholysis, When the nail lifts from the nail bed

Proximal subungal onychomycosis

This rare type of toe fungus begins near the cuticle, the skin at the base of the nail and spreads to the outside. It progresses quickly and can come from a condition of the underlying immune system. Symptoms may include:

• Lifting
• Thickening of the nail that moves outwards
• White or yellow discoloration near the nail base

Total dystrophic onychomycosis

Without treatment, Subnguelle onychomycosis can turn into Total dystrophic onychomycosis. This can damage the nail plate (the hard part of the nail) or the root (the base of the nail under the skin), which makes it difficult to treat. It can:

• Cause pain
• Shoe poverty
• Difficulty walking
• Increase the risk of ulcers, bacterial infections and gangrene (tissue damage from poor blood flow)

Symptoms can affect the entire nail and include:

• Fragile and ruined nails that flare or break
• Complete separation of the nail bed
• Changes in the appearance of the nails
• Changes in serious colors like white, yellow or brown

This type of nail fungal infection represents around 10% of cases and mainly affects children. It affects the surface of the nail, which makes it easier to treat.

Since it affects the surface of the nail, it does not cause thickening or lifting. Instead, you can see:

• Crayer or friable stains on the outer ngle layer
• White or black patches
• Thin horizontal lines

Yeasts like Candida albicans Cause this. It is more common if your feet remain damp for long periods. You are also more likely to develop this type if you:

• Are older
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have chronic (long -term) chronic skin and swollen around your nails
• Have chronic yeast infections on your skin or mouth
• Wear closed shoes for long hours
• Work in wet environments

Candida infections usually start in the skin around your nail, then spread to the nail. Redness and swelling around the nail are often one of the first signs. You can also have:

• Thick or strange nails
• Yellow, white or brown discoloration
• Nail lifting or falling

This is another rare form of nail fungus. It remains inside the nail plate rather than under it.

You can notice a white, cloudy or pale discoloration on the surface of the nail without lifting (onycholysis) or accumulation below (Subungian keratosis).

Your supplier can often recognize the nail fungus by looking at the color, thickness and shape of your nail. The test confirms the diagnosis and identifies the specific fungus causing the infection.

They can collect a sample near the updated nail and carry out a potassium hydroxide (KOH). This rapid and affordable test dissolves skin cells, so fungal elements are easier to see under the microscope, and it is precise enough to start treatment if it is positive.

Your health care provider can also order A:

• Culture: Cultivate the fungus in a petri box to identify the type
• Acid coloring – Schiff (not) periodic: Use the dye to highlight the fungal cells
• Chain reaction by polymerase (PCR): Detects fungal DNA

If you notice changes in the nails that will not disappear, contact a supplier. Delay in care can make toe mushrooms more difficult to treat or cause more damage.

Look for care right away if you have a weakened immune system or notice signs of infection, such as:

• Continuous pain
• Pus or liquid around the nail
• Redness, swelling or heat

Nail mushroom treatments may include:

• Drug nail polish
• Elimination of nails in serious cases
• Drunk or slimming nail
• Oral or topical antifungal (on the skin or nails)
• Tea tree oil or vapor vicks (research is limited)

The nail fungus grows in hot and humid places like sweaty socks or tight shoes that do not let your feet breathe. Damage caused by pressure can also facilitate input for fungi.

To reduce your risk:

• Avoid going barefoot in hotels, public showers, swimming pools or gymnasiums
• Change the socks at least once a day
• Keep your feet clean, dry and fresh
• Let the shoes dry between wear and disinfect them with an antifungal spray or UV disinfectant
• Cut the nails directly and clean the mowers after each use
• Use antifungal powder or spray if your feet sweat
• Wear breathable shoes and socks that go from humidity

If you have already had nail mushrooms, have chronic conditions or live with someone who has it:

• The showers properly shared between the uses
• Do not share shoes or nail tools
• Treat the athlete’s foot early to stop the spread to your nails
• Use topical antifungals after treatment to reduce recurrence

As we get older, nail care can become more difficult. To help avoid developing nail mushrooms, consider soaking your feet to soften the nails, ask for help if necessary and wear spacious shoes. It is also good to plan regular checks of the feet if you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation.

The nail fungus, or onychomycosis, affects one in 10 people and becomes more common with age. There are different types of nail mushrooms, and each type can vary in appearance, in question and in gravity. A supplier can diagnose it with exams or tests. Early treatment and good feet care can help stop infection and reduce the risk of return.