Onychomycosis is a fungal disease which affects the nails. Nails are protective shields which cover the soft tissues of our toes and fingers. As this is affected by Onychomycosis the nails become disfigured and damaged and sometimes the pain is unbearable.

In this disease generally the toenails are more affected than the finger nails. About 6-8% of the adults are affected by this disease. It is detected that dermatophytes which is also popularly known as tinea unguim are the causes of onychomycosis. Apart from the old people, diabetics are prone to this disease.

Causes of Onychomycosis

Mostly dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic moulds and Candida are responsible for onychomycosis. All these are types of fungi which are instrumental in fungal infection in the nails. Dermatophytes are found in western countries with temperate climates while Candida and non-dermatophytic moulds are mostly seen in tropical and subtropical countries which have hot and humid weather conditions.

The most common form of dermatophyte which causes onychomycosis is known as trichophyton rubrum. Types of this dermatophyte which lead to such problems are microsporum gypseum, trichophyton soudanese and trichophyton violaceum. As for Candida which are known as non-dermatophytic moulds common are Scytalidium, aspergillus and scopulariopsis which cause this disease.

People who use water frequently are affected by this disease. As for scytalidium it affects the people who are continuously exposed to the temperate climate. Older persons who are more than 60 years old are exposed to this disease as their nails become fragile and fungal infection is common.

Symptoms of Onychomycosis

It is easier to detect whether one is affected by onychomycosis or not. The end of the nail is affected and gradually the nail fold is damaged too. If one notices a change of color like if the nail becomes yellow brown or simply the nail becomes so thick that it ultimately comes out of the nail bed the person is surely affected by this disease.

The affected area is disfigured and the change is noticeable. As the nail becomes thick it loses some of its usual functions which in turn may limit the person from doing certain chores like it may become swollen and very uncomfortable inside shoes. As there is a constant pain in the nail it is difficult to walk.

Types of Onychomycosis

There are various types of onychomycosis and it is divided into subgroups like distal subungual onychomycosis. Trichophyton rubrum are generally responsible for this type where the nail plate and nail bed are the worst affected areas. As for white superficial onychomycosis one can notice “white islands” are noticed on the nail plate. Only 10% of patients suffering from onychomycosis are diagnosed with such a problem.

The other three types are known as proximal subungual onychomycosis, candidal onychomycosis and total dystrophic onychomycosis. In the first type fungal infection is found in the proximal nail fold. The Candida types of fungi affect the fingernails and people who constantly use water are prone to this disease. In the last type the nail plate is completely destroyed. It is the considered as the last phase of the disease.

Onychomycosis Cure

Generally the treatment for the disease is time consuming as the centre of this disease is inside the nails and it is a painstaking effort to put medication inside the nails. It might take a year to cure the disease properly. Consult a podiatrist before going for medication. Antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine are used to cure the ailment.

Even nail paints like amorolfine or cicloprrox are frequently used for the purpose. The first type of treatment like the antifungal medications is known as systematic medication, while the other type is classified as tropical treatment. If there is a superficial onychomycosis then systemic medication is the most suitable form of treatment.

Advice

Take good care of your nails and your feet. The best way to prevent this disease is by taking proper care of the nails.