What is onychomycosis?

August 12, 2024

Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience the same condition again!


What is onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, usually toenails, but it can also occur in fingernails. The condition leads to thickening, discoloration, and often crumbling of the nail as the infection progresses. The most common types of fungi causing onychomycosis are dermatophytes, but yeasts and molds can also be responsible.

Types of Onychomycosis

  1. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis: The most common form, where the infection starts at the tip of the nail and extends underneath the nail plate.
  2. White Superficial Onychomycosis: Affects the surface of the nail, leading to white, chalky spots that can spread.
  3. Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis: Starts near the cuticle and spreads towards the tip, often associated with immune system deficiencies.
  4. Candidal Onychomycosis: Caused by Candida species, more commonly affects fingernails, especially in those frequently exposed to water.

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Fungal Infections: Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making toenails more susceptible due to their exposure to such conditions in shoes.
  • Risk Factors: Older age, a history of athlete’s foot, excessive sweating, and a weakened immune system increase the risk of developing onychomycosis.

Symptoms

  • Thickened nails
  • Discoloration (yellow, brown, or white)
  • Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails
  • Distorted nail shape
  • Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
  • Pain or discomfort, especially if the infection becomes severe

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Diagnosis: Typically involves clinical examination, nail clipping for microscopic examination, and sometimes fungal cultures.
  • Treatment: Can include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal drugs (like terbinafine or itraconazole), laser therapy, or in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nail.

Prevention

  • Keep feet dry and clean
  • Wear breathable footwear and change socks regularly
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms
  • Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short

Sources:

  1. Mayo Clinic: Provides an overview of onychomycosis, its causes, and treatment (Mayo Clinic – Onychomycosis).
  2. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Offers information on diagnosis and management of nail fungus (AAD – Nail Fungus).
  3. Cleveland Clinic: Discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of onychomycosis (Cleveland Clinic – Onychomycosis).

Onychomycosis is a common but often persistent condition, requiring long-term treatment to effectively manage and prevent recurrence.

Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis If you want a natural and proven solution for onychomycosis, you should not look beyond Overcoming Onychomycosis. It is easy to follow and safe as well. You will not have to take drugs and chemicals. Yes, you will have to choose healthy foods to treat your nail fungus. You can notice the difference within a few days. Gradually, your nails will look and feel different. Also, you will not experience the same condition again!