Overcoming Onychomycosis

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!

How does onychomycosis progress over time?

Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) progresses over time in a series of stages, starting from a mild infection and potentially advancing to severe nail damage if left untreated. The rate of progression can vary depending on factors like the type of fungus involved, the person’s overall health, and whether or not treatment is pursued early. Here’s how onychomycosis typically progresses over time:

1. Initial Stage (Early Infection)

• What Happens: The fungus initially invades the nail, usually starting at the edge (distal part) of the nail or at the base (proximal part) near the cuticle. It may also begin in the skin surrounding the nail (such as with athlete’s foot).
• Symptoms:
  • A small white or yellow spot appears on the nail, typically at the edge or under the nail.
  • The infection is often localized, and the nail remains mostly normal in appearance.
• Progression: If not treated, the infection begins to spread deeper into the nail, gradually affecting more of the nail plate.

2. Mild Stage (Nail Changes Begin)

• What Happens: As the fungal infection progresses, the affected area of the nail begins to change in appearance and texture.
• Symptoms:
  • Discoloration: The nail may develop a yellow, white, or brownish tinge.
  • Thickening: The nail may begin to thicken, making it harder to trim.
  • Brittleness: The nail may start to crumble at the edges, and small pieces of the nail may break off.
  • Separation: The nail may start to lift or separate from the nail bed (onycholysis), leading to discomfort.
• Progression: Without treatment, the fungus continues to spread deeper into the nail and possibly to other nails.

3. Moderate Stage (Advanced Infection)

• What Happens: The infection becomes more pronounced, with more noticeable changes in the affected nail and potentially other nails. The fungus can also affect the nail bed beneath the nail plate.
• Symptoms:
  • Severe discoloration: The nail may turn yellow, green, brown, or black.
  • Thickened nail: The nail becomes noticeably thicker, making it more difficult to cut or trim.
  • Crumbling: The edges of the nail can become ragged, and the nail may become brittle, breaking easily.
  • Nail distortion: The nail may become deformed, curving or growing in an irregular shape.
  • Pain: Pressure from thickened nails or crumbling pieces can cause pain, especially when wearing shoes or walking.
  • Foul odor: A slight odor may develop if the infection worsens.
• Progression: The infection can spread to the surrounding skin (causing conditions like athlete’s foot) or to other nails. At this stage, treatment becomes more complex, often requiring oral antifungal medications.

4. Severe Stage (Total Nail Destruction)

• What Happens: In this advanced stage, the infection causes significant damage to the nail and possibly the surrounding tissue.
• Symptoms:
  • Complete nail involvement: The entire nail may become infected, leading to thickening, discoloration, and deformation of the entire nail plate.
  • Nail separation: The nail may completely detach from the nail bed, often causing pain and discomfort.
  • Severe nail distortion: The nail may become severely deformed or even crumble entirely.
  • Pain and discomfort: Walking or wearing shoes can become painful due to the thickened or misshapen nail.
  • Surrounding skin involvement: The infection may spread to the skin around the nail, leading to further complications such as bacterial infections.
• Progression: The infection may spread to other nails, and over time, the risk of secondary infections (bacterial infections, cellulitis) increases. The damage at this stage can be irreversible without aggressive treatment.

5. Chronic Stage (Long-Term or Recurrent Infection)

• What Happens: In cases where onychomycosis is not treated or is treated inadequately, the infection can persist or recur, becoming chronic.
• Symptoms:
  • Continued nail thickening and discoloration.
  • Recurrent infections in the same or other nails, despite treatment attempts.
  • Persistent nail deformities and discomfort, which can impact daily activities.
• Progression: Long-term fungal infections can damage the nail matrix, leading to permanent changes in nail structure. Chronic cases may also cause emotional or social distress due to the appearance of the nails.

Factors That Influence the Progression:

• Underlying health conditions: People with diabetes, immune system disorders, or circulatory problems are more prone to severe and faster progression of onychomycosis.
• Delayed treatment: Fungal infections can spread more rapidly if not treated promptly, leading to more extensive nail damage.
• Poor foot hygiene: A warm, moist environment encourages fungal growth, increasing the likelihood of progression if feet or nails are not kept clean and dry.
• Genetic factors: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing more severe forms of onychomycosis.

Complications of Untreated Onychomycosis:

• Secondary bacterial infections: Fungal infections can lead to breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter, which can cause additional infections, such as cellulitis.
• Permanent nail damage: Without treatment, the infection can cause permanent nail deformities or even complete loss of the nail.
• Spread to other areas: The infection can spread to other nails, skin, or even nearby areas, such as between the toes (athlete’s foot).
• Pain and discomfort: Over time, the thickened and deformed nails can make walking or wearing shoes painful and uncomfortable, affecting mobility and quality of life.

Treatment Options:

• Topical treatments: These are often used in the early stages of onychomycosis but may not be as effective once the infection has progressed deeper into the nail.
• Oral antifungal medications: Drugs like terbinafine or itraconazole are used to treat moderate to severe cases, as they work systemically to target the infection.
• Nail removal: In advanced cases, partial or complete surgical removal of the nail may be necessary to eliminate the infection.
• Laser treatment: Some newer treatments involve using laser technology to target and destroy the fungal infection.

Summary of Onychomycosis Progression:

1. Early Stage: Mild discoloration and minimal symptoms; localized infection.
2. Mild Stage: Discoloration and thickening begin; edges of the nail may crumble.
3. Moderate Stage: Significant nail damage, pain, and possible spreading of the infection to other nails or skin.
4. Severe Stage: Complete nail destruction, severe pain, and potential secondary infections.
5. Chronic Stage: Persistent or recurrent infection, often with long-term nail damage.

The earlier onychomycosis is treated, the better the chance of stopping its progression and preventing severe nail damage.

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!