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 differ from other nail infections?
Onychomycosis differs from other nail infections primarily in its cause, symptoms, and treatment. While onychomycosis is a fungal infection, there are other types of nail infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or even physical trauma. Here’s a comparison of onychomycosis with other common types of nail infections:
1. Cause:
- Onychomycosis:
- Caused by fungi, specifically dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton rubrum), but also sometimes by non-dermatophyte molds or yeasts (e.g., Candida).
- The infection often occurs when fungi invade the nail bed or nail plate, especially in warm, moist environments.
- Bacterial nail infections (Paronychia):
- Usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Bacterial infections typically occur when there’s a break in the skin around the nail (e.g., from biting nails, hangnails, or trauma).
- Viral nail infections:
- Caused by viruses, particularly the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to the development of warts around the nails (periungual warts).
- Trauma-related infections:
- Nail trauma (e.g., from injury or excessive pressure) can create conditions for infections by various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
2. Symptoms:
- Onychomycosis:
- Thickening, discoloration (often yellow, white, or brown), brittleness, and distortion of the nails.
- Nails may become crumbly, lift off from the nail bed (onycholysis), and develop debris underneath.
- Slow progression; it often starts at the tip of the nail and spreads.
- Bacterial Paronychia:
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the nail, often near the cuticle or the sides of the nail.
- In acute cases, pus may form, and the area may feel warm to the touch.
- The infection typically develops quickly, often after an injury or manipulation of the skin around the nail.
- Viral nail infections (periungual warts):
- Raised, rough, and grainy lesions (warts) around or underneath the nails.
- Warts can distort the shape of the nails and, in some cases, cause pain or discomfort.
- Trauma-related infections:
- Symptoms depend on the type of infection, but often include pain, discoloration, or thickening of the nail.
- Trauma itself may cause bruising (subungual hematoma) or nail lifting, which can become infected secondarily.
3. Appearance of the Nail:
- Onychomycosis:
- Nails become thick, discolored, and brittle, with a characteristic chalky or flaky appearance.
- Fungal infections can affect one or multiple nails, and the infection progresses slowly over time.
- Bacterial Paronychia:
- The nail itself might not show immediate changes, but the skin around the nail becomes inflamed, swollen, and red.
- If the infection persists, it can lead to nail dystrophy or changes in nail growth.
- Viral nail infections (warts):
- The nail may appear deformed due to the growth of warts around or under the nail.
- The warts are typically flesh-colored, rough, and can sometimes spread.
- Trauma-related infections:
- The appearance of the nail may change due to the trauma, such as black or blue bruising under the nail.
- If infected, there may be signs of inflammation, and the nail may separate from the nail bed.
4. Progression:
- Onychomycosis:
- Slowly progresses over months or even years, affecting the nail gradually as the fungus spreads.
- Bacterial Paronychia:
- Typically develops quickly (within hours or days) and may resolve with treatment or drain spontaneously if abscessed.
- Viral nail infections (warts):
- Slow-growing, and the warts may persist for months or even years without treatment.
- Trauma-related infections:
- The progression depends on whether the trauma heals or whether a secondary infection develops.
5. Treatment:
- Onychomycosis:
- Treated with oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole) or topical antifungal treatments, though topical treatments are less effective due to the thickened nail.
- Treatment is often prolonged (several months) because the nail grows slowly and the infection is difficult to eliminate.
- Bacterial Paronychia:
- Treated with antibiotics, either topical or oral, depending on the severity of the infection.
- In severe cases, drainage of pus may be necessary.
- Viral nail infections (warts):
- Treated with cryotherapy, topical salicylic acid, or other wart-removal methods.
- Warts often recur, and treatment can be challenging.
- Trauma-related infections:
- Treatment depends on the type of infection. If fungal or bacterial, appropriate antifungal or antibiotic therapy is used.
- Healing the underlying trauma is key, and in some cases, damaged nails may need to be removed.
6. Chronicity and Recurrence:
- Onychomycosis:
- Often chronic and can recur, especially if predisposing factors like moisture, tight shoes, or poor foot hygiene are not addressed.
- Bacterial Paronychia:
- Generally acute and resolves with treatment, but recurrence can happen if the nails are frequently injured or manipulated.
- Viral nail infections (warts):
- Often persistent, and warts may recur after treatment.
- Trauma-related infections:
- Recurrence depends on whether the nail continues to experience trauma or becomes reinfected.
Summary:
Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection characterized by thick, discolored, brittle nails, progressing slowly over time. It differs from other nail infections like bacterial paronychia (acute inflammation around the nail), viral infections (such as warts), and trauma-related infections in terms of its cause, progression, and treatment. While bacterial infections tend to be more acute and inflammatory, onychomycosis is typically chronic and more challenging to treat effectively.
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!