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!

What is the connection between onychomycosis and thickened nails?

Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is a fungus infection of the nails that typically leads to thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. The association between onychomycosis and thickened nails is a direct result of the effect of the infection on the nail and surrounding tissue.

This is how onychomycosis leads to thickened nails:

1. Fungal Infection of the Nail Matrix and Bed
The infection primarily affects the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail) and sometimes the nail matrix (the part of the nail from which new growth occurs). When fungi infect these tissues, they interfere with normal nail growth, making the nail thicken.

The most common fungus responsible for onychomycosis is a dermatophyte, but yeasts and molds also contribute to the infection. The microorganisms invade the nail plate and the surrounding tissue.

2. Inflammation and Disruption of Nail Growth
The infection leads to an inflammatory response, which may damage the nail matrix. As a result, the healthy nail growth is interrupted, and abnormal tissue of the nail is formed.

The nail becomes thicker and deformed as the body tries to repair the affected area. Thickening is often gradual, with the nail plate becoming elevated and deformed.

3. Keratin Accumulation
As the fungus infection advances, it leads to excess production of keratin (the protein constructing the nail). The infection prevents the normal process of keratinization and therefore the accumulation of keratin below the nail, leading to thickening.

This thick keratin leads to yellowing, cloudiness, or opaqueness of the nails, and the nail surface may be bumpy or rough.

4. Disruption of Nail Structure
As the infection travels deeper into the nail, it can cause weakening of the nail plate and destruction of the nail bed. This can cause the nail to detach from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis, which can predispose the nail to thickening.

The nail is brittle, weak, and susceptible to fracture, adding further to its thickened and deformed state.

5. Other Symptoms
In addition to thickening, onychomycosis can create various other signs and symptoms of the infection:

Discoloration: Fungal infestation yellows, browns, or whitens the nails.

Brittle or Crumbly Nails: The nails become weakened, prone to breaking, or crumbling with progressive infection.

Odor: Bad smell may emanate from the infected nails as a result of fungi and debris buildup.

Separation of the Nail: The nail may detach from the nail bed, creating spaces for debris to be deposited.

6. Types of Onychomycosis Associated with Thickened Nails
Onychomycosis presents differently, and some are more likely to be found with thickened nails:

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO): The most common form of onychomycosis, which starts at the tip of the nail and extends backward. This form can cause thickening of the nail to a severe degree, often with discoloration of the nail plate.

Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis: This form begins at the base of the nail and can also cause thickening of the nail, but less commonly than DSO.

White Superficial Onychomycosis: This type can cause thickening and discoloration but is usually not as severe as other forms.

7. Complications
Pain: The thickened nail can rub against the toe or finger, causing pain or discomfort when walking or performing everyday activities.

Infection Spread: Without treatment, onychomycosis can spread to other nails or the body, which can worsen the thickening and cause additional damage.

Treatment Options to Address Onychomycosis and Thickened Nails
Topical Antifungal Medications: Creams, ointments, or lacquers (like ciclopirox or amorolfine) are directly applied to infected nails.

Oral Antifungal Medications: For more severe cases, oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed to heal the infection from within.

Nail Debridement: Trimming and filing away thickened nails may reduce discomfort and allow medicines to penetrate more extensively into the nail. In a small number of cases, a healthcare worker would need to debride the infected nail within an office setting.

Laser Therapy: Initial studies demonstrate that laser treatment of onychomycosis targets and eliminates the fungal infection.

Preventative Measures: For prevention of recurrence, good foot hygiene should be practiced, ventilated shoes worn, and not share nail care tools.

Conclusion
Onychomycosis causes thickened nails primarily due to the fact that the fungal infection disrupts regular nail growth, causing the nail bed to become inflamed and resulting in excessive keratin production. If left untreated, the infection will lead to progressive thickening, discoloration, and structural change of the nails. Early antifungal treatment can reduce thickening and restore normal nail function.

Would you like more information on treatments or prevention of onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis, an infection of the nails caused by fungus, may cause a severe impact on nail texture and appearance. As infection progresses, several alterations take place, which might be different in severity based on the type and extent of infection. Following are the ways through which onychomycosis generally impacts nail texture:

1. Thickening:
One of the most common symptoms of onychomycosis is thickening of the nail plate. The fungal infection causes the nail to become unevenly thick and rigid, which can make the nail appear deformed or irregular. Thickening of the nails makes them harder to cut and also more prone to breaking or cracking.

2. Brittle or Crumbly Texture:
The nails can also become crumbly, brittle, or brittle. With the progression of fungal infection, the nail can become brittle and begin to crumble or splinter, especially at its edges. It can become painful to handle and tough to do simple tasks, such as typing or even wearing shoes.

3. Irregular or Rough Surface:
The nail surface may become rough or uneven due to the fungal growth underneath the nail plate. This may lead to ridges, bumps, or pits on the nail. The surface may also be more irregular in texture, which makes it look unhealthy or ugly.

4. Discoloration and Yellowing:
Onychomycosis is typically the cause of nail pigmentation, yellow to brown, or even greenish hues depending on the causative fungi. The nail becomes dull and opaque rather than being shiny and smooth.

5. Separation from the Nail Bed (Onycholysis):
As the infection of the fungus progresses, the nail may begin to lift or become separated from the nail bed, a situation known as onycholysis. This may create an irregular texture at the edges of the nail and hurt, especially if the elevated region becomes caught or injured.

6. Cracking or Splitting at the Edge of the Nail:
As the infection progresses, the nail might start developing cracks or splits on its edges, which can further weaken it. The cracks could even be more prone to injury or infection.

7. Deformity:
Severe infections in onychomycosis can lead to permanent deformity of the nail. The nail gets distorted, curls, or grows unevenly and may end up losing its shape completely.

Treatment of onychomycosis is normally with antifungal medication (oral or local), but several months may elapse before the nail returns to a normal appearance and texture. In some situations, particularly where the infection is severe, nail removal by surgical means may need to be undertaken.