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 nail odor?
The connection between onychomycosis (nail fungus infection) and nail smell is because of the growth of fungi and decomposition of organic material beneath the nail. Below is how the infection leads to the development of a bad smell:
1. Fungal Growth and Byproducts
The fungi infecting onychomycosis, which may be dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, thrive in the warm, moist space under and around the nail. As the fungi grow and multiply, they break down keratin (the protein that makes up the nail) and other organic matter in the nail and the nail’s surrounding tissue.
This breakdown process may release VOCs and wastes produced by the fungi, which are musty or foul-smelling.
2. Fungal Material and Debris Buildup
As the infection worsens, debris (such as fungal spores, dead skin cells, and keratin) can accumulate beneath the nail plate. The buildup of this material and the entrapped moisture in the area can lead to a bad odor.
Infected nails also become crumbly, and as they break down, the exposed tissue may also contribute to the smell due to bacteria and fungi.
3. Nail Separation (Onycholysis)
In some cases, onychomycosis causes onycholysis, a condition where the nail plate separates from the nail bed. The separation creates a space where moisture, debris, and fungal growth may accumulate.
The debris caught in this space can also create a bad odor when it decomposes, making the infection even more obvious.
4. Bacterial Infection
The fungal infection can also create a good habitat for overgrowth of bacteria, especially in cases where the nail is significantly compromised. The presence of bacteria (such as Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas) can result in an even worse smell combined with the fungal smell.
The infection of both fungus and bacteria may cause a foul, strong odor since both microbials breakdown tissues and emit gases and other byproducts.
5. Trapping of Moisture
In infections of onychomycosis with thickening or nail separation from the nail bed, environmental moisture or sweat may become trapped under the nail. This damp condition further stimulates fungal growth and increases the likelihood of odor.
The lack of ventilation and greater moisture exacerbate the condition, primarily in closed shoes, so that a more intense odor is detected.
6. Advanced Infection
As the infection worsens and the nails are further deteriorated (thickened, brittle, or crumbly), the fungal mass and debris under the nails can continue to build up, making the odor stronger and more noticeable. If the infection is bad, affecting multiple nails, the odor may be more pronounced and easier to smell, not only on the infected nails but possibly on the surrounding skin as well. Conclusion:
Onychomycosis causes nail odor due to the breakdown of keratin by fungi, accumulation of fungal material and debris under the nail, retention of moisture, and subsequent bacterial infections. Trapped organic matter, fungal waste products, and bacteria can all contribute to a foul or musty smell from the affected nails.
Do you want to learn more about the treatment or management of onychomycosis nail odor?
Onychomycosis may cause pain in the nails due to the several changes caused by the fungal infection in the structure of the nail and the surrounding tissues. Below is how the infection causes pain or discomfort:
1. Nail Thickening and Deformity:
As the fungal infection gets worse, the nail becomes thickened and may become distorted or deformed. The nail thickening can put pressure on the surrounding tissues, such as the nail bed and the skin covering the nail. The pressure can cause pain, especially while walking with tight shoes or when exercising.
2. Inflammation:
The fungal infection results in an immune response in the body, causing inflammation of the tissues surrounding the nail. Inflammation results in swelling, redness, and pain around the affected nail. This can be painful, especially when the nail or the surrounding tissues are touched or pressed.
3. Nail Separation (Onycholysis):
As the fungus infects the nail bed, the nail plate may begin to separate from the nail bed in a process known as onycholysis. The separation can be painful, especially if the lifted nail catches on clothing, shoes, or other objects. The area underneath the nail becomes sensitive to pressure and prone to trauma.
4. Pus or Debris Accumulation:
In more severe onychomycosis, the space between the nail plate and the nail bed may be filled with debris, dead skin, or even pus. This material may exert further pressure, resulting in pain and tenderness. The pus may also lead to infection of the skin surrounding the nail (paronychia), causing pain.
5. Infection and Secondary Bacterial Infections:
The fungal infection also compromises the nail structure, predisposing it to secondary bacterial infections. If bacteria enter the space between the nail plate and the nail bed, this can cause further inflammation, pain, and abscess formation (painful collection of pus).
6. Trauma or Injury to the Nail:
Since onychomycosis nails tend to be brittle and crumbly, they tend to crack, split, or break easily. Any trauma to the already weakened nail can cause stinging pain. Furthermore, when the infected nail is caught on clothing or objects, it tends to cause further pain.
7. Pressure from Tight Shoes:
Onychomycosis is usually on toenails, and if onychomycosis is on the foot, pain can be caused by tight, ill-fitting shoes. The thickened, deformed nail can rub against the shoe and create pressure and discomfort. This happens especially for toenails with extreme thickness changes or nail separation.
8. Compromised Nail Bed:
As the fungal infection kills the nail matrix (the region where new nail growth occurs) and the nail bed, the tissues beneath become increasingly sensitive. This can cause increased pain, especially with movement or pressure over the area.
Briefly, onychomycosis can cause pain through inflammation, nail thickening and deformation, nail separation, debris or pus buildup, trauma, and sensitivity in the infected nail bed. Pain is also often exacerbated by external pressure from footwear or physical contact with other items, in addition to secondary infections that can arise.
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!