Toenail Fungus Diagnosis
The diagnosis of nail fungus infection is very important because it often takes a long time to cure fungal toenails, it can be really expensive, and may cause various side effects. If a toenail fungus infection is suspected, you should know what the nail fungus (onychomycosis) symptoms are.
Fungal infection of a nail, or Onychomycosis, is a name of infection process of the nail bed, nail plate (we call it the nail itself) and sometimes the area near the toenail or fingernail. This medical term is divided in two parts: onycho-, which refers to nails and -mycosis, which mean a fungal infection. This disease is fairly common; half of all nails conditions in the world are diagnosed as onychomycosis! There are several types of nail fungus agents but in most cases we talk about a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum.
Fungus flourishes in moist and dark conditions, and these conditions are typical of the nail bed, specifically on the foot. This is because of shoes that to not provide proper ventilation and secondly, one's feet are often sweaty due to more sweat gland concentration.
Secondly, fungus typically flourishes on the floors of structures associated with swimming pools, gyms and similar public places. Usually, this results in a toe nail fungal infection that is hard to get rid of.
Since this is an infection, it can spread from one nail to another and from person to person.
Nail fungal infection does not usually cause any symptoms, particularly at first. The most general complaint from the patients with toenail fungus is the way that the nail looks. Onychomycosis often disfigures the nail. Nails may change color - become yellowish or brownish. Also they can be thick and then brittle over time. The little and the big toes are the nails that are affected most often.
With the lapse of time infection becomes severe, the nail folds and skin near the nail becomes swollen and red. These are the symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation may be associated with discomfort and pain. The skin can discharge pus (white material that consists of white blood cells).
My practice shows that fungal toenails are generally a disease of patients older than the age of 40.
Moreover, since this is an infection, it can spread from one nail to another and from person to person. In addition, there is often fungal infection of the skin near the nails, which on the feet is called tinea pedis or athlete's foot. My practice shows that fungal toenails are generally a disease of patients older than the age of 40. In fact, over 40 percent of all my patients between 40 and 60 have onychomycosis.
There are people that are more susceptible to the nail fungus infection than others. Here are the risk factors:
- decreased immunity of the person
- injured nail
- diabetes mellitus
- poor foot hygiene
- male gender
- high pH level of the foot skin
If you notice any changes in your toenails, I recommend you to seek treatment immediately. Fungal infection will spread and can grow rapidly, catching it at first sign will minimize the chances of spreading.
Most people want to make the nails to look more appealing and get rid of this infection. Good news for you - with the proper treatment by modern remedies, you will be free of a nail infection caused by fungus, even if you've had it for years.
The nail fungus can become a source of serious bacterial infection
At the same time I must let you know that onychomycosis is not easy type of fungal infection to treat. The more of the nail surface that is infected, the harder it is to cure. To get rid of it you will have to take a treatment, sometimes for up to six months, so you may have to be patient. This is particularly important for people with poor circulation, diabetes, and elderly people with bad vision. The nail fungus can become a source of serious bacterial infection if they are not taken care of.
