The nail fungus develops when there is fungal infection of one or more nails and is the most common disease of the nails. The condition may affect either toenails or fingernails, but toenail infections are more common.
Nail fungus is commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum which belong to a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Molds and yeasts can also cause nail fungus but it is less common.
The fungi enter the skin via tiny invisible skin aberrations and in presence of warm and moist conditions they start growing.
The nail fungus is more common in toenails than the finger nails due to warm, dark and moist conditions inside the shoes and less blood circulation than the finger nails making it difficult for the immune system to identify and get rid of the infection.
Family history of nail fungus, older age, being men, profound sweating, wearing socks and shoes for prolonged period of time, humid atmosphere, minor cuts or injured nails, being bare footed in public places like gyms, shower floors, swimming pools, diabetes, circulatory diseases and impaired immune system are the risk factors for nail fungus.
Symptoms of nail fungus are thick, brittle, crumbly or ragged nail, dull nail, no shine or luster to the nail, distortion in the shape of the nail, dark color of the nail and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Nail fungus is diagnosed on the basis of physical examination of the nail and confirmed by laboratory testing of the nail debris. Fungus can be identified by microscopic examination or the fungal culture.
Treatment for nail fungus includes oral anti-fungal medications and over the counter anti-fungal drugs. The anti-fungal drugs are Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Terbinafine. The infection takes longer time to disappear and it may reccur if the nail is exposed to moist and warm conditions again.
Anti-fungal nail polishes and creams are also available for the treatment of nail fungus. They may be used in combination with oral therapy. In severe cases of nail fungus nail may be removed.
Nail fungus can spread to other parts of the body if the patient is diabetic or immuno- compromised. It can be painful and it can damage the nail permanently.
Keeping the nails short, clean and dry; avoiding use of nail polishes, nor removing the skin around the nail, having manicure and pedicure only at salon with adequate hygienic facilities, using appropriate socks and changing them regularly, not sharing the foot ware and socks, using rubber gloves and changing them inside out frequently, use of foot ware at public places like swimming pools and use of anti-fungal sprays and powders can prevent nail fungus.
