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Nail fungus
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Nail fungus is a common condition that starts with a white or yellow mark under the tip of your fingernail or fingernail. As the fungal infection worsens, nail fungus can cause your nails to discolor, thicken, and crumble. It can affect multiple nails.
If your condition is mild and doesn’t bother you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused nails to thicken, personal hygiene measures and medication can help. But even if the treatment is successful, the nail fungus often returns.
Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). When the fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it is known as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Fungal infection, nail Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
You can get nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
- Thickened
- Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
- Brittle, crumbly, or jagged
- Distorted shape
- A dark color caused by dirt that builds up under your nail
- Slightly bad smell
The reasons
- Mayo Clinic Minute – Health Precautions You Should Know About Pedicures
- View Video Transcript Mayo Clinic Minute – Health Precautions You Should Know About Pedicures
- Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. Yeast and mold can also cause nail infections.
Fungal nail infection can occur in people of any age, but it is more common in the elderly. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to invade. Other factors – such as decreased blood flow to the feet and a weakened immune system – can also play a role. Fungal infection, nail Treatment in Hyderabad
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:
- Being older due to decreased blood flow, long-term exposure to fungi, and slower growing nails
- Sweating profusely
- Have a history of athlete’s foot
- Go barefoot in wet public areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Have a minor injury to the skin or nails, or a skin condition such as psoriasis
- Do you have diabetes, circulatory problems or a weakened immune system
Complications
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and permanently damage your nails. And it can lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet if you have a weakened immune system from medication, diabetes, or other medical conditions.
If you have diabetes, you may have decreased blood flow and decreased nerve supply in your feet. You are also at a higher risk of bacterial skin infections (cellulitis). Therefore, any relatively minor injury to your feet – including a fungal nail infection – can lead to a more serious complication. Contact your doctor if you have diabetes and think you may develop nail fungus. Fungal infection, nail Treatment in Hyderabad
prevention
The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or re-infections, as well as athlete’s foot, which can lead to nail fungus:
- Wash your hands and feet regularly. Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize your nails after washing them.
- Cut the nails straight, smooth the edges with a file, and file down the thickened areas. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change socks throughout the day.
- Choose shoes made from breathable materials.
- Throw away old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal drugs.
- Wear shoes in the pool areas and changing rooms.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized manicure tools for each client.
- Give up nail polish and fake nails.
