The medical term for toenail fungus is "onychomycosis," Despite the commonly used term "fungal toenails", onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women.
Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection of the nails occurring both on the hands and feet but certainly more prevalent on the feet due to the environment that feet find themselves in. Nail fungus generally thrive in dark, moist environments, so when you consider wearing shoes and socks all day along with perspiration that occurs, it ends up being a perfect growth media for nail fungus.
Unfortunately as we grow older, our chances of contracting onychomycosis increase. The condition is rare in children and young adults but the risk increases once a person reaches their thirties. In fact, nearly one in every four adults has experienced some type of nail fungus by the time they reach forty. For senior citizens the statistics are even higher with nearly half of the population having been affected by either type of nail fungus.
Causes of Nail Fungus
The primary cause of nail fungal infection is the contamination made by the fungus that comes from the family of dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are fungus that affects the skin with its parasitic attribute. Moreover, nail fungal infections is also brought about by the certain type of yeast called Candida albican as well as molds that are non-dermatophyte. These fungal parasites can live in moist and warm environment. This includes places like showers and swimming pools.
What are the symptoms of nail infection ?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children hardly ever get fungal nail infections. Primarily you may see, smell, or feel a nail fungus infection once ittakes hold.
Nails may look brownish, yellowish, or have little white patches.Some may even be brown or black. Nails may get flaky, brittle, and chipped.Bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails. Your nails may smell bad.
Treatment
Medications for onychomycosis fall into two categories; topical and oral. There are any number of effective topical medications available over the counter. Topical medications are most helpful in treating early, small infections and for maintaining clear nails. Since, toenails grow so slowly the complete process will take a year or more. Lactobacilli taken internally is a beneficial bacteria needed to inhibit bacteria needed to inhibit bad bacteria and fungus. The lack of sufficient friendly bacteria in the body can result in the growth of fungus under the around nails.
There have been a series of treatments for onychomycosis . A most assertive as good as in effect approach to provide a mildew is with verbal anti-fungal medications . A most usual verbal anti-fungal medications have been Itraconazole as good as Terbinafine. Both medications can be utterly costly as they need to be taken once each day for 3 months . A efficacy of a medications ranges from 60 to 80%, with a regularity rate of 15% . Lamisil appears to be some-more in effect as good as has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox.
Related Articles
Nail Fungus - 3 Home Remedies For Nail Fungus Treatment
By: Wong Darren | 29/06/2008 | Medicine
Nail fungus may not pose great danger to your health, but it may be indeed bothersome. More often than not, the initial reaction of people who find out that they have nail fungus is to make an appointment with their doctor. There are also others who choose to ignore their...
Nail Fungus - 5 Nail Fungus Myths and Facts
By: Wong Darren | 04/07/2008 | Medicine
We are constantly being exposed to misleading information on different subjects, including health-related issues. What is dangerous about this is that if we are convinced and if we take the wrong information as the truth, we would not know the right thing to do. At times, we would choose to...
Fungal Infection on Your Finger and Toe Nails
By: Wong Darren | 23/07/2008 | Medicine
Nail fungus infection, can damage our finger or toe nails. Most often, these kinds of infections start on the toenails. Why the toenails, you might ask. As we all know, the fungus responsible for this infection thrives in humid surroundings. Your toenails are usually inside closed shoes, unless you are...
Nail Fungus - Your Nail is Under Attack
By: Wong Darren | 14/06/2008 | Medicine
Fungal or fungus infections, as most people do not probably know, are diseases. Many healthy and able-bodied people, like you and me, suffer from fungal infections. Many fungal infections are mild affecting such areas as nails, skin, hair, and other superficial areas. These fungal infections clear up eventually.
Nail Fungus
A person...
Onychomycosis - What is Onychomycosis Infection?
By: Wong Darren | 19/06/2008 | Medicine
Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is one of the more common infections. It is common enough to say that almost anybody had Onychomycosis infection before. The way we use our hands and feet and how we take care of them can mean the difference between having fungal infection or...
Nail Fungus - 4 Facts And Tips In Fighting Nail Fungus
By: Wong Darren | 17/05/2008 | Medicine
Does the idea of falling nails scare you? You must be. Nail fungus can do that slowly but surely. Nail fungal infection is onychomycosis (on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis) in scientific term. They are micro-predators from the bacterium called dermatophyte or tinea unguium, mother of other skin disorders such as athlete's foot, jock itch,...
Vicks Vaporub May Speed Healing of Nail Fungus
By: Tonya Thomas | 14/03/2008 | Alternative Medicine
The contents of the blue jar, known worldwide as Vicks Vapor Rub has grown into an American icon of sorts for relieving symptoms of colds and congestion. Many also claim, including the Vicks Company, that this menthol ointment relieves symptoms of such things as muscle pains and fever. With all these healing claims adding to the power of Vicks, there is a newly discovered addition. Vicks may help relieve and cure onychomycosis.
Nail Fungus - Can Nail Fungus Be Eliminated Permanently?
By: Wong Darren | 04/06/2008 | Medicine
Nail fungus is a common problem. The fungus develops in our nail beds, the skin directly underneath our nails. The symptoms of nail fungus include discolored nails, crumbly or brittle nails, thickened nails, nails growing irregularly, and pain in the affected finger or toe. Since nail fungus is not a...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still rid toe nail fungus with the remedies ...
By: Jendayi | 07-05-2008
Can I still rid toe nail fungus with the remedies featured if I have had the fungus for years?
Q&A Powered by:
More from peterhutch
Treatment for Frostbite
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Frostbite occurs when skin and other tissues are exposed to very cold temperatures. It can occur within minutes following exposure to extreme temperatures, or even in above-freezing temperatures if there is a strong wind (wind chill)
Travel to Buckingham Palace
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Destinations
Popularly known as "Buck House", has served as the Monarch`s permanent London residence since the accession of Queen Victoria. It began its days in 1702 as the Duke of Buckingham`s city residence, built on the site of a notorious brothel
Travel to Bahamas
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Destinations
Newcomers to The Islands of The Bahamas quickly realize that they have stumbled upon not one, but many destinations. Between the "poles" of Grand Bahamas and Great Inagua are 23 inhabited islands and thousands of unpopulated islets and cays (pronounced "keys")
Sunburn – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Skin Care
Sunburn is the result of not using proper skin protection while sunbathing or even from routine sun exposure. The skin becomes red, tender and swollen. You may have a stinging sensation and blistering may occur. Some people even get a low grade fever
How to Get Rid of Panic Attacks
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Panic attack is perhaps one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through. During a panic attack, the body reacts in a way similar to a "fight or flight" response.
How to Get Rid of Anxiety Attacks
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are episodes of intense panic or fear. Anxiety attacks usually occur suddenly and without warning. Sometimes there's an obvious trigger - getting stuck in an elevator
Home Remedies for Snoring
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Sleep
Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep that occurs when relaxed structures in the throat vibrate and make noise. Most snoring is harmless, though it can be a nuisance that interferes with the sleep of others
Irritable Bowl Syndrome
By: peterhutch | 18/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, as cancer
Health 
| Posted: 25-04-2008 | Comments: 
