Toenail fungus is generally accepted as one of the most familiar nail abnormalcy. It is characterized by the deformation, discoloration, and eventual deterioration of the infected toenail. The condition is labeled by various medical jargon, specifically, Onychomycosis, dermatophytic onychomycosis, Tinea unguium and ringworm of the nail. Toenail fungus is a highly contagious disease and can quickly be passed from one person to another person.

While nail fungus cannot cause any health hazard to people who have good health, it happens to be an discomfort. According to one report, nearly 7% of the adult population are suffering from a fungal infection at some point in their life. A second report suggests up to 12% of Americans are having certain type of nail fungus while a third one says that around 20% of people in the U.S. older than 40 have some kind of nail fungus. You will notice the change of color of the nail. Some nails will break away from the bed of the nail.

The senior and those people with Diabetes mellitus and HIV are highly vulnerable to this fungal infection. Its prevalence has also been traced to shower stalls, locker rooms and restrooms, particularly those in public places and other areas that are unhygienic. The incidence of nail fungus is more prevalent with males than with females. It is more common in those of senior years than young people. Nevertheless, the condition does occur with both sexes and regardless of ages.If there is a history of the condition in your family, the risk goes up. It should be comprehended; however, that mainly because nail fungus perhaps have affected a family member, that does not suggest you are guaranteed to contract this condition. However, nail fungus is easy to pick up off an tainted area, so it is necessary to be careful.

Toenail fungus is classified into 4 primary groups based on the degree and form of the fungal disease. These are the following:

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis – This form of the toenail fungus could also be considered the most frequent kind of the fungal infection. It is resulting from the pathogenic microorganism known as Trichophyton rubrum. It is an extremely serious disease as it causes damage to the tainted toenail and significant damage to the keratin by tunneling into the nail bed and spreading to the nail plate.

Candida Onychomycosis – This is another form of the fungal infection which is highly common. It is generally linked to habitual and extended immersion in water of the feet.

Proximal Subungal Onchomycosis – This kind of the fungal disease is a type of Tinea unguium and it is typically connected to weakened immune protection system. The fungus that is responsible for the toenail disease at first passes through the proximal nail fold and arrives at the nail plate and the nail bed.

White Superficial Onychomycosis – This fungal problem is characterized by the presence of what's known in medical parlance as "white islands" on the infected toenails. This disorder is attributed to the ongoing disintegration and degradation of the superficial exterior layer as a result of its exposure to the fungus. This kind of the fungal infection only accounts for a small fraction of the reported events of toenail fungus. While it may not be as prevalent as the other forms of the fungal infection having an effect on the toenails, it is regarded as a major wellness problem as it is once in a while confused for another health issue referred to as keratin granulation.

Nail fungus can be accompanied by pain and can result to permanent damage to the tainted toenail. The fungal disease can also be a precursor of other severe infections that can have a bearing on other parts of the body. Such complications are often due to weakened immune system, a condition that may be connected to the consumption of particular medications, HIV and diabetes.

Nail fungus can be a serious health condition for individuals who are experiencing diabetes mellitus, AIDS and leukemia. A weak defensive mechanisms of the body can result in severe problems to people with toenail fungus while recipients of organ transplants are facing the biggest risk of developing severe problems.

The doctor will normally conduct physical examination of the tainted toenail first. A small sample may be considered by scraping some particles from underneath the affected toenail for lab testing. Specifically, the debris extracted from the tainted toenail will be analyzed under the microscope or be subjected to culture to determine the pathogenic microorganism. There are other diseases which can resemble the symptoms of toenail fungus. Hence, it is important that such conditions are kept remotely for the determination of the proper course of treatment.

There are a few healthy techniques that really must be observed to minimize the chances of having toenail fungus. It is crucial that you adhere to these preventive steps not only to prevent the fungal infection but to lessen its recurrence too.

Keep your toenails dry, short and clean.
Avoid using artificial-fiber socks. Wear breathable cotton socks instead.
Utilize antifungal powder or spray.
Do not walk with your barefoot in public bath rooms, locker rooms as well as other public sites.
Visit reputable pedicure salons.
Frequently clean your hands, particularly after coming in contact with the infected toenail

Treatment and Cure of Toenail Fungus

Treatment of toenail fungus can be a difficult task and the treatment regimen would typically take months to complete. The courses of therapy can be divided in to 2 main groups – Pharmacological or medical treatments and natural treatment or home remedies.

Pharmacological remedies incorporate the usage of anti-fungal medicines, systemic and topical preparations in removing the fungal infection. The duration of the treatment is largely hinged on the seriousness of the condition and the time that is required to shed off the infected nail and make room for a new nail to grow. The therapy regimen may run up to 12 months or more in order to attain a complete remedy.

On the other hand, the effectiveness of natural treatment and home treatments for toenail fungus is anchored on the proper usage of these treatment options. Such non-traditional treatment plans can be used to successfully control and kill toenail fungus without the side effects which are frequently seen in pharmacological treatments.