Are you a victim of skin fungal infection?
August 21, 2009
If your toe nails have a bad, abnormal odour and have got a different colour, there is the possibility that you have been infected by a fungal skin infection. Such an infection is caused by a dermatophyte fungus. This fungus can result in an infection called ‘Onychomycosis’ (also known as Athlete’s foot or foot fungus). One experiences severe pain in the toe while walking in shoes due to severe pressure placed on the toe nail. This is accompanied by a lot of irritation in the infected area itself.
The occurrence of Onychomycosis is the biggest reason for nail infections in adults. Ninety percent of nail infection cases are seen in adults. Older people suffering from diabetes are more prone to such an infection. On the other hand rare cases, as low as 2.6 per cent, are seen in younger children below eighteen years of age.
Anyone suffering from such an infection should consult a dermatologist immediately. These infections are contagious and can spread from person to person. Maintaining personal hygiene is very crucial, especially if you find you are prone to these infections. Moist and damp places like a swimming pool, changing room, gym, etc. are breeding grounds and they spread the infection quickly.
The treatment for Onychomycosis is aided by the use of oral medicines, external applicants or natural herbs.
Oral medicines are effective but need to be taken for a long time. Also, these pills might have side effects such as headaches, rashes on the skin, stomach upsets, etc. There have been cases of liver damage and other such medical issues too. External applicants may involve the application of a powder, cream on the infected area. These are more effective than oral pills but only if you are willing to continue buying these applicants for a while.
Natural herbs like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil are effective in curing such an infection. There’s also a benefit to your overall health as well.