Basic information about fungal nail infections
April 20, 2009
Some people have discoloured and thickened fingernails and toenails. Approximately 50 percent of such abnormal nails are because of a fungal infection of the nail plate, nail bed or the matrix. The medical terms for such fungal infections are tinea unguium or onychomycosis.
There are 4 different kinds of fungal nail infections depending on which part of the nail has been infected. The most common fungal nail infection involves the nail end, where the infection affects the hyponychium. At first, the nail plate splits away from the nail bed, a process which is called as onycholysis. It then turns white or yellow and keratin debris develops underneath the nail leading to further separation. The fungus grows in the nail substance and causes it to be fragile and ultimately, crumble.
Some factors that are responsible for nail fungal infections or encouraging the growth of nail fungi are:
• Tight footwear promotes the crowding of toes and keeps them moist and warm – an ideal environment for nail fungi to grow.
• Some types of exercise can cause minor trauma to the hyponychium causing the nail fungi to invade.
• Bathing or washing the feet at public places can expose the feet to nail fungi.
Remember, not every discoloured, thickened nail is infected by nail fungi. There are many fungal nail treatments available that can effectively cure the infection. It is important to give adequate time for the fungal nail treatment to show results, as it is not easy for the medication to penetrate the hard nail cover.