What is Toenail Fungus

Fungal infections are very common on both fingernails and toenails. It is a living organism that lives in dark, moist environments such as under and around the fungal nail infection. Toes are more likely to be attacked by fungi because it is dressed in a dark and damp environment which is more on the foot, distributed as self-evident.

In more severe conditions, affected nails can have a yellowish or brownish discoloration. You can also thickened or brittle over time and may even shed. Sometimes the nails have crumbling edges. It's embarrassing, unsightly, distorted, and sometimes painful.

The nail itself provides a protective cover makes it possible to grow the fungus under. An accumulation of keratinous debris is usually found under the free edge of the infected nail.

Other names for toenail fungus are: onychomycosis of the nail plate, and tinea of the nails.

How to avoid Toe Fungus

Toenail and athlete's foot fungi like warm, moist areas, growing public areas such as bathrooms, swimming pools, changing rooms or showers. For a short time they can live in warm puddles on tile floors, are expected to step in and pick up the spores. If you sandals, shoes, water, or swimming booties they would help in keeping your feet touch the ground directly. Some public swimming pool areas have to wade through small pools, whichkeep the toenail and athlete's foot fungi in check to help. After your session at the pool or other public area, wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.

Removing Fungal Nail Infect

Removing a fungal nail infected toenail after 12 years with a hack saw blade and some manpower.. Sorry if it un-nerves you but maybe someone else needs some help in removing theirs this is how i did mine..! Not painful.. Stil abit to be worked on, this is stage one... More

Introduction To Fongus Nails

Fungus nails is an unsightly condition which can be difficult to treat. Lots of patients become conscious about a fungus nail condition & refuse to wear sandals & have their feet seen in public. It is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes grow in the nail bed, beneath the nail & live off keratin, the protein in the nail. The condition usually begins towards the far finish of the nail & may start with patches of white or yellow discoloration. If the condition is left untreated, it will proceed to the base of the nail. It will attack the nail root (matrix) & cause the nail to grow thick & deformed. The massive toe is usually the first nail to be affected with the condition spreading to adjacent nails. In rare cases this condition can also affect the skin surrounding the nails. Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal Nail Infection

Many people have thickened, discolored feet and nails. About 50% of these abnormal nails by a fungus infection of the nail bed, matrix or nail plate. The medical terms for this type of onychomycosis, or fungal infection tinea unguium. Fungal infections of the nails in up to 3% of the population, especially in the developed countries. Men are affected more frequently than women and usually in later life, according to the age of 40 years.Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

Appearance of fungal nail infections
In fact, there are 4 different types of fungal nail infections by the part of the involved nail classified. The most common infection concerns the end of the nail where the fungus to penetrate into the Hyponychium. Next divides the nail plate from the nail bed, a process that onycholysis. The end of the nail, then yellow or white and keratin debris develops under the nail causing further division. The fungus grows in the substance of the nail causing it brittle and disintegrate. The fungal organism responsible for most fungal nail infections is Trichophyton rubrum.

Risk factors for fungal nail infections
The following are examples that support either to infection with fungi or promote the growth of fungi:

* Narrow Shoes promotes the displacement of the toe keeps your toes warm and moist - a perfect environment for growing mushrooms.
* Exercise may lead to repeated minor VHyponychium INJURIES allows the fungus to penetrate.
* Communal showers can expose your feet fingernail fungus.
* Diseases that can affect the immune system such as AIDS and diabetes, making it easier for a fungal infection to start.

Diagnosis of fungal nail infections
Not everyone thickened, discolored nails a fungal infection. Other diseases, the nails are thickened cause psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus. It is important for fungal nail infections that are properly diagnosed because treatment is long term and expensive. Nail fungal infections are diagnosed by taking a sample from the debris under the nail. The fungal elements are found under the nail and the closest to the skin should be trimmed so the nail will be taken before a test. There are two tests used to diagnose a nail fungal infection - the KOH test and fungal culture. The KOH test has the advantage that they can be implemented very quickly. A fungal culture takes back 3 to 4 weeks, but the exact fungal organism to identify if there is any question.