|
Toe nail fungus
Do You Have Thick, Yellowed Toe nails?
Toe nail fungus also known as onychomycosis ia a fairly common condition that disfigures and can destroy the nail. This condition is caused by any one of many types of fungi (similar to the organisms that cause mold in your bathroom) that grow in the moist warm environment in your shoes. These fungi generally belong to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. As they grow they invade and feed on the protein (keratin) that makes up the hard surface of the toe nails. It is rare in children but the incidence increases as you age, with an estimated 48% of people in the United States having at least one toe affected by the time they are 70 years of age. Wearing tight-fitting shoes and layers of polish in the nails increases the risk of developing this. It can also be spread person to person in public areas such as locker rooms and showers. Having a chronic condition such as diabetes that affects your circulation or HIV also increases your risk. The big toe and the little toe are the nails that are most likely to be affected.
Symptoms
The affected nail will become discolored (yellow or brown) and will become very thick and overgrown. You may notice foul-smelling debris under the nail. The nail may crumble and eventually completely fall off, or it may become so thick that it is very painful to wear shoes.
Diagnosis
If a fungal infection becomes uncomfortable enough to seek medical treatment your doctor will examine the toe nail and can take small samples for examination. Under a microscope in the lab the nail can be examined for fungi or some other infection.
We wish you good luck
with your fingerToe nail fungus and hope this site helped you in it.
| 