How Do Toe Nail Fungus Infections Occur?

Fungal nail diseases are quite common, especially infections of the toenail or fingernails which can lead to the nail being discolored, hard, and even to break and crumble. Nail fungus is the most common fungal infection of humans, occurring in more than 95% of the population at some point in their lives. Fungal infections are more frequent in toenails more than fingernails, although the risk factor is the same. The technical term for a nail fungus infection is onychomycosis.

It is not uncommon for untreated toenail infections to produce thick, discolored and crumbly nails. The most common symptoms associated with fungal infections in the toenail or fingernail are discoloration of the nails and a strong, unpleasant odor. In severe cases of onychomycia, the patient may have discoloration that covers the whole nail and a yellowish discharge from the infected areas. Treatment of these infections involves topical antifungal medications and nail polish.

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The first step in treating an infected nail involves taking an antifungal medication such as econazole, itraconazole nitrate, or propoconazole. If the infection is not very severe, one or more of these drugs will probably be sufficient to control the fungal nail condition. These prescription medications are taken into the nail bed where they interact with the bacteria that cause infection, preventing them from growing there and affecting new, healthy nail growth. Although econazole and propoconazole are prescription-base medications, oral antifungals like terbinafine hydrochloride are available and may also be used in advanced cases of onychomycia. Treatment of fungal nail overgrowth by systemic antifungals can also involve combinations of medications; however, the effectiveness and side effects of these treatments are different.

To treat a fungal nail fungal infection that has not yet spread to the adjacent nails, the infected nail may separate from the nail bed. This can happen if the fungus has not been able to break through the nail bed due to inadequate thickness or if the infection has not spread beyond the cuticle. This separation can be caused by many factors. An infected nail may separate when the fungus has begun to grow underneath the surface of the nail. Separation can also occur when the fungus is trying to escape from the nail bed or when it is dying out.

A third common cause for onychomycia is a reaction to an ingredient in commercially prepared foot cream, lotion, or rinse. If this is the case for you, then you should discontinue use of the product and contact your physician. He will test you for other possible causes of toe nail fungal infections and prescribe a treatment for your particular condition. While the symptoms of fungal infection in the toes can be very similar to those of other skin infections, the actual infection in the toes is usually very different.

Nail fungal infections of any kind should always be seen by a doctor for proper diagnosis. Your physician will be able to identify exactly which type of fungus is infecting your nails and will be able to prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. There are some topical ointments, prescription pills, and oral medications that are available for the treatment of fungal toenail infections. However, the success rate of these traditional medications is very low. A better option for the treatment of your infected nails is to try an over-the-counter topical medication or homeopathic remedy.