Fungal Nail Infection

What is fungal nail infection?

Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the toenails or fingernails. These fungal infections develop over time, and immediate differences in the way the nails look may be too subtle to notice at first. Fungal nail infections are the most common infections of the toenails or fingernails that cause nails to become thick, discoloured, and more likely to crack or break.

Fungal infections are not painful unless these infections become severe. Some individuals with toenail infections also have fungal skin infections, especially between the toes, also known as athlete's foot.

Causes of fungal nail infections

There are various causes of fungal nail infections, and each cause has a different treatment. Many fungal nail infections are preventable if you take precautionary steps. However, you can experience a fungal nail infection if you have:

• Diseases that cause poor circulation
• Diabetes
• Wear artificial nails
• Are above sixty-five
• Weak immune system
• A nail injury
• Swim in public swimming pools
• Skin injures around the nails
• Moist toes or fingers for an extended time
• Wear closed-toe shoes

Fungal nail infections occur in males more than females and adults more than children. In addition, if your family members often experience fungal nail infections, you are at higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection.

Elders are more prone to fungal nail infections due to poorer circulation. In addition, the infected nails grow slowly and thicken as we age.

What are the common symptoms of fungal nail infections?

You are experiencing fungal nail infections if your nails are:

• Crumbly, ragged, or brittle
• Thickened
• White to yellow-brown discolouration
• Distorted in shape
• Smelling slightly foul odour
• A dark colour due to debris building up under the nails

Common types of nail fungus / infections

White superficial infection

These infections usually affect your toenails. A particular fungus attacks the nail's top layers and creates white spots. These white patches cover the entire nail that becomes soft, rough, and more prone to crumbling. In addition, these nail spots may become flaky and spitted.

Distal subungual infection

This is a common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both toenails and fingernails. When the nail gets an infection, the nail's outer edge has a jagged appearance with yellow or white streaks across the nail. This infection also invades the underside of the nail and nail bed.

Candida infection

Candida yeasts cause this infection and invade nails previously damaged by a prior injury or infection. Moreover, Candida primarily affects fingernails. This infection occurs in people who often soak their hands in water. Candida infections start with the cuticle around your nail that becomes red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The nails may partially fall off entirely.

Proximal subungual infection

These infections are uncommon but can affect both toenails and fingernails. A yellow spot appears at the nail's base as the infection spreads upward. Proximal subungual infection can occur in people with compromised immune systems. Minor injuries to the nails can also cause this infection.

How to treat fungal nail infections?

You can experience fungal nail infections when your feet are constantly damp and warm, or you often soak your hands. The risks of fungal nail infections will increase if you wear trainers for a long time and have sweaty or hot feet.

To prevent these infections;

• Get rid of old shoes.
• Keep the feet dry and clean.
• Reduce the use of nail polish and artificial nails.
• Wash the hands after touching the infected nails.
• Avoid being barefoot in public places.
• Treat the athlete's foot quickly to avoid it spreading to the nails.
• Wear flip-flops in showers.
• Wear clean socks every day.
• Do not share nail scissors or clippers.
• Do not share towels.
• Do not wear other people's shoes.
• Do not wear shoes that make the feet sweaty and hot.

Excilor fungal nail infection pen penetrates the nail without filing and acting fast to block the progression of your fungal nail infection. This pen shows effectiveness within two weeks against fungal nail infection. In addition, this pen plays an essential role in rebuilding the damaged nail structure and improving the cosmetic aspects of the nail.

After using Excilor fungal pen, your infected nails grow stronger and healthier, and re-contamination is being prevented.