Causes of Nail Fungus (and How to Treat It)

Medical Video: Fungus Amongus! Rolo Triple Nail Chop & Pull Fun!

You may have heard of fungal infections on the skin, such as phlegm, ringworm, and ringworm. Or you have experienced it yourself. But did you know that fungal infections can also affect toenails? What is the cause of fungal growth in the nails? Can this unpleasant sight be treated once and for all? Check the answer here.

What causes fungal growth in toenails?

Fungal infections can attack any part of the body. This is because the fungus is usually inside and on the surface of the body, living harmoniously with other bacteria. When the fungus starts to thrive too far, you can get an infection. The toenails can be molded when the colony of the fungus attacks the lower layer of the nail or the top. Fungus can also infect toenails from the inside through between nail and skin boundaries, cracks in brittle nails, or open sores around the skin of your toes.

Fungal infections of toenails are most often caused by a fungal colony called Onychomycosis or also called tinea unguium. But other types of fungi can cause the same infection in toenails - for example, fungus causes moldy mouth (thrush), and fungi that cause ringworm, ringworm, and water lice.

Nyeker by the pool, one of the causes of fungal infections of the toenails (source: shutterstock)

Mushrooms thrive in warm and humid environments. Feet are rarely exposed to the sun because they are almost always covered with shoes or socks so the ambient temperature below will be more moist than the fingernails of the fingers. Therefore, fungi can multiply fertile in toenails.

Another common way to contract fungal nail infections is to walk barefoot in a warm and humid area (such as a poolside, wet land, or gym dressing room), or legs that continue to sweat all day. Toe nails can also be molded when you contract it from other people who have ringworm or ringworm on the skin of their hands. The infection can then spread to your skin and even toenails.

What are the symptoms of fungal infections in toenails?

Fungal infections in the feet usually cause the nail color to change dramatically - for example cloudy white, yellow, brown, or variations of these colors. First of all the nail color changes will only occur partially, or even just at some point, before long spread to the entire surface of the nail. The nail surface may feel thin, soft, dry and powdery.

In some cases, toenails that are infected with the fungus can thicken and harden, but are raised and no longer attached to the back of the finger so that they are easily broken or dislodged. Mushroom nails also usually emit an unpleasant odor.

Fungal infections of the nails (source: shutterstock)

The toenails that don't have pain at first, so you might ignore the symptoms. But if you procrastinate to the doctor to check for strangeness in your toenails, the fungus can grow even more widely in the toenails. In the end, the infection can feel very painful, even wearing shoes is difficult.

Adults, especially men and over 65 years of age, are more at risk for fungal infections of toenails. This is because the older you are, blood circulation and nail growth will slow down as part of the aging process. Some health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer (and / or being chemo), psoriasis, and problems with blood circulation can also increase your risk of fungal infections of the nails.

How do you treat fungal infections in toenails?

Treating fungal infections on nails can be a long process, depending on the type of fungus that causes it and how severe the infection is. The doctor may recommend one of these four treatment options, or instead combine several at a time for one treatment:

Ointments or creams that can be applied directly to the nails
Antifungal drugs taken (for example terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin)
Antifungal nail polish

In addition to the three options above, the doctor can also cut any infected nails short or even at the same time with the area of infected skin around the nail. The doctor will also erode the "climb" that builds up under the nail to trim the growth of the fungus.

It should be noted that nail care products that are usually sold at the nearest supermarket or stall are not recommended to be used to treat fungal infections because they are proven not to provide reliable results. This is because most fungal infections can recur in the future.

Nail infections are not considered to be completely cured until new nails free of infection have grown. Even though this indicates that your toenails are no longer infected, the possibility of a fungal infection can return. In severe cases, there may be permanent damage to your nails. For some extreme cases like this, the doctor may remove the entire nail completely through surgery.

Is there a way to prevent fungal infections in the feet?

Nail infections can be prevented simply by applying good personal hygiene.How to prevent fungal infections in toenails include:

Keep nails dry and clean (Use soap and water to wash your feet, and dry them well, including between your toes)
Diligently nail clippers - cut nails so that they are always shorter than the tips of your toes. Cut straight across. Make sure the tool you use to cut your nails is also clean
Wash hands after touching the infected nail
Avoid barefoot in public places
Reduce using artificial nails and nail polish
Use socks made from cool to let the skin of the feet breathe
Wear shoes or sandals in public places and swimming pools
Avoid sharing shoes and socks with other people
Get a manicure or pedicure from a trusted salon
Avoid injuring the skin around your nails
If your work or activity requires that your legs keep getting wet or damp for a long time, you might want to wear rubber boots that cover up to the calves.