The feet - including nails, heels and toes - have a great diversity of fungi

Yellow spots, thickened, brittle or irregularly shaped nails ... Have you ever had these nail symptoms? Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails, usually in the feet, responsible for up to 10% of nail alterations, as highlighted by the Healthy Skin Foundation of the Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). 

In most cases, these infections are caused by so-called dermatophytes and are called ringworm. Although less common, the appearance of nail fungus can be due to Candida yeast or the presence of non- dermatophyte fungi , such as mold.

 

It is a very common problem, especially in summer when going to humid environments such as swimming pools, changing rooms or recreational facilities. To know if you have this infection, just look at your nails and check if they have changed color, if they flake easily or if they have a more unpleasant smell.

What are the causes?

There are some factors that can increase the risk of nail fungus, which, according to Dressing Clinic , are: 

  • Aging. This condition is more communal in older adults, mainly because blood circulation is less. Also, when the nail ages it tends to dry out and become more brittle. 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Have a history of athlete's foot.
  • Walking barefoot in humid public places.
  • Having lesions on the skin or nails, as well as conditions such as psoriasis.
  • Have diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system.

How is the treatment? 

After making a diagnosis and verifying the infection, the healthcare professional will establish the ideal treatment regimen depending on the state of the disease, the objective of which is to cure the infection and the clinical recovery of the nail. In this sense, having a slow growth, "it will take many months to regain its normal appearance", indicate from the Skin Healthy Foundation.

 

Popular posts from this blog

Health & Beauty Tips For Any Skin Type

Image
  Achieving radiant skin and maintaining overall health involves a combination of lifestyle habits, skincare routines, and mindful choices. Regardless of skin type—whether oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—here are comprehensive health and beauty tips beneficial for all: Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for skin health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep skin cells hydrated and flush out toxins, promoting a clear complexion. Balanced Diet: Consume a composed diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can combat free radicals and support healthy skin. Regular Exercise: Physical activity upsurges blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Exercise helps in detoxification, reducing stress levels, and promoting a healthy glow. Adequate Sleep: Quality nap is vital for skin repair and innovation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain healthy ...
Read more

Exploring Effective Toenail Fungus Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide

Image
  Toenail fungus, physically known as onychomycosis, is a mutual and stubborn condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Characterized by the invasion of fungi into the toenail, it can lead to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails, causing discomfort and embarrassment. With a plethora of toenail fungus treatments available, it can be challenging to determine the most effective approach. This comprehensive guide aims to explore various treatment options, considering both conventional and alternative remedies. Conventional Treatments Topical Antifungal Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments, and nail lacquers are commonly used to treat toenail fungus. Common ingredients include terbinafine, ciclopirox, and amorolfine, which work by inhibiting the growth of fungi. Oral Antifungal Medications: Prescribed medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole are taken orally to target the infection systemical...
Read more

What Is Toenail Fungus? And, More About

Image
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nail fungus, additionally known as onychomycosis, is the umbrella time period for a handful of microorganisms that could infect one or greater of your nails. The infection is archetypally the result of a cut, cut up or superficial opening near the nail; With this window of possibility, the fungus can creep in and unfold, inflicting an contamination. Infections can variety from mild or barely sizeable to intense, affecting multiple nails and causing ache or deformation of the nail Are there different forms of toenail fungus? There are 3 distinct varieties of toenail fungus, says William Spielfogel, DPM, director of the podiatric medicine and surgical treatment residency application at Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health. They consist of: distal subungual onychomycosis, superficial white onychomycosis, and candidal onychomycosis. However, we are going to simplify this by using telling you that mould and yeast are...
Read more