What
is IT?
Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection
of the nail tissue by fungus, molds and yeast. It is the
most common cause of nail disease. It is found in men and
women of all ages, but its frequency increases with age.
Is nail fungus a cosmetic or a
medical problem?
The answer to that question is that as
the fungal nail infection progresses, it results in problems
of a cosmetic nature and problems which are more of a medical
concern.
Once established it can predispose certain individuals
to skin breakdown (ulcers), bacterial infections, cellulitis
going up the leg, and thrombophlebitis. Therefore, since
it is both it must be taken seriously and treated aggressively!
Toenails are infected about seven times more often than
fingernails partially due to their slow growth as compared
to fingernails.
Contact with objects which have the fungus on them such
as clothing, shoes, and athletic shoes, nail clippers,
nail files, shower and locker room floors, and carpet especially
in hotel rooms, can infect a susceptible person.
Nail trauma which is often a sport related injury has
been implicated as the inciting event as the problem is
found more often in men. However, there seems to be a genetic
predilection as tendency to have nail fungus seems to run
in families.
Once the fungal infection is established unsightly, thickened
nails, often becoming ingrown nails, causing pain and deformity
occur.
Progressive Problem
The infection and subsequent
nail changes which occur are progressive, so it is
helpful to treat
it in its early phase. The problem most often starts
in the big toenail,  but
all nails can be infected. Once the infection is
established, it can cause the nail plate to separate
from the underlying tissue and ultimately involve
the entire
nail. It can cause the nail to be deformed, unsightly,and
thick. It can lead to social difficulties and embarrassment
forcing some individuals to avoid going barefooted.Once
the nail is thick, it often results in pain when
wearing shoes or pain from an ingrown toenail.
Past Treatment Rarely Successful
In the past treatment success was limited. It consisted
of nail trimming, topical medication, and, sometimes,
surgical removal requiring anesthesia. The addition
of
newer oral antifungal medication has proven to be
somewhat more effective, but the medication has to
be taken for a minimum of three months requiring
monitoring of liver function. |
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