Nail fungus are at the bottom of the nail ( nail bed) in the space between the nail and flesh, and around itself, feeding on keratin, producing nail diseases. Among them, the most common fungal disease is onychomycosis or tinea unguium.

Nail fungi produce imperfections in the nail with color changes that may become yellow or brown. Usually, they appear on the toenails, but may also extend to the fingernails.

Symptoms of nail fungus

The main symptoms of nail fungus are white spots above the nail, smelly, yellow or brown nails thicker than normal, difficulty in cutting your nails, brittle nail, nails that separate from the nail, thickened or rough nails, etc.

Causes of nail fungus

The main causes that produce this type of diseases are fungi, such as Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum or some species of Candida. However, there are a number of factors that favor their appearance.

- Lack of hygiene. A lack of personal hygiene, with accumulation of dirt in the nails. Long and neglected fingernails, etc. are factors that enhance the accumulation of disease-causing fungi.

- Inadequate footwear : An inappropriate footwear , made of non porous materials, preventing normal perspiration, will facilitate the accumulation of sweat and moisture, so this will provide the fungus the right conditions to thrive. Wearing the same shoes for to long without giving them time to let air out will permit fungi to grow in them. Later, they will establish on the toenails.

- Inadequate pedicure : An improper cosmetic care of the feet and toe nail, specially with contaminated instruments, the application of enamels on damaged or previously infected nails are situations that encourage the development of fungi.

- Lack of defenses: A body with little defenses enables the fungi to develop more easily. This occurs, for example, after prolonged treatment with antibiotics, or in the presence of certain diseases like diabetes.

Diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus

In order to obtain a proper diagnosis of your nail anomalies, your doctor will have to perform some tests of some of your nails , such us microscopic examinations or nails samples biopsies.

The usual medical treatment is based on topical or systemic antifungal medications. Laser treatment seems to be very adequate for the same purpose.

The natural treatment of nail fungus involves using a series of natural resources that help promote healing, prevent the occurrence of infections and decrease the negative symptoms.

More information about nail fungus and its natural treatment in the listing above.

The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication