Onychomycosis - Symptoms & Treatment

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail caused by a fungus. The infection occurs more often on toenails than fingernails. Onychomycosis causes fingernails or toenails to thicken, discolor, disfigure, and split. If the problem is caused by a bacterium, the condition is called paronychia. The nails of people with onychomycosis are initially a cosmetic concern. Without treatment, however, the nails can become so thick that they press against the inside of the shoes, causing pressure, irritation, and pain. Toenail fungus appears as yellowing, thickening, or crumbling of the nail. Sometimes there may be white spots or yellow, brown streaks of discoloration with loosenening of the nail plate. Nail fungus affects about half of Americans by the age of 70. War veterans often have an increased incidence due to exposure to environmental conditions such as swamps and boots. Onychomycosis is divided into subtypes. The main subtypes of onychomycosis are distal lateral subungual (the area under the nail) onychomycosis (DLSO or DSO), white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), endonyx onychomycosis (EO), and candidal onychomycosis. People with onychomycosis may have a combination of these subtypes. Total dystrophic onychomycosis is the term used to refer to the most advanced form of any subtype.

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the toe and fingernails, causing discomfort and inconvenience. About 50% of these abnormal nails are due to a fungal infection of the nail bed, matrix, or nail plate. The medical terms for this type of fungal infection are onychomycosis or tinea unguium. Fungal infections of the nail affect up to 3% of the population mainly in developed countries. Risk factors include tinea pedis, preexisting nail dystrophy, older age, and circulatory disease. Toenails are 10 times more commonly infected than fingernails. About 60 to 80% of cases are caused by dermatophytes (eg, Trichophyton rubrum ); dermatophyte infection of the nails is called tinea unguium. Many of the remaining cases are caused by nondermatophyte molds (eg, Aspergillus , Scopulariopsis , Fusarium ). Immunocompromised patients and those with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis may have candidal onychomycosis (which is more common in the fingers). There are 3 characteristic presentations: (1) distal subungual, in which the nails thicken and yellow, keratin and debris accumulate distally and underneath, and the nail separates from the nail bed (onycholysis); (2) proximal subungual, a form that starts proximally and is a marker of immunosuppression; and (3) white superficial, in which a chalky white scale slowly spreads beneath the nail surface.

Causes of Onychomycosis

Find common causes and risk factors of Onychomycosis :

• Immune system disorders, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• Smoking .
• Pedicures.
• Diabetes.
• Trauma .
• Poor hygiene.
• People with increased perspiration or dampness increases acidity.

Signs and Symptoms of Onychomycosis

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Discolored or unsightly nail .
• Thickened nail that is difficult to cut.
• Brittle or ragged nail.
• Pain of the finger or toe with ordinary activities.

Treatment for Onychomycosis

Treatment may include:

• The oral anti-fungus medicines are also suitable for the eradication of onychomycosis.
• Such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole and Terbinafine are also found to be very effective.
• Onychomycosis , can be treated by using ultramicrosize griseofulvin generally recommended for 6 months.
• Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox) Topical Solution can be used for the treatment of mild to moderate onychomycosis.
• The sodium pyrithione , bifonazole/urea, propylene glycol-urea-lactic acid, imidazoles, and allylamines are very beneficial in the treatment of onychomycosis .