Cause and Treatment Options for Fungal Nail Infection

Are you struggling with a fungal nail infection and looking for information on how to treat the latter? Also known as “Onychomycosis”, the condition can be unsightly and difficult to eliminate. It is the most common disease impacting human nails and can affect both finger and toenails, however more typical on toenails. 

Fungal nail infection is generally thought if ones nails can be broken easily are thickened, with modification in colour, remove from the nail bed, have increased dirt or particles beneath, with modification fit and loss of their glossy surface. Fungal nails are likewise frequently pain-free, other than in really severe cases.

What causes Onychomycosis?

As you might have guessed, fungal nail infection is brought on by an infection of the finger or toenails by fungi which are mould-like or yeast-like bacteria frequently discovered naturally on human skin, hair and nails. A few of these fungi hosted on the body are typically beneficial to the body but provided the right conditions; they can multiply rapidly and cause infections. 

Fungi prosper well in moist and warm environments, so fungal nail infections take place frequently in people who use public bathrooms, pool, fitness centres and in individuals who sweat a lot, especially those who regularly use tight-fitting occlusive shoes (cover shoes). 

Other aspects which increase the danger of establishing fungal nail infections consist of a favourable household history of fungal nails, prior injury or injury to nails, old age, reduced immunity (e.g. from HIV or substance abuse), frequent submersion or hands in water and poor health.

So what can you do about it?

As mentioned earlier, the treatment of fungal nail infection is not simple. The disease is embedded within the nail, which is rather tough for drugs to penetrate. The main aim of treatment is to remove the fungi from the nails as verifiable by microscopy and culture. That said, this does not guarantee a return of the impacted nails to their regular appearance. 

However, as the nails grow, the unusual ones are, often, slowly changed by much healthier looking uninfected nails. However, this procedure might take more than a year as nails grow exceptionally gradually. The drug of option for treatment of fungal nail infection is terbinafine (Lamisil), which is taken orally as a daily 250mg dosage for 6-8 weeks in fungal fingernails or 12-16 weeks in fungal toenails. Another alternative drug is griseofulvin (Fulcin), which is likewise taken orally as a day-to-day 500mg dosage for 6-9 months in fungal fingernail infection or 12-18 months in toenail infections.

Often a mix of an oral drug and a nail paint can also be recommended. However, oral medications are usually more effective. If treatment stops working for one drug, another one could be attempted, or the nail might even be eliminated surgically.

A word of warning 

The majority of these antifungal drugs can trigger damage to the liver, which makes it unsuitable for pregnant women. It can also cause other negative responses or drug interactions, so make sure to contact your doctor for a proper prescription before taking them. 

If you are unable to take medications for the condition, then it would help to adopt some lifestyle changes that will help alleviate the situation. For one thing, you can check out some Diet reviews in Australia that can help control fungal growth in the body.

Kenneth Bennett

Atticus Bennett: Atticus, a sports nutritionist, provides dietary advice for athletes, tips for muscle recovery, and nutrition plans to support peak performance.