ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Also known as “ring worm of the nail”, Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. When not treated the toenail may become so thick, that they press against the inside of the shoes, causing irritation and pain. Fingernail infection may cause psychological, social, or employment-related problems. Half of nail disorders is caused by onychomycosis, and is the most common nail disease in adults.

What is Onychomycosis?

Dermatophytes are the fungi most responsible for onychomycosis in the temperate western countries. The biggest risk factor in this is aging, due to diminished blood circulation, longer exposure to fungi, and nails which grow more slowly and thicken, increasing susceptibility to infection.

Symptoms

The pathogens of Onychomycosis include Dermatophytes, Candida, and nondermatophytic molds. Candida and Nondermatophytic molds are more frequently involved in the tropics and subtropics with a hot and humid climate. Out of the many different Dermatophytes, Trichophyton Rubrum is the most common dermatophyte involved in onychomycosis.

Causes

This disease is very tricky to treat because, the infection is embedded within the nail and is difficult to reach. It may take up to over a year to fully rid a single nail of the infection. Most treatments are antifungal medications or certain nail paints that contain ciclopirox.

Cure

When not treated the infection will cause the nail to become very thick. The nail will turn either yellow, brown, or even black in some cases and cause extreme pain. It is a long and painful process to rid ones fingernails or toenails of this infection.

Not Treated

1. Onychomycosis affects approximately one-third of diabetics

2. Tends to affect men more than women

3. This infection is associated with family history

3 FACTS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onychomycosis

Works Cited