The condition known as nail fungus, which can affect multiple nails, usually starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection spreads, it may also cause your nail to become thicker, discolor, and crumble at the edge.
When the skin between your toes and your feet becomes infected with fungus, it is known as athlete’s foot. Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis.
The most common cause of fungal nail infections is a type of fungus known as dermatophyte, but other fungi, such as yeast and molds, can also be to blame.
As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry, leading to cracks in the nails that allow fungi to enter. Other factors, including decreased blood circulation to the feet and a weakened immune system, may also play a role. Fungal nail infection can develop in people of any age, but it’s more common in older adults.
However, it is rare to contract the infection from someone else. Athlete’s foot (foot fungus) is the most common source of toenail fungus infection.
Symptoms—One or more of your nails may be infected with nail fungus if:
· Thickened
· Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
· Brittle, crumbly or ragged
· Distorted in shape
When dirt accumulates beneath your nail, it gives off a dark color.
· Smellling slightly foul
Fingernails can develop nail fungus, but toenails are more frequently affected.
Risk factorsYou may be more likely to get nail fungus if you are at risk for the following factors:
Growing older due to slower nail growth, decreased blood flow, and more years of fungus exposure
· Sweating heavily
Previous athlete’s foot infections
Wearing bare feet in wet public spaces like showers, gyms, and swimming pools.
Possessing a skin disorder like psoriasis or a minor nail or skin injury.
Diabetic complications, circulatory issues, or an impaired immune system
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Complications——If you have an immune system that is suppressed as a result of medication, diabetes, or another condition, a severe case of nail fungus can be painful, may result in permanent nail damage, and may lead to other serious infections that spread outside of your feet.
Any relatively minor injury to your feet, including a nail fungus infection, can lead to a more serious complication if you have diabetes because you may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet as well as being more susceptible to a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis).
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
One of the best treatments for nail fungus infections is homoeopathy, and some of the most popular ones are listed below.
Atimonium crudum 30— is effective for treating nail fungus, especially in the toes, as well as horny growth under the nails, split or horny nails, callosities on the soles of the feet, horny growth on the hands, and horny warts on the hands and soles.
Silicea is a great treatment for nail problems, particularly if white spots start to appear on the nails.
GRAPHITES 30When nails become brittle and crumbling, deformed, painful, sore, thick, and crippled, as well as when they are thick, rough, ingrown, and show cracks and fissures on the tips of the fingers, graphite is prescribed. Additionally, it is common for feet to be cold, wet, and to burn in the soles and heels.
BUFO RANA 30Bufo rana is useful for treating pannitia, swelling, blue-black nail rims, and pain that runs up the arm.
FLOURIC ACID 30—Flouric acid is most effective in cases of splinter-like pain under the nail, nails that are distorted, crumble, or grow quickly, nails that have longitudinal ridges, soreness between the toes, and painful corns.
PreventionAthlete’s foot, which can cause nail fungus, and nail fungus itself can both be avoided by adopting the following behaviors:
Wash your hands and feet frequently, especially after touching an infected nail. After washing, moisturize your nails.
Clean your nail clippers after every use, trim nails straight across, file down thickened areas, and smooth out edges with a file.
Wear socks that will wick away perspiration, or switch socks frequently.
Opt for breathable material when buying shoes.
Old shoes should be thrown away or cleaned with antifungal or disinfectant powders.
In the changing rooms and around the pool, wear shoes.
Pick a nail salon where every client receives a manicure using sterile tools.
Abandon acrylic and nail polish.
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