Toenail fungus is also known as
onchomycosis and tinea unguium. These infections are the most common diseases of
the nails. Both fingers and toenails are susceptible to the infection which
usually manifests as discoloration and thickening of the nail as well as
crumbling edges. Toenail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms that do not
require sunlight to survive. Pathogens that cause toenail fungus usually enter
through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and the nail bed. The
fungi grow when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.
Often the infection is just in one
nail, but several may be affected. At first, the infection is usually painless.
The nail may look thickened and discolored. Sometimes, the infection can be
worse. White or yellow patches may appear where the nail has come away from the
skin under the nail. Sometimes the whole nail comes away.
Factors such as the spread from a
fungal infection are one of the factors of toenail fungus. For instance,
athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection of the toes. This may spread to the
toenails if the skin infection is not treated early. Fingernail infection may
occur after a toenail infection has become established. The fungus may spread
to a finger if you scratch your foot or nearby areas of the toenail. Most
toenail fungus likely occurs when your foot is exposed to moisture often. It is
known that fungus thrive in moist areas of the body; thus, breakage on your
skin may also be a huge factor in having toenail fungus.
Ways on how you could prevent the
infection from spreading are proper diagnostics and foot care. Early detection
and treatment of other skin diseases would decrease the fungal growth. Proper foot
care recommended by doctors must be followed. Keeping your feet clean and dry especially
before putting on shoes are the basic yet most important practice. Proper
fitting of footwear also provides good circulation that would decrease the
occurrence of such problem. Proper foot care includes regular visits to your
podiatrist to keep track of other problems.
Foot and Ankle Tampa Bay
2204 S Parsons Ave, Brandon Seffner, FL
33584
813-324-5276
No comments:
Post a Comment