Nails Guide

The medical term of nail fungus, onychomycosis, describes both the fungus and the yeast infection in the nail. Nail fungus infection in the United States about 2-3 percent of the population but some reports have shown much higher figures. But even with a low estimate of 2 percent, this would already account for 6 million Americans infected with nail fungus. Research shows that men are infected twice as often as women.

The prevalence rate among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25 percent. During the 1800’s, fungal toenails were very rare. Because of the increased exposure to the fungus, the prevalence rate has also increased. Exposure to the fungus usually happens in showering facilities of gyms, the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. Other causes of exposure include the wearing of occlusive footwear, an increase in sporting activities, an increase in the number of diabetic people, and an increase in age of the general population. Some of the identified risk factors for toenail fungus are age, the male gender, nail trauma, excessive perspiration of hands and feet, poor peripheral circulation, poor hygiene, foot fungus and a compromised immune system.

Athletes are more prone to developing nail fungus than non-athletes. The chance of infection increases when the moisture in the shoes combines with constant nail trauma. Among the high risk individuals for toenail fungus are hikers, bikers, runners, backpackers, soccer, basketball, and tennis players, as well as athletes wearing loose fitting shoes that allow congestion of the nails against the shoe and even people who wear shoes that are too loose. Once infection sets in, the skin surrounding the nail often becomes inflamed because the dermatophytes that cause the nail fungus also infect the skin. The surrounding skin may show signs of irritation, redness, swelling and pain or may become dry and scaly.

There are a number of treatments to cure nail fungus. The most aggressive and effective way to cure nail fungus is by taking oral anti-fungal medications. Some of the most common oral medications used to cure nail fungus are Itraconazole and Terbinafine. These oral medications can be quite expensive because they are usually prescribed for a period of three months. The medication’s effectiveness is within the 60 to 80 percent range with a 15 percent chance of recurrence. Terbinafine is said to be more effective that Itraconazole and has fewer drug interactions. Some of the common side effects when taking this drug are nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomforts and pain, diarrhea, rash, headache, taste alterations and vertigo.

There are many home remedies available to cure nail fungus which may include bleach, tea tree oil, grape-seed extract and Vicks Vaporub. Home remedies to cure nail fungus usually take a long time to take effect. These home remedies work best in conjunction with other types of medications. For example, while taking oral prescription medications make sure you also use topical anti-fungal agents as well. In order for them to work, you need to religiously apply it every day. Some may find bleach too irritating to the skin or develop other skin reactions with the use of Vicks Vaporub. Other than that, these home remedies are considered safe.

Nail removal can be an option if the infection is too severe. The topical agents can have more access to the nail beds if the infected nail is removed. It takes 8 to 10 months for the nail to grow back. However, the best form of treatment for any kind of condition is prevention.