Onixomikoz – Fungal nail infection – The fungus on the nails

Onychomycosis (Moth Nail; Fungal Nail Infection)

What is nail fungus?

Onixomikoz (nail fungus) – fungal infection of the nail. Most fungus affects the toenails, than on the hands.

Nail Fungus – causes

Vыzыvaetsya fungus onychomycosis, that infects nails. Fungi, that cause onychomycosis, It grows well in warm, humid environment. Infection occurs through direct contact with the fungus.

Risk factors for nail fungus

Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. Risk factors, which increase the likelihood of developing onychomycosis:

  • Wearing shoes, which retains moisture and heat;
  • Advanced age;
  • The presence of mycosis;
  • The presence of nail injuries;
  • Diabetes Type 1 and diabetes type 2;
  • Vascular disease, such as peripheral vascular disease;
  • Diseases of the immune system, eg, HIV.

Nail fungus on the feet and hands – symptoms

Onychomycosis can affect one or more nails. Most often, the fungus affects the toenails.

Symptoms include onychomycosis:

  • Thickening of the nails, which are difficult to cut;
  • Brittle or ragged nails;
  • The colorless or yellow nails;
  • Pain in the nail when daily activities.

Onixomikoz – diagnostics

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Maybe, you will be directed to the doctor, who specializes in diseases of the skin and nails (dermatologist). The doctor may take a sample of nails for further testing. The obtained results may take several weeks.

Research nail sample may include:

  • Isolation of the culture of the fungus;
  • The study sample under a microscope nail.

Nail fungus on the feet and hands – treatment

Nails grow slowly. Treatment for nail fungus can take up to a year. Onychomycosis is sometimes difficult to treat, and after treatment with the fungus on the nails may reappear. Methods of treatment of nail fungus include:

Treating nail fungus feet and hands – medicines

  • Antifungals, prescription and administered orally. These drugs are more effective in the treatment of nail fungus, than other treatments. But, some people is contraindicated oral antifungal drugs. Please consult with your doctor;
  • Also for the treatment of onychomycosis can be assigned local antifungals. These drugs may be less effective, than antifungal pills. But, they cause less side effects.

The operation for the treatment of nail fungus feet and hands

Surgery to remove the nail is sometimes done in severe cases of onychomycosis. A new nail grows only, if it is not damaged nail matrix.

Prevention of nail fungus on the feet and hands

To prevent nail fungus:

  • Keep your feet clean. Dries them completely after washing;
  • Keep your hands dry and wear rubber gloves when cleaning or wet cleaning;
  • Fingernails should be kept short and clean. In time to trim them;
  • Do not cut and do not ride up your skin near the nail;
  • Try not to damage the nails;
  • Avoid too tight shoes;
  • Wear cotton socks. Replace them, if they become wet;
  • Avoid walking barefoot around swimming pools, in the locker room, and other public places;
  • Avoid artificial nails. They can trap moisture;
  • If you have diabetes, consult your doctor for advice about what, What steps can be taken, to control blood sugar.

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