Onychomycosis

An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of nails.

A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges .an unsightly and potentially painful problem. An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and infections may recur.

Nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails):-

Brittleness

Change in nail shape

Crumbling of the nail

Discoloration

Loosening (detaching) of the nail

Loss of luster and shine

Thickening

Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

Diagnosis:-

Onychomycosis can be identified by its appearance, microscopy and culture of nail specimens.

To prevent fungal growth, it is advisable to:-

§ Keep the feet clean and dry, and washing with soap and water and drying thoroughly

§ Keeping the nails cut short and wearing shower shoes whenever walking or showering in public places

§ Daily changes of shoes, socks, or hosiery are also helpful

§ Excessively tight hose or shoes promote moisture, which in turn, provides a wonderful environment for onychomycotic infections. To prevent this, individuals should wear only socks made of synthetic fibers, which can absorb moisture more quickly than those made of cotton or wools. § Manicure and pedicure tools should be disinfected after each use

§ Nail polish should not be applied to nails that are infected, as this causes the water or moisture that collects under the surface of the nail to not evaporate and be trapped.

§ Avoid cutting or tearing the skin around the toenails since this may be an entry point for infection

Treatment:-

In allopathic it requires a long term treatment many be a year and it does not provide complete and permanent cure. Once you stop the medication, the fungal infection again reappears. Whereas homoeopathy provides you complete and permanent cure without side effects and without recurrence. It enhances the immunity of the body, so that the body can fight against the fungus and resist it. With regular use, Homeopathic medicines help to restore the nail and prevent recurrent infections. After starting homeopathic medicines, natural healing takes place. The nail, if mildly damaged, is repaired. If largely damaged, it falls off and the new nail which comes is healthy and generally can withstand the fungal infection. You need to take treatment for 4-5 months maximum. Symptomatic improvement can be seen within a month of treatment.