By Fungal nail infections are very common in humans but some are more likely to occur in pets. Toenail fungal infections are caused by a fungus called onychomycosis that is found in many people. They generally affect your toenails more than any other area of the body because they are extremely delicate and are easily damaged. Fungal nail infections can even happen on fingers but are more commonly found on your toenails. They can also happen when your feet are constantly wet and warm, such as when you wear high heeled shoes and are always sweaty and hot.
Nail fungal infections have a number of different names including onychomycosis, tinea unguium, onychomycosis minoris, and tinea pedis. Fungi generally infect nails through breaking down the dead skin. In certain cases fungi can cause infection in a nail plate, which is a tough, protective surface at the base of your nail. This condition, called onychomycosis, is very common in older people. Sometimes fungi grow in nail plates that have already become infected. An infected nail plate may be able to be removed through surgical means.
The typical symptoms of an onychomycosis include thickened or brittle nails, discoloration, and white spots. The nail may also have rough edges. If the nail grows out away from the nail bed it is called a senate. If the nail plate grows darker then the nail becomes more likely to become infected. It is possible for the fungus to spread to other nails on the same toe or to other parts of the body. You should consult a physician if your nails are turning yellow or if they are growing abnormally quickly.
You can buy various types of over the counter fungal nail treatment products. Products containing salicylic acid are commonly used to treat toenail fungus. Products that contain hydrogen peroxide will also work. It is important to remember that products that contain hydrogen peroxide can discolor clothing so you should avoid using them around children.
If you decide to use a natural method for fungal nail treatment, you should consider one of the many home remedies for toenail infection. Some home remedies, such as olive leaf extract, have proven effective against this infection. You should also consider the option of soaking your feet in a mixture of water and vinegar. The vinegar will kill the fungus while the water helps to remove excess moisture from your skin.
The best course of action is to consult a doctor who can determine the exact cause of your infection. The doctor will need to know the severity of your infection, which means that you should let him know about any painful symptoms that you are experiencing. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal medication for you to take. If it is not severe, your doctor may suggest that you apply an over the counter topical solution. You should keep your feet covered when applying these solutions as they can be harmful if they get into your skin.
