Ringworm, Acne & Skin Care

Nail Fungus - The Truth

Body fungus is not a widely talked about subject in social circles. In fact, it’s likely something that most of us prefer to keep to ourselves. Therefore it is not surprising that fungus, specifically nail fungus is something that most people know very lttle about. It true, we the media does an excellent job of getting their cures for nail fungus out on the media waves but the commercials do little to really educate the general public about the topic.

Nail fungus is a fungal infection as is often referred to in technical/medical circles as onychomycosis.

Nail Fungus: A Common Occurance?

Yes, nail fungus is definitely common. Typically the most common area affected is the toenails. It is not overly common to see nail fungus on the fingernails but it can and does however, just not as often. It has been cited that approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population is afflicted with some sort of nail fungus. As you age, the chances of contracting a nail fungus dramatically increases. Typically, people in the age range of 40 plus are the most susceptible. Nail fungus can evolve by being in contact with the fungus through public exposure but additionally nail fungus can also arise simply because of heredity. Alternatively nail fungus can arise because your bodily immune system is not quite up to snuff. It is therefore understandable that people afflicted with aids, or who are undergoing cancer treatments or have recently been through major surgery have a high incidence of contracting some form of fungus, nail or otherwise.

Nail Fungus: Identification and Plan of Attack!

Nail fungus is easily identified through a dermatologist. The dermatologist will scrape the infected nail and submit it to a lab for microscopic examination. The lab will examine the specimen under a microscope and will also at times prepare a culture to determine the exact type of fungus that is occurring. Dermatophytes are nail fungus that is found in, around and under the toenails. On the contrary the yeast type of fungus is found in, under and around the fingernails.

Upon discovery and identification of the fungus the dermatologist will prescribe one of many possible varieties of treatments. Treatments such as gels, creams, and lotions are used to treat less aggressive forms of nail fungus but in particularly stubborn cases, an oral medication may be additionally prescribed to combat the problem. In the most extreme cases, the doctor may prescribe the removal of the toenail as a means of expediting the treatment of the problem area.

Nail Fungus: Precautionary Steps

Nail fungus is easily treated if you act fairly quickly when it is detected. However, avoidance is usually the best precautionary steps to take. A dermatologist can provide sound advice regarding the best steps to take to avoid contracting a nail fungus infection.