Nail fungus that is clinically termed as onychomycosis or tinea unguium is a fungal infection of the nail bed. Usually caused by fungal microbes, this infection targets toenails and sometimes finger nails also. As a result of it, the nail beds become thick, disfigured, split and discolored.
In case the fungal infection has gripped toenails and caused them to become thick, you will start feeling pressure coming from inside the shoes.
Nail fungus disorder mostly distresses adults and elderly people. Some underlying conditions that may flare up nail fungus include suppressed immune system and diabetes.
Symptoms Of Nail Fungus Infection
Nail fungus infection mostly allows fingers to grow thick and wear disfigured appearance. The nail beds also become harder causing nails to get separated from the bed underneath. The surface of the nails also gets a discolored look. The edge of the affected nails may also become eroded and flaky.
In endonyx onychomycosis, a kind of nail fungus, the nail plate assumes milky white color but the nail does not get separated from the bed.
There is yet another form of nail fungus known as white superficial onychomycosis. This nail disorder is mostly related to toenail and causes powdery looking small patches on the nail plate surface. It makes the toenails rough and crumbled.
What Fungus Causes Fungal Nail Infection?
There are three main organisms that trigger nail fungus. These are known as dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes and yeasts. These organisms cause different types of nail fungus but their symptoms and appearances are mostly similar.
Dermatophytes are responsible for most of the nail fungus cases across the world. These organisms mostly feed on nail tissue and infect skin and hair, as well. Yeasts are responsible for eight percent of all the nail fungus cases in the world while non-dermatophyte molds work as agent for two percent of all the nail fungus cases throughout the world.
People suffering from psoriasis, diabetes, weak immune system and general physical debility are prone to develop nail fungus.
Herbal Remedies To Cure Toenail Fungus
A mild type of nail fungus disorder can be handled successfully with the help of certain natural home remedies. Apple cider vinegar is known to prevent all kinds of fungal and bacterial attacks. Make a solution of apple cider vinegar and water and soak your infected nails into it. You will notice improvement within a few weeks.
The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can also help you bring improvement to your nail fungus condition. Mix a little amount of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil and apply the mixture to the affected nail with cotton ball. After ten minutes, scrub the nail gently with a toothbrush.
Other natural products which are also believed to be effective in curing nail fungus include baking soda, oil of oregano and white vinegar.