Nail fungus is a common condition that can cause beautiful, healthy nails to look yellow, brown, or thin. However, if you have nail fungus, there are several methods to treat the illness. You can see a doctor get a diagnosis and treatment for the fungus, you can use an over-the-counter cure for nail fungus or use a laser treatment to remove the fungus from your nails.
History of nail fungus
The history of nail fungus dates back to ancient times. The word “fungus” can be traced back to the Latin word “fungor,” which means “to breed worms.”
Nail fungus was initially thought to result from poor hygiene or not cleaning your nails well enough before applying polish to them. However, it soon became clear that this wasn’t the case; nail fungus is a type of infection that occurs when there’s a buildup of moisture and dead skin cells on your nails.
How to identify and treat abnormal nails
It’s important to remember that nail fungus is not a medical emergency. It can be treated with home cures and usually does not generate other medical conditions. If you notice abnormal nails, however, it’s best to have a doctor examine them for signs of nail fungus or other issues.
The first step in identifying an abnormal nail is examining the shape and color of your nails. If you’re unsure if your nails are normal or abnormal, take a picture of your nails along with the following information to your doctor:
- What region of the nail was removed
- How long you’ve had increased moisture in your nails
- Any new symptoms you have experienced since the last treatment
If your doctor determines that you have a fungal infection, they will likely start with over-the-counter treatments before moving on to prescription remedies.
What are the different types of nail fungus?
Nail fungus is classified into onychomycosis, onychocryptosis, and tinea unguium. Each type has its own symptoms, treatment methods, and causes.
Onychomycosis is the most typical form of nail fungus and affects about 10 percent. This type of nail fungus develops when a thin layer of tissue called the stratum corneum gets infected by a fungus that later spreads inside your nails. Onychomycosis can cause thickening or discoloration of your nails, yellowish-white lines on your nails or fingertips, small cracks in your nails or skin around the nail bed, and even pain when you wear certain types of shoes.
Onychocryptosis affects around 5 percent of people worldwide. It’s caused by dermatophytes—a type of yeast that can grow in damp areas such as under toenails and fingernails. People may not be able to see signs that their fingernails are infected with dermatophytes; however, they may notice white spots on their fingernails if these fungal cells cause irritation.
What are the benefits of treatment for nail fungus?
Treatment for the fungus will not only result in a more beautiful and healthy appearance, but it can also prevent the spread of nail fungus to other nails.
Some people may have the misconception that treatment for nail fungus is hard or difficult, but these treatments are usually very easy to achieve. The laser treatment for nail fungus is an example of this; all you need is a topical cream and a few minutes in front of laser light.
How to get help for nail fungus?
If you’re experiencing a fungal infection, you can get help from your doctor or use an over-the-counter treatment.
Laser treatments offer a safe and effective way to remove nail fungus. Laser treatments for nail fungus are usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic, but they are available for purchase online as well. You can read reviews from other people who have used laser treatments for nail fungus to find one that sounds like a good fit for your needs.
Fungal infections usually start as small white, yellow or brown spots on the nails and can spread quickly. If left untreated, they can penetrate the nail bed and cause the nail to crumble and fall off. Identifying and treating abnormal nail fungus is important for the health of your nails and your overall well-being.
