Fingernail Fungal Infections

Fingernail fungal infection is one of the most common fingernail problems and occurs mostly in women. It occurs when the fingernail bed is invaded and thrived upon, by fungi of various types. Also known as onychomycosis, fingernail fungus accounts for almost half of the common nail diseases. It is a condition that may be difficult to treat and get rid off and this mostly happens when the conditions worsen due to ignorance and lack of treatment. This type of infection of the nails can also be highly contagious. Lets have a look at the fingernail fungus symptoms and treatment.

Fingernail Fungus Causes

Fingernail fungal infections are caused mainly due to improper care and lack of cleanliness of the nails and indicates poor fingernail health. It can also be caused if the fingernails are exposed to moisture or dampness for a long time. Other causes of fingernail fungal infections include coming in contact with someone who has a fingernail fungal infection, use of contaminated manicure tools at beauty salons, skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis and a weak immune system. It can be caused due to trauma to the nail bed in the case of an injury, due to which the nail plate is raised from the nail bed and the fungi gain easy access into the nails. Dirt trapped in the nails also create a favorable environment for the fungi to survive on.

Fingernail Fungus Symptoms

Fingernail fungal infection symptoms include discoloration of the nails from a pinkish color to a yellowish or brownish color. The nails also turn brittle, flaky and break or chip off easily. The nails also become thick and it will be very difficult to trim them. There may also be and appearance of whitish or grayish patches, all over the nail. The skin around the nails will be inflamed and swollen and there may also be some amount of pain and tenderness in the nails. A foul smell from the fingernails also indicates a fungal infection.

Fingernail Fungus Cure

Fingernail fungal infection may be difficult to cure and the treatment may also take a little time, but it can be cured completely. The fungal infection takes time to heal as it affects the inside of the nail bed. Apart from oral medications like Leucatin and Lamisil, certain fingernail home remedies can also help. An effective fingernail fungus home remedy is to apply vitamin E oil to the infected nail. Soaking nails in apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for around 10 minutes daily, is a good fingernail fungus home remedy. Also, make sure you trim the infected nails back and clean the dead cells regularly, so that the infection is completely eliminated from the nails. Exposure to sunlight can also help cure nail fungus. You can also try applying neem oil, lavender oil or olive oil to improve the nail's condition. Dusting the nails with antifungal powders will also be helpful. Removing the infected nail completely is not the ideal fingernail fungus treatment, as the nail will regrow with the infection.

Fingernail Fungus Prevention Tips

• Indulge in regular nail care, by keeping your fingernails clean and dry.
• Trim your nails and remove the dead skin cells surrounding the nail regularly.
• If you are getting a manicure done at a beauty salon, insist on the use of your own manicure tools or tools that have been properly sterilized.
• Avoid wearing nail polish for more than a week and do not wear it at all when your nails are infected.

Fingernail fungal infection should be treated immediately or else treating it could be really difficult. If the symptoms worsen, consult a dermatologist.