Fungal infection of the nail plate (the hard outer nail) or nail bed (which lies beneath the hard nail) most commonly manifests as yellowish, white, black, or green discoloration of the nail. Infected nails may become thicker or brittle. In extreme cases of long-term infection (in which all of the nail’s tissues have been affected), the diseased nail may break apart and fall off.Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat, and they seldom go away without antifungal medication. The fungus can spread to other portions of the hands or feet, and it can be moderate with only aesthetic consequences, or severe with discomfort, poor self-esteem, and shame due to deformities. You can check with toenail fungus pictures before and after
Toenails are more commonly afflicted than fingernails, presumably because they are bigger, develop slower, are subjected to pressure from footwear, have poorer cleanliness, and are frequently in a confined environment (shoes) where fungus may flourish.Although fungal nail infections are rarely fatal, they represent a significant public health issue due to their high frequency and poor response to treatment. Fungal nail infections are considered to have been more common over the twentieth century as a result of people migrating, longer life expectancy, an increase in the number of persons with impaired immune systems (such as HIV patients), the usage of suffocating footwear, and gym locker rooms.
Treatment and diagnosis
Fungal nail infections and the subsequent nail loss can encourage other sources of infection such as cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) and other types of tinea, as well as exacerbate foot issues caused by other conditions such as diabetes. Before beginning therapy, the diagnosis is generally verified by examining nail clippings under a microscope or by doing additional tests. If the infection is small, treatment may not be necessary. The degree of discoloration, nail thickness, and discomfort are used to determine the severity. In websites you can check for toenail fungus pictures before and after
Topical medicines such as amorolfine and ciclopirox are commonly used to treat moderate types of the condition, but the treatment durations are lengthy and their efficiency is restricted due to low nail plate penetration. These drugs kill fungus by interfering with their cell membranes, causing them to die.
Oral antifungal drugs may be necessary in more severe situations. Fluconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin are examples. The latter is a very ancient medicine that has the potential to harm the liver. Terbinafine is the most effective and so chosen oral therapy. By causing the fungi’s cells to leak and die, a 12-week therapy heals 70-80% of patients.