It is a fungal infection of the nails. It can either affect toe or fingernails but more commonly occurs in toenail. It occurs in about six to eight percent of the population. The most commonly occurring onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte which is medically called tinea unguium. This infection can have a major impact on the life of individuals. It can affect an individual’s social and occupational life as they might feel unwilling to show their hands or feet. People working in job requiring interaction with the public might face problem in conducting their duties if they are infected from Onychomycosis.   This disease can be a cosmetic concern for the people suffering from it and if treatment is not undertaken the nails tend to become thick as they press against the inside of the shoes which causes pain, irritation and pressure.

Cause

Dermatophytes are responsible for causing onychomycosis. The majority of onychomycosis cases world over are caused by the Trichophyton interdigitale and Trichophyton rubrum fungi. Yeast is responsible for causing fingernail onychomycosis in people who have their hands submerged in water.

Symptoms

When one contracts this infection the toe nail turns brown or yellow and becomes thick and overgrown. It may also result in the accumulation of foul smelling material under the nails, mainly at the sides and the tips. When the infection spreads, the nail can either crumble gradually and fall off or become so thick that the affected toe either feels uncomfortable or painful inside shoes.  In another case called white superficial onychomycosis, the nail turns white and the surface becomes soft, dry and powdery.

Treatment

It is very difficult to treat Onchomycosis as nails tend to grow slowly and receive very little supply of blood. A number of advancements have taken place in the medical field which includes oral and topical medications. Oral antifungal medicines have to be taken over a period of three months. The medicines are quite safe and have few side effects. Before prescribing these medicines, the physician orders a blood test to be conducted in order to make sure that the liver if functioning properly.

Topical antifungal treatment comprises of a nail lacquer which is applied daily to the affected area. Although this medication does not have any contraindications but in rare cases it might irritate surrounding skin. Since nails grow slowly, it takes around six months to a year for the nail to become healthy.