Toenail Fungus
Overview of Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus Meaning in Urdu
پاؤں کے انگوٹھے کی فنگل انفیکشن کا شمار عام انفیکشنز میں ہوتا ہے۔ اس انفیکشن کی ابتدا میں پاؤں کے انگوٹھے پر سفید یا پیلا دھبہ نمودار ہوتا ہے جو بعد میں سارے ناخن کا رنگ تبدیل کر سکتا ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ یہ انفیکشن پاؤں کی دوسری انگلیوں کو بھی متاثر کرتی ہے۔ اس انفیکشن کے لیے عام طور پر اینٹی فنگل ادویات تجویز کی جاتی ہیں جن کو کئی ہفتوں تک استعمال کرنے کا مشورہ دیا جاتا ہے، کیوں کہ اس انفیکشن سے نجات حاصل کرنا قدرے مشکل ہوتا ہے۔
Toenail fungus (پیر کا ناخن کا فنگس) is a common medical condition that begins at the tip of the nail. This nail disease is caused by a fungus. As the fungal infection continues to dig deeper, the nail discolors, then thickens, and after that crumbles. Toenail fungus is a contagious disease that can affect other nails as well.
In case your toenail is bothering you and it's getting painful, then you might need treatment. But in some instances, even with the best possible treatments, toenail fungus can come back.
Signs and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
A person might have toenail fungus if he or he has the following signs or symptoms. Such as:
- Thickened nails
- Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration of the toenails
- Dark-colored debris is piling up under the toenail
- Smelly feet
- Brittle, crumbling, or ragged toenails
- Distorted toenail shape
Types of Toenail Fungus
Given below are some types of toenail fungus:
Distal/Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis
This is one of the most common types of toenail fungus. It can affect both toenails and fingernails. It originates in the base of the nail and then continues to spread.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
This type of toenail disease is less common. Furthermore, it only affects the surface of the nail. This nail disease starts as white spots and then causes the nail to crumble.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis
This fungal infection first develops in the center of the nail and then moves upward. It mostly affects those who have a weak immune system or are suffering from HIV.
Candidal Onychomycosis
This nail disease is caused by yeast. The nail and its surrounding area can get inflamed and swollen over time. This condition mostly occurs in those nails that have been damaged by an injury.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a disease that is caused by fungi. The fungi that can lead to this nail disease is called dermatophyte. In addition to dermatophytes, yeast and molds can also cause toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus can also stem from a previous history of an athlete’s foot. It can then spread to other areas of the nails or foot as well. Toenail fungus is a contagious medical condition.
Risk Factors of Toenail Fungus
Some common risk factors of developing toenail fungus are as follows:
- Age, old age can increase the chances of getting a nail disease because of reduced blood flow.
- Heavy sweating
- Previous medical history of athlete's foot
- Walking barefoot in communal areas that are damp such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Medical history of skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema
- Nail injury
- Diabetes
- Poor immune system
- Circulation problems
Toenail Fungus Complications
Toenail fungus is a serious infection that can take a considerable amount of time to recover. In the meantime, the patient might suffer from the following complications:
- The fungus can strike back even after treatment
- The nails might remain discolored for the time-being
- The infection can also affect other body parts
Some common risk factors of developing toenail fungus are as follows:
- Age, old age can increase the chances of getting a nail disease because of reduced blood flow.
- Heavy sweating
- Previous medical history of athlete's foot
- Walking barefoot in communal areas that are damp such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Medical history of skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema
- Nail injury
- Diabetes
- Poor immune system
- Circulation problems
Toenail Fungus Complications
Toenail fungus is a serious infection that can take a considerable amount of time to recover. In the meantime, the patient might suffer from the following complications:
- The fungus can strike back even after treatment
- The nails might remain discolored for the time-being
- The infection can also affect other body parts
Prevention
Toenail fungus can be prevented with the help of the following tips:
- Pay special attention to your personal hygiene. Wash your hands and feet regularly especially after touching an infected nail.
- Remember to trim your nails along the edges. Then smooth out the edges with a file. After use, disinfect the nail clippers.
- Do not use the same pair of socks every day. Change your socks and make sure to wear sweat-absorbing socks.
- Do wear those shoes that are breathable
- Do not go bare-foot in pool areas or locker rooms
- If you prefer pedicure, then choose a salon that properly cleans their instruments.
- Do not use nail polish or artificial chemicals for a while
Diagnosis
Your primary healthcare provider will start with a physical assessment of your toe. Most doctors are able to evaluate the spread of the fungus just by looking at it.
Furthermore, the podiatrist might recommend tests for the confirmation of toenail fungus as well.
Treatment of Toenail Fungus | When to Consult a Doctor
Toenail fungus treatments require several months. Yet it is a notorious fungal infection that often comes back, even after treatment.
The treatment methods vary depending upon the severity and spread of the fungal infection. Some of the common toenail fungus treatments are as follows:
Oral Antifungals
These medications might be administered to kill the fungus in the body. This is one of the most common methods used for toenail treatment. In case of fungal infection in fingernails, the treatment might last for two months, and in the case of a toenail, it might take three months for recovery.
Topical Antifungals
Topic antifungals are either rubbed or brushed onto the nails. They are the best for the treatment of a mild infection. In case of deep and intense toenail fungal infection, the doctor won’t recommend this method.
Surgery
If none of the above-mentioned treatments work, then the doctors might recommend the removal of the infected nail. This will allow the healthy nail to grow.
Laser or Photodynamic Therapy
Doctors are researching the development of new methods, in which laser light can be used to kill the fungus.
Consult a dermatologist if the condition worsens.
Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Kasur
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Multan
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Bahawalpur
- Doctors to treat Toenail Fungus in Abbottabad