Nail Fungus

Fungal Infection

Fungi are one of four major groups of microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, fungi, and parasites).

Although fungal diseases can affect anyone, even people who are otherwise healthy, travelers and people who have weakened immune systems, such as those who have cancer, diabetes, or HIV are more vulnerable. Prone to fungal infections are also women who take oral contraceptives, and people who take antibiotics and there is also a strong tendency to recur an infection in many people after effective clearing with medication.

Fungal diseases are caused by fungi that are common in the environment. Fungi live in soil, on plants, and on trees as well as on human skin. Some types are contagious some others are not.

Fungal infections may occur on the surface of the skin, in warm and moist areas, in small or large areas, or they may penetrate into the body such as the lungs (causing flu or tuberculosis), the bloodstream, the colon, or others.

The most common fungal diseases are those that affect the surface of the skin and the nails. Those which penetrate into the human organs are more serious, they can cause permanent damage and inflammation and in some cases, they may become life-threatening.

Fungal infections may be categorized by the part of the body that they affect, by the organism causing the infection, or by the form that the fungi take.

Infected Nails

Nails are horn-like envelopes covering the tips of the fingers and toes. They are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. Healthy nail beds are pink, indicating a rich blood supply.

Nails abnormalities indicate nutritional deficiencies or an underlying disorder. Nail infections increase with aging.

Bacteria, fungi, and viral warts can infect the nail causing problems such as discoloration, dryness, distortion, or pain, entering the nail when it is cut, exposed to irritating chemicals, or crushed.