Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

 DEFINITION
Nail fungal infection, formally called Onychomycosis, is an infection of the nails by a fungus, typically dermatophyte (Trichophyton rubrum).

 EPIDEMICS
You are not alone. Nail fungal infection is of high prevalence. About 20-30% of adults are infected by the age of 60. More than 30 millions of Americans are suffering the infection. Men are more likely to be infected than women. Elder people are more likely to be infected than younger ones. People with immune system disorders, such as HIV and diabete, tend to be infected. People with the family history of infection have higher chance to be infected. People who work or play with their hands or feet continually exposed to moisture are at higher risk. Toenails have 6-7 times more incidences than fingernails. Injury nails are easier to get infected. The big toe is usually the first one to be infected.

 GENESIS
The infection is a progressive procedure. The fungal infection starts distal edge (outside tip) of a nail, with patches of white or yellow discoloration. It indicates that you have been infected by the fungus and your immune system is unable to defeat them. If the condition is left untreated, the journey of nail fungal infection is progressing. The fungus makes it home the nail bed (the place where the nail meets the skin) of dark, warm and moisture. They grow and multiply. They digest the keratin, the protective protein. As a result, the keratin goes into over-production, which causes an excess to separate the nail from the nail bed. The texture, color and growth of the nail are changing. It loses luster and shine, and discolors; it becomes brittle and crumbly; it grows irregularly. The fungus works its way inward. The symptoms are getting more severe. The nail can become quite painful.   

The infection is a procedure of multiple stages. The fungus first breaks the barriers to get onto the nail bed; then they reside on the nail bed; finally they multiple and expand. The barriers include physical one and immune system. The fungus rarely invades an intact nail. Usually, there is some kind of trauma allowing the physical barrier to be breached. Prolonged wetness can also allow the barrier to be breached. Sometimes, prolonged athlete’s foot allows the barrier to be breached. After the fungus gets into the nail, people have immune system barrier to embody them and prevent them from surviving. People suffering some sort of immune disorders or inheriting a certain type of immune system could lose the last barrier. Even after the fungus breaches both barriers, they require a wet, warm and dark environment to survive. Keeping foot dry all time is a good way to prevent fungal infection. As the favorable conditions exist, the fungus will thrive and expand gradually meanwhile the nail deteriorates.

 RISK FACTORS
Therefore, any factors that help breach the barrier or provide the favorable conditions could be the risk factors. These factors may include:

• perspiring heavily,
• working in a humid or moist environment,
• wearing socks and shoes with bad ventilation or absorbance,
• working barefoot in damp public places,
• athlete’s foot,
• injury nail,
• a weakened immune system,
• diabetes,
• circulation problem,

 PREVENTION
Any measures that protect the barrier, enhance and maintain immune system and prevent the formation of the favorable conditions would be preventive. These prevention tips include:

• keep nails dry and clean,
• use an antifungal spray or powder,
• avoid injuring and irritating the toes,
• wear airy and absorb socks and shoes,
• wear rubber gloves while working in wet environment,
• keep intact the skin around the nails,
• avoid going barefoot in damp public areas,
• go to reputable manicure and pedicure salons,
• avoid using nail polish and artificial nails,
• treat athlete’s foot immediately,
• cut the nails straight cross,

 TREATMENTS
The infected nail is hard to be treated because the fungus is under the nail, which prevent medicine from direct application on infected area. And because the toe nails are distal part of a whole body, it is hard to get the medicine to the effective level at the toe part. Other nail medical conditions can mimic fungal infection. Most doctors will confirm the diagnosis by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation. In general, the earlier the treatment is, the better the result will be. When there are patches of white or yellow discoloration on nails, you should see a doctor. The doctor will make diagnosis and design treatment plan.

Several types of treatments include topical cream treatments, oral medical treatments and surgical treatments.  The topical creams are applied onto the infected nail. The efficacy of the topical treatment depends on the penetrating capability. The more the active ingredient get into the nail, the more effective the treatment will be.

Several oral drugs are available on the market. A course of treatment usually takes about 6-12 weeks, costs about $500 and has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition. Since the oral medicines have to go through the whole body to get into the tip of a toe, they have side effects on liver and kidney. Liver enzymes and blood should be monitored during the course of treatment. Other side effects could include nausea, diarrhea and rashes. There is a potential for interaction with other medications you may be taking. Therefore, some people may not able to take these medications because of other medications that you are taking or other medical problems. The nail fungal infection is not only difficult to be cured, but also have high chance of recurring.

 IMPACTS
Even though the invasion of fungus will not proceed to internal organs, the infection could cause severe medical and cosmetic consequences. It could be very painful and make daily activities difficult. If it is left untreated, it will be in constant progress. At the point when treatment is no longer effective, you may have to have the nail chemically or surgically removed. It will expose the soft toe tissue to injury and affect daily activities. The cosmetic problem is the direct and instant consequence since the fungal infection affects appearance of nails. The discolored and chipped nail is embarrassing. You may want to avoid socializing. You may be concerned about spreading the infection. You don’t want to go beach; you don’t want go to a public swimming pool; you don’t want to go gym; you don’t want to expose your infected nail in any other public areas.

The location of the H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs
H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is located in the Gordon building at 753 Cheltenham Ave, Melrose Park, PA 19027. Melrose Park is a small nice town within the Cheltenham district in Montgomery county, neighboring with Elkins Park (19027), Cheltenham (19027), Abington (19001), Jenkintown (19046), Glenside (19038) and Philadelphia (19111). Philadelphia is one of the big cities in the States. The metro area includes Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. Philadelphia is a city between two rivers, with Philadelphia International Airport. Philadelphia is between New York and D. C. Philadelphia has trains and buses. I95 goes around Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a great city. Montgomery county surrounds most boundary of Philadelphia. It includes Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Jenkintown, and Abington. Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside are just separated from Philadelphia by one block. Cheltenham is the most east side, then Melrose Park, then Elkins Park, then Glenside. Jenkintown and Abington is slightly further northern, but still close to Philadelphia.

References?

• Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
• Youth literature and Teen Culture.
• WOW gold.
• GW gold.
• EQ2 gold.