Learn The Symptoms And Causes Of Different Types Of Nail Fungus

This happens because nails represent an environment with the right temperature and humidity for bacteria to reproduce easily.

These types of infections are usually primarily an aesthetic problem. However, they can also be evidence of problems related to nutrition or circulation. Today we have prepared an article to learn more about these fungi and share some home remedies to treat this problem.

What is nail fungus?

Fungi are small communities of microorganisms that feed primarily on oil, sweat, and dead skin cells.

Dermatologically speaking, the skin under the nails is not as thick as the skin on the rest of the hand or foot. Not to mention that the small space between the skin and the nail is a cavity where dust, dirt, and bacteria molecules easily accumulate.

For this reason, nail fungus often appears suddenly and generally does not produce any type of reaction that alerts us about its presence.

The only clue we can have about the proliferation of nail fungus is its peculiar color and some other aesthetic signs.

Usually, this type of bacteria does not cause any kind of pain or discomfort beyond what is visual. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible if we experience discomfort or pain in the affected nail .

Bacteria can develop and proliferate without problems on fingernails. However, toenails are much more hospitable to fungus.

This happens mainly because fungi require certain humidity and temperature conditions to develop and multiply. One of the most outstanding characteristics of nail fungi is the ease with which they can move.

A fungal nail infection can easily spread if a person does not take proper hygiene measures to prevent its spread.

Preventing the onset of these types of infections is easy. Most scientifically proven treatments can be purchased without the need for a doctor’s prescription.

Also, hygiene and personal care habits are key to combating and preventing the appearance of nail fungus.

The main symptoms of nail fungus

The symptoms of nail fungus are not that complicated to detect, mainly because these infections can be discovered with the naked eye.

To know when a nail has a proliferation of bacteria, we must look closely at its general appearance.

The color, thickness, and weakness of the infected nail are some of the most common symptoms of this type of infection.

A nail where bacteria proliferate has a very characteristic color that ranges from pale white to dull yellow. This is the result of the quantities of microorganisms that feed and reproduce in the skin located under the nail in question.

Pigmentation is the result of the mixture of fat, sweat, and dead skin that serve as food for microorganisms.

The film that covers the nail is also affected by the action of microorganisms that cause fungus. Thus, the thickness, shine, and natural texture of the nail begin to be lost progressively.

All of this is the result of a demineralization process, which is a consequence of the gases emitted by the microorganisms that cause the fungus.

Another important consequence of this demineralization process is that the affected nail becomes brittle and may even develop scales.

Proteins such as keratin are abundant under the nails, and these comprise an important part of the diet of microorganisms that cause the fungus.

However, the symptoms of a nail infected with a fungus are not limited to these three factors.

Depending on the number of microorganisms and the health status of the infected person, there are other key signs for detecting nail fungus on the hands or feet.

Odor is another indication of intense bacterial activity under the nail. This is a product of the digestive cycle of the bacteria that make up the fungus.

The intensity of the aroma not only serves to detect bacterial activity but is also a clear indicator of the patient’s immune response.

It is not common for this type of fungus to produce any type of uncomfortable sensation or pain in the person who suffers from it. However, this also falls within the category of symptoms that a person with nail fungus presents.

When you start to feel these discomforts or pains, it is a clear sign that this case should be addressed by a health specialist.

The most common causes

To understand this point, it is convenient that we first know a little more about the microorganisms that produce the fungus and their life cycle.

Yeasts, molds, and fungi such as dermatophytes are responsible for this type of condition. They all require a warm environment with high levels of humidity to survive.

Once these microorganisms manage to find a space that meets these conditions, they can survive several days waiting for a host.

For this same reason, personal care experts always recommend not going barefoot in spaces with high humidity such as public showers, locker rooms, or public swimming pools.

When they finally find the host, the microorganisms and bacteria immediately begin to feed on the fat and skin tissue.

As with any other species, once microorganisms find a food source, it is only a matter of time before they begin to multiply.

And since they are such simple organisms biologically speaking, the reproduction process occurs very quickly. In just a few days, a perfectly healthy nail can become a potential incubator for fungi and bacteria.

Now, among the most common causes that promote the emergence of nail fungus we can list four main ones:

• Lack of nutrients necessary for nail renewal.
• Skin contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Bad personal hygiene habits.
• Circulation problems in the lower body.   

Risk factors to which we should pay attention

There are certain occasions when these microorganisms could be a potential risk to the health of the affected person. For example, these types of infections are extremely dangerous for people with diseases such as diabetes or problems with leg circulation.

When it comes to nail fungus, the factor that should concern us the most is when the person suffering from it begins to experience discomfort or pain.

This is a clear indication that the infection is no longer affecting only the external part of the skin, better known as the epidermis.

Once the patient begins to experience pain or even constant itching in the infected nail, the priority is to see a specialist as soon as possible.

The patient’s family history and medical history are two aspects that will help determine why the fungal infection is causing such great damage.

A weakened immune system or heart problems are also conditions that could make the infection more harmful to the patient.

Possible complications and aggravating factors

A fungal infection can lead to serious health problems when the patient’s body is not sufficiently prepared to deal with the microorganisms.

Those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to nail fungus. So are those with diabetes or another disease that negatively affects blood circulation to the feet.

Bacterial infections are among the most common health complications caused by this type of fungus.

This condition causes the patient’s feet to experience constant pain and even begin to secrete a yellowish pus-like fluid.

It is also common for the patient to begin to experience extreme sensitivity in the area where the infected nail is located.

In the most extreme cases, the skin tissue covering the nail is so weakened that the slightest contact with an external object can cause constant bleeding.

One of the most worrying aspects of nail fungus is the ease with which microorganisms can move between the fingers. This makes the risk factor multiply considerably, especially at the level of the circulatory system.

For this reason, it is so important to consult a doctor at the first sign of discomfort or pain in the infected nail.

How to prevent nail fungus?

Preventing nail fungus is a less complicated matter than many might think.

It is all about taking the necessary preventive measures, maintaining good hygiene habits, and knowing when treatment is necessary.

A good tip is to always wear sandals in public places such as swimming pools and locker rooms. These types of places have the right thermal conditions for microorganisms to remain hidden even for months.

Although it is a topic that is not addressed very often, proper nail care and maintenance are essential to prevent infections.

Keeping your nails properly cut, drying them properly, and sterilizing all tools used on them are very important details.

Likewise, we must take extreme care in sterilizing tools such as pliers and files when receiving manicure or pedicure treatments in specialized establishments.

The rules and regulations to which these types of businesses are subject are demanding on this point. However, it never hurts to consult a professional and ask them to tell us about the tool sterilization protocols they have.

Also, there are many products available that feature ingredients and compounds made specifically to nourish and strengthen nails.

And to tell the truth, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to make use of them, especially when we pass the age of 30. At this point, the body requires extra help to give the nails all the proteins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

Some home remedies to treat nail fungus

Fortunately, there are now a wide variety of treatments and home remedies to combat fungal infections.

Many scientific experiments have corroborated the antifungal properties of many plants, such as eucalyptus and garlic.

However, it is important to note that all home remedies are only recommended for the treatment of mild or moderate infections. 

When nail fungus is more aggressive, it is necessary to use much more powerful treatments designed for this purpose.

It is also worth mentioning that home remedies need to be applied regularly and it takes time for their effects to become noticeable.

But despite this, the results of frequent use prove to be quite positive not only in reducing aesthetic damage but also in preventing future outbreaks.

In nature, there is a huge variety of plants loaded with essential properties to eliminate and prevent the reproduction of microorganisms that cause fungus.

Below is a list of 4 effective medicinal plants for treating nail fungus.

Ageratina extract

This plant from the sunflower family has such strong antifungal properties that it is even part of many commercially available treatments.

A recent study revealed that applying again to the affected nail three times a day for a month is enough for it to regain its healthy tone and texture.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another natural extract that is perfect for combating fungal nail conditions.

This type of vegetable oil contains high levels of melaleuca, a compound characterized by its antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is extremely rich in thymol, a chemical compound that contains antifungal and antibacterial properties.

To use it properly, you only need to apply a small amount of it to the nail and spread it gently using a swab or cotton ball.

Olive leaf extract

The oleuropein present in this natural extract not only has antifungal properties, it is also an excellent stimulant of the immune system.

This product can be purchased in ointment or capsule form, as both are equally effective in treating nail fungus.

Conclusion

Although many people tend to believe that it is something unimportant, self-care is an important part of our health.

The actions we take to improve our health not only allow us to feel more satisfied with our appearance but are also a direct reflection of everything that concerns our hygiene habits.

Nail fungus is an extremely easy condition to avoid and even prevent.

Like any other part of our body, nails require certain special care that, to tell the truth, is not that complicated.

Keeping our nails clean, and well-cut and using some products to ensure their strength and healthy growth is enough to keep them healthy and attractive.

Generally, fungi that appear on the skin under the nail do not represent a problem that can affect our health.

However, it is important to do everything we can to get rid of these microorganisms, since as we have seen, they can spread to different parts of our body and cause a lot of discomfort.

This type of microorganism has a very fast life cycle and, in addition, they are characterized by taking advantage of the slightest carelessness on our part to begin reproducing.

Even with all the recommendations in mind, it is extremely difficult for a person to never develop a case of nail fungus.

The important thing when these types of conditions appear is to remain alert to the symptoms we experience as a consequence of them.

If there is no pain or discomfort in the affected nail, we can easily treat it with a specialized product or home remedy.

Now, when we begin to perceive some type of discomfort or pain as a result of these microorganisms, it is important to consult an expert as soon as possible so that they can recommend an appropriate treatment.