Nail mycosis, what it is and how it presents
Nail mycosis, or more commonly called onychomycosis, is a frequent condition and consists of aninfection of the nails caused by the presence of microorganisms called mycetes.
This is not a serious infection, but it should definitely not be underestimated because if taken to extremes it could result in surgical removal of the nail.
Nail mycosis is a problem that can afflict both men and women, although statistically it is men who are more affected, and furthermore it can be contracted in both hands and feet. The latter have a significantly higher incidence of cases due to the amount of moisture in this area compared to other parts of the body.
Fungal nail infections present with yellowing of the nail, change in their shape and texture(thickening), appearance of dark spots, and progressive flaking.
Mycosis symptoms, what to watch out for
The main symptom of nail mycosis is discoloration, usually whitish to yellowish with the presence, at times, of black or dark spots.
The discoloration is combined with theweakening of the layers and tissues of the nail, which slowly begins to flake off to the point of causingonycholysis (complete detachment of the nail) in some cases.
The symptoms of nail fungus can be summarized as follows:
- chromatic alteration
- loss of lucidity
- thickening
- Increased brittleness (resulting in flaking).
It should be emphasized that this list of symptoms could be the same as other infections, so see a dermatologist who will prescribe the appropriate tests to find out what the infection is and how to treat it.
Nail fungus, how to prevent it
For any kind of infection and disease, prevention turns out to be the key to avoid suffering, pain and embarrassment.
Prevention is also possible for mycosis simply by being careful about basic hygiene rules for both hands and feet:
- wash hands and feet often
- cut the nails correctly
- wear socks made of natural and non-synthetic fabrics
- Change socks and shoes very frequently so as not to allow mycetes to proliferate
- Wear flip-flops or shoes in public places such as gyms or swimming pools
- Do not share towels or pedicure tools with anyone, nail fungus is infectious and you could infect someone or be infected
- Always keep skin diseases (psoriasis or skin mycosis) and metabolic diseases (diabetes or circulatory problems) under control.
How to treat nail fungus starting with the causes
The human body normally has fungi that live without attacking our bodies and proliferate in warm and humid places. When these fungi take over in special situations, they cause infections that are not lethal but can cause discomfort and pain.
The causes of this sudden proliferation of fungi can be many:
- Older age (slowed microcirculation, slow nail growth and much lower immune defenses)
- excessive sweating
- athlete’s foot
- diabetes and other metabolic diseases
- psoriasis and other skin diseases
- poor hygiene
- Very small lesions to skin nails that have not been treated properly
- family predisposition.
Nail mycosis is very easy to detect but, as mentioned above, should by no means be underestimated: poorly treated mycosis leads to persistent and worsening symptoms, progressive yellowing, annoying lesions and acute pain, and nail detachment.
Don’t wait, see a doctor right away: with a specific examination of the area and the fungus carrying the infection, the dermatologist will know how to give you the right treatment, and you will thus be sure to avoid unpleasant consequences.
If you believe you have contracted nail fungus and want to find a solution to the problem, contact our dermatology office at 212 Via Cola di Rienzo, Rome (Prati area) or contact us and book a consultation.
