Nail Fungus Symptoms
Nail fungus can be distressing to say the least. This common fungus is thought to affect at least 10% of the population. As you grow older, you run a higher risk for developing this type of infection. But how will you know if you have nail fungus? Read on to discover the most common nail fungus symptoms.
The medical term for a nail fungus infection is Onychomycosis. Most cases of nail fungus are caused by specific dermatophytes called Trichophyton rubrum. Other cases of nail fungus may be caused by yeast or Candida albicans. It can be hard to determine exactly which type of fungus is causing your infection. In addition, only half of the nail infections are caused by a fungus while the other half can be caused by bacteria. To obtain an accurate diagnosis the source of your nail infection, a sample will need to be obtained from the nail and sent to a lab for identification.
However, the first step in identifying and treating nail fungus starts with you. You need to be aware of the symptoms of this type of fungus so you can start treatment as soon as possible. If nail fungus is left untreated, it can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed and fall off. This will leave the sensitive nail bed open to injury and other infections.
The first of the nail fungus symptoms you may notice is small discolorations under the nail. These may be white or black areas. Nail fungus usually begins in the cuticle or at the tip of the nail. As time goes on, without treatment, you will start to notice the nail taking on a yellowish hue.
The nails will actually begin to look as if they have a yellowish crust on them. This is the fungus appearing on the nail. It can cause deep streaks across the nail. Eventually, the nail fungus will cause the nail to become very thick and brittle. After some time, the nail will just start to crumble away from the nail bed.
Severe nail fungus infections or those infections that contain Candida can extend outward to the skin surrounding the nails. This will cause the skin to become very red and swollen. It can also cause a considerable amount of pain. An important thing to remember is if the swollen area begins to seep pus this is usually a sign of a bacterial infection. This can help your physician diagnose the source of your nail infections.
If you notice any of these nail fungus symptoms beginning in your nails you should take action immediately. It is a good idea to start using a home remedy on your nails such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar to get a handle on the infection before it becomes severe. You should also get a great natural homeopathic solution and keep in on hand. When you notice the symptoms of nail fungus begin treating your nails with this solution. The sooner you start treating a nail fungus the easier it will be to get rid of.
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