Posted on May 16, 2008 in Latest News
Onychoycosis is a type of fungal infection, which affects the nails and toes of the feet. Due to Onychoycosis the nails get thickened, blemished and discolored and chapped too. This happens on account of a bacterium called paronychia.
People suffering from Onychoycosis should seek the help of a physician or a podiatrist. Negligence may result in thickening of the nails leading to irritation and pain.
What are the causes?
Onychoycosis is caused due to fungi, namely trichophyton rubrum and trichophyton mentagrophytes. These dermaphytes live on nail tissue and infect nail, hair and skin. The infections usually affect the nails and surrounding skin. There is another kind of Onychoycosis known as candida albicans (candida parapsilosis) a kind of yeast. But the infections caused due to yeast are comparatively less than the former kind.
Treatment
The treatment is slow and a long process, this is on account of the fact that the nails grow slowly and have relatively less supply of blood than the other organs. But with recent developments in medical field have been able to control this ailment.
Any medication has to be taken after conducting blood tests. The application of topical solution may result in irritation in the surrounding area and skin. It is a long process and it may take 6 months to a year to recover the health of the nail and surrounding tissue.
Onychoycosis is a common problem among diabetic patient. This happens due to poor blood circulation and reduced immunity. Diabetic patients are more prone to infections, cuts and wounds, which takes time to heal. If these wounds are neglected it may result in serious consequence and other major ailments related to the feet.
Latest studies have supported that most of the amputations in diabetic patient are on account of Onychoycosis. Thus it is important to take care of the feet regularly and examine them daily. And whenever one visits the physician make it a point to get the feet examined thoroughly.
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