Dr. M. Lal

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails.

Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis. When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it's called athlete's foot.

Causes - Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Yeast and molds also can cause nail infections.

Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but it's more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter. Other factors — such as reduced blood circulation to the feet and a weakened immune system — also may play a role.

Toenail fungal infection can start from athlete's foot (foot fungus), and it can spread from one nail to another. But it is uncommon to get an infection from someone else.

Symptoms - You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:

• Thickened
• Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Distorted in shape
• A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail
• Smellling slightly foul

Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it's more common in toenails.

Risk factors - actors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

Being older, owing to reduced blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails

Sweating heavily

Having a history of athlete's foot

Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms

Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition, such as psoriasis

Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

Complications - A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

If you have diabetes, you may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet. You're also at greater risk of a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis). So any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication. See your doctor if you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus

Homoeopathic remedies

Homoeopathic remedies give excellent cure for fungus infection of nails. Some of the leading remedies are given below.

• Atimonium crudum 30- is effective for fungus infection of nails, especially toe nails. Horny or split nails. Nails grow slowly out of shape. Horny growth under the nails. The person also suffering from horny warts oh hands and soles. Feet very tender and callosities are seen on soles.
• Silicea 30- silicea is an excellent remedy for affections of the nails, especially if white spots appear on the nails. Nails rough, yellow, crippled, brittle, and having white spots. Ingrowing toe nails with flesh and pus. Finger tips as if suppurating. Finger tips dry, painful at night. Cold feet and arms. Offensive smelling sweat from the feet, hands and armpits is characteristic to silicea.
• Graphites 30- graphites is prescribed when nails become brittle and crumbling. Nails deformed, painful, sore, thick and crippled. Nails thick, rough ingrown. Cracks and fissures are seen on tip of fingers. Feet cod and wet and burning in soles and heels is characteristic.
• Bufo rana 30- bufo rana is effective for panaritium, swelling blue black around nail, pain in streaks up arm.
• Flouric acid 30- flouric acid is best where splinter like pain under the nail is experienced. The nails distorted, crumble, grow rapidly. Longitudinal ridges are seen on the nails. Soreness between the toes. Painful corns are seen.

Prevention - the following habits can help prevent nail fungus or reinfections and athlete's foot, which can lead to nail fungus:

• Wash your hands and feet regularly. Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize your nails after washing.
• Trim nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
• Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change your socks throughout the day.
• Choose shoes made of materials that breathe.
• Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders.
• Wear footwear in pool areas and locker rooms.
• Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized manicure tools for each customer.
• Give up nail polish and artificial nails.