Nail fungus or onychomycosis is generally characterized by white or yellow dots on the tips of the fingernails or thumb nails. If left untreated, the fungus can spread and cause the nails to change color, thicken, or even crumble.
Nail fungus is more likely to occur in warm, moist areas of the nail. This condition often occurs, especially in those who suffer from immune disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV infection.
Nail fungus itself can spread throughout the nail, including the nail bed, cuticle, to the nail root.
Some Causes of Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is caused by a type of dermatophyte fungus and yeast fungus (Candida). When your nails are warm and moist, it's easier for fungus to thrive and make your nails their habitat.
Nail fungus attacks the toenails more often than the fingers. This is because the toes are often closed, such as when wearing socks or shoes. Nail fungus is also more at risk in people who have problems with blood flow in the feet.
There are several things that can cause nail fungus to appear, including:
- Damage to skin or nails
- Humid environment
- Wearing shoes that make your feet feel hot and sweaty
- Sharing towels with others
- Use of artificial nails
- Washing hands too often or in contact with water for a long time
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes and psoriasis
- Often walk barefoot
- Smoking habit
Nail Fungus Treatment
There are several ways that can be done to treat nail fungus, including:
1. Oral antifungal drugs
To eradicate the fungus that causes nail fungus, doctors can give antifungal drugs. The healing process of nail fungus with this type of drug usually takes about 4 months until the nail can be free from fungus.
2. Antifungal cream
Another treatment that can be done is to use antifungal creams or ointments. Its use is done by applying it to the infected nail. Make sure you soak and thin your nails before applying the cream. Nail thinning is necessary to make it easier for the antifungal cream to penetrate the nail layer, making it easier to treat nail fungus.
3. Medicine in the form of nail polish
Another remedy that your doctor may prescribe is nail polish which has antifungal properties. This antifungal nail polish is called ciclopirox. Its use is to coat the nail and the skin around the infected nail.
At the beginning of application, nail polish will be left for 7 days before cleaning with alcohol. Furthermore, the use of this antifungal nail polish should be done every day for a year until the nails are completely free of fungus.
4. Nail removal surgery
Removal of a nail that is infected with fungus will be recommended by a doctor if it is causing unbearable pain. Through the extraction procedure, the new nail will then grow in the same place. The healing process with this method can take a year for the new nail to grow completely.
5. Laser therapy
One of the modern methods that can be done, namely using laser therapy. Several recent studies have shown that the use of laser therapy is effective in treating nail fungus.
However, this type of treatment is quite expensive and is not commonly used as a general method of treating toenail fungus.
Tips to Prevent Nail Fungus
Although not a serious disease, but the treatment of nail fungus takes a long time. At least, it will take at least 2–4 months for you to be free from toenail fungus.
In addition, even if you have taken care and treatment, nail fungus can come back if you do not take good care of your nails.
Well, here are some preventative steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of developing toenail fungus or the return of toenail fungus:
- Make sure your feet and hands stay dry, because dry skin and nails are not easily infected with nail fungus.
- Do not cut the nails too short, as this can cause injury to the nails. Also keep the nail clipper clean so that fungus does not grow on the tool.
- Use dry socks and change them regularly. Do not wait until it is damp or wet.
- Choose footwear that is not narrow so that air circulation in the foot area is maintained. For shoes, you can choose shoes made of leather or canvas.
Although it sounds trivial, actually nail fungus is a condition that should not be allowed. Therefore, it is important to always keep your toenails and hands clean.
However, if your nails show signs of nail fungus infection, consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.