انسانی جسم مٰں فنگس کے انفیکشن اس وقت سامنے آتے ہیں جب یہ جسم کے مدافعتی نظام کے قابو سے باہر ہو جاتے ہیں۔ آپ کے بالوں میں خشکی، اتھلیٹس فٹ، جلن اور خارش والی ریش یہ سب فنگس کے پیدا کردہ انفیکشن ہیں۔ جب یہ فنگس ناخنوں کو متاثر کرتی ہے تو اس بیماری کو فنگل سکن انفیکشن کا نام دیا جاتا ہے۔ فنگس کے انفیکشن کی وجہ سے ناخنوں کی شکل اور ہئیت میں تبدیلی آنے لگتی ہے۔ اس کا علاج کافی سستا اور آسان ہے۔ اینٹی فنگل کریموں کا استعمال اس بیماری سے نجات دلانے میں معاون ہے۔
Dermatologist
MBBS, CRCP, D.DERM (Thailand ), Diploma in Dermato-Surgery (Bangkok), Research Course (UK)
Dermatologist
MBBS (Pb), Dip Derma (AFPGMI), FCPS (Derm) Clinical Fellowship in Dermatopathology (UK) MCPS (HPE)
Fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is caused by a variety of fungi in the environment. Fungal nail infections cause the nails to become thickened, discolored, and fragile. Fungal nail infections affect 14% of the general population. Fungal toenail infections are more common than fungal fingernail infections. People who have fungal nail infections, also have fungal skin infections on the foot like athlete's foot and tinea pedis. Dermatophytes are the fungi group that is usually associated with nail fungal infections.
Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO). This is the most frequently occurring kind of fungal nail infection and affects the nail bed. The same fungi that are responsible for most athlete’s foot cases are also responsible for DSO.
White superficial onychomycosis (WSO). WSO is the fungal nail infection that is only second in incidence rate to DSO. WSO affects the nail’s top layer. The treatment procedures are very efficient and easy.
Candida onychomycosis. More commonly known as the nail’s yeast infection, candida onychomycosis can occur on the nail and the bordering skin. However, this type rarely occurs.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO). This type is more recurrent in people who have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Dermatophytes are the identified cause.
Fungal nail infections develop due to;
Fungi that are mostly present in the warm moist environment
Contact the infected individual.
Fungal nail infections are diagnosed by using a fungal culture test. The dermatologist also collects a nail clipping to observe under the microscope or send for laboratory testing.
Fungal infections like fungal nail infections do not go away completely and require long-term treatment.
In severe cases, the nail may be removed completely to prevent the spread of the infection to nearby areas.
A dermatologist may prescribe oral or topical antifungal drugs to treat the infections.
It is important that hand and foot hygiene is maintained to prevent fungal nail infections
Keep nails clean and short, and wear footwear that allows more ventilation
.Furthermore, rubber gloves should be used during dishwashing in order to avoid too much exposure to water
Nail picking and biting should also be avoided
If the individual goes to a manicure/pedicure salon, they should make sure that the tools being used are properly sterilized
The nail clipper with which the person cuts her/his nails should also be clean.
Fungal nail infections include the following symptoms:
Thickened nails
Brittle nails
Nails become distorted and fragile
Nails become discolored (brownish or yellowish)
Hyperkeratosis in which scales appear under the skin
Nails separate from its bed
Pain in the infected nail
Other risk factors include nails that grow slow
Inhibited blood circulation
Heavy sweating
Working in a damp or humid environment
Those individuals who wear items like artificial nails, socks, and shoes that are less airy and tight footwear, in general, are more vulnerable to the infection
If it runs in the person’s family they are more likely to catch it
Any condition that involves a weakened or less efficient immune system can cause fungal infection