Microscopic fungi organisms called dermatophytes cause Onychomycosis (nail fungus). These same organisms cause athlete’s foot. The dermatophytes organisms grow, spread, and thrive in warm moist environments such as a person’s socks and shoes. Some people have inherited tendencies that make them more susceptible to developing nail fungus infections, and they contract it with mild, moderate or severe symptoms.
Many women develop fingernail fungus infections while wearing acrylic
nail enhancements. If acrylic nail
enhancements are maintained using unsanitized manicure equipment then nail
fungus is spread from person to person.
It is important to make sure that your nail tech always sanitizes the
drill bits, files, dusting brushes and table tops between each client. Whirlpool pedicure thrones that are not
adequately cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected will also spread toenail fungus
infections.
Symptoms of nail
fungus infections are discoloration, brittleness, foul odor, loss of luster and
shine, thickening, distortion of nail shape, painful nail beds, crumbling of
the nail plate, debris collecting under the nail, and loosening (detaching) of
the nails. Early mild fungus infections
include discolorations such as white spots, light brown or yellowish
brown. Moderate nail fungus
discolorations include dark yellow, yellow-green or yellow-brown. Severe or advanced nail fungus, which has
been chronic for years, will usually include very dark brown or black colors,
very thick distorted nails, crumbling, debris collecting under the nails and a
detaching of the nail plate from the nail bed.
Treatment of
nail fungus infections varies depending on the severity of each case. If the fungus has severely penetrated both
the nail plate and the nail bed, treatment can require twelve to twenty-four
months to completely cure. Medical
doctors can treat severe cases of fungus with oral prescription medications
such as Sporonox or Lamisil tablets.
Unfortunately, there are possible side effects of liver damage, heart
arrhythmias and bone marrow damage.
The good news is
that mild or moderate nail fungus infections can often be treated with a
convenient topical liquid drops containing thymol, lavender and tea tree
oil. The drops are simply applied to
the nails twice daily for 3-12 months.
Untreated nail fungus infections can spread—from toe to toe, finger to
finger, or person to person—and it rarely goes away by itself. Untreated fungus infections will cause the
nails to detach and fall off and may also cause pain and permanent nail plate
damage leaving them ragged and distorted.
It is wise to get an evaluation appointment from a podiatrist or medical
doctor if you suspect that you have a nail fungus infection. It’s beneficial to get monthly professional
pedicures at a quality nail salon staffed by a licensed nail technician that
always follows state guidelines for safe sanitation and disinfection
procedures.
