Nails are an important part of good health and physical beauty, however, the appearance of nail fungus (onychomycosis) is often a problem. Not only does nail fungus affect appearance, but it can also cause pain, itching, and discomfort, which can seriously affect quality of life. Treatment for nail fungus is not a one-time solution and requires a scientific approach and a patient process. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the causes of nail fungus, effective treatments, and expert advice to help you regain healthy and beautiful nails.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is not only disturbing, but it can also cause long-term damage to the nails and surrounding skin. In this part, we'll dive into the basics of nail fungus, including its causes, symptoms, and classification.
Causes of the formation of nail fungus
Nail fungus is mainly caused by fungal infections, the most common of which is the pedade (dermatophytes). These fungi typically multiply in moist, warm environments such as public baths, swimming pools, and locker rooms. In addition, damaged nails or long-term damp wraps also increase the risk of infection.
Symptoms of nail fungus
Typical symptoms of nail fungus include thickening, deforming, discoloration (often grayish-white or yellowish-brown), pitting and cracks on the surface of the nails, and discomfort such as inflammation, itching, and peeling of the skin around the nails.
Classification of nail fungus
Depending on the extent of the lesion and the clinical presentation, nail fungus can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Mild cases of nail fungus may only present with variations in nail color, while severe cases may be accompanied by significant increases in nail thickness and severe pain.
Effective treatments
For nail fungus, there are a variety of treatments available, ranging from topical treatments to oral medications and even surgical interventions. In this section, we'll explore the pros and cons of each treatment in detail to help you choose the most suitable treatment for you.
Topical treatments
Topical antifungal drugs: Nail polishes or creams containing fluconazole or ketoconazole can act directly on the infected site to help kill and inhibit fungal growth.
Metronidazole gel: has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, and is suitable for cases where inflammation of the skin around the nails is obvious.
Oral medications
Antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and fluconazole, can kill the fungus systemically by oral administration, and are particularly effective for severe or recurrent nail fungus.
Vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin D and zinc, can boost the immune system and help the body fight fungal infections more effectively.
Surgery and physical therapy
Laser Treatment: High-energy lasers are used to precisely treat nails and surrounding tissues to help kill fungus and promote nail growth and recovery.
Surgical excision: For severely damaged nails, surgical excision can quickly reduce symptoms, but attention should be paid to postoperative nail growth and prevention of recurrence.
Strategies to prevent nail fungus
Prevention of nail fungus is more important than treatment, especially in high-risk settings or if there is a family history of the disease. In this part, we will share effective preventive measures and healthy habits to help you reduce the incidence of nail fungus.
Maintain foot hygiene
Clean and trim your nails regularly: Keep your nails dry and tidy and avoid trimming that is too long or too short.
Choose breathable footwear: Avoid wearing airtight shoes and wet socks for long periods of time, and try to choose materials with good breathability.
Avoid humid environments
Use waterproof slippers: Wear waterproof slippers in public places such as swimming pools and changing rooms to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Keep your feet dry: Change your socks and shoes regularly to keep your feet dry, especially after exercising or when you're sweating.
Strengthen personal protection
Avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers, insoles, etc., to reduce the possibility of fungal transmission.
Regular check-ups and early treatment: If you notice any abnormal or suspected nail fungus symptoms, seek medical attention and take necessary treatment measures.
Expert advice and the latest research progress
In the field of treatment and prevention of nail fungus, new research results are constantly emerging. In this section, we will explore the latest scientific research advances and expert recommendations to provide you with a deeper understanding and information.
Emerging research and cutting-edge technologies
Genetic research: Scientists are studying the genetic basis of nail fungus to understand the resistance and susceptibility of different individuals to fungal infections.
Innovation in antifungal drugs: The development of new antifungal drugs, such as customized treatments for different fungal strains, to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
Biomarker research
Exploration of immunotherapy: By modulating the immune system to enhance resistance to fungi, the prevention and treatment of nail fungus may usher in new breakthrough treatments for nail fungus.