Home | Disease & Illness

Fingernail Fungus Treatment and Diagnosis: What You Need To Know

By: Rashel Dan

A lot of people want to know the most effective fingernail fungus treatment. It only comes to show how common the condition is. In the United States alone, about 35 million Americans are affected with fungal infection of the nails. Because of this great number, more people want to know a great solution to nail fungus.

Cause of Nail Fungus - Nail fungus is caused by a Tinea Unguium or Onychomycosis infection. The fungus lives underneath the nail and feeds on the keratin which makes up the hard surface of the nails. It can be contagious, as it can spread to other fingernails and even to other parts of your body such as the toenails.

The good thing though is that fingernail fungus can be treated. However, the treatment usually varies with the type and severity of the infection. For you to make the most out of the treatment, it is important that you have it diagnosed first by a professional.

Nail Fungus Diagnosis

Have your doctor examine your nails. The initial diagnosis is often made by conducting a physical examination of the infected nail. Some visible symptoms include discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and streaking among others.

The doctor will then ask some questions regarding your risk of getting nail fungus. Some risks of fingernail fungus include participating in sports, overusing fingernail polish and neglecting proper hand hygiene. Then, you will also be asked about your medical history, which includes any experience with illnesses that may decrease your resistance to infection, weaken your immune system, and interfere with proper blood flow. Such ailments include diabetes, HIV, and poor circulation among others.

Undergoing Tests - The doctor will then perform some tests such as clipping off a small piece of your nail that will be sent to labs to verify if you have nail fungus. The tests use PAS or Periodic Acid-Shiff which turns any fungi red. Performing this test will help determine the precise type of fungi present so that it can be properly and effectively treated. If the tests show that you indeed have fingernail fungus, then the doctor will give you a list of possible treatments.

Fingernail fungus treatment

Prescription Medication - Among these treatments is oral anti-fungal medication. These prescription medications combat fungal infections. However, they are strong oral medications that must be always taken for months in order to be effective. And, they could also have potential harmful side effects that can affect other body organs. Side effects include headaches, upset stomach, liver damage, and even death.

Creams and Lotions - Anti-fungal creams and lotions are also available. These are much safer but they are generally ineffective. This is because the creams do not actually penetrate the nail bed in order to kill the fungus at its source.

The Best Alternative - The best choice would be to go for a topical anti-fungal solution. It is effective and safe at the same time. It uses only natural ingredients like essential oils from tea tree, almond, lavender and lemongrass that contain antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that will help fight the infection and at the same time keep your fingers smooth and soft to the touch. Also, it does not leave any medicinal smell on your hands.

Article Source: Main Articles

Get rid of toenail fungus. Choose the best fingernail fungus treatment available today.

This article may be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission provided the byline, resource area, and any hyperlinks remain in order to give proper credit to the author.

Internet search engines and directory listings are imperative to your sites existence and success. Submit Your Website to the Searchen Networks directory and search engine to achieve authoritive inbound links.

Please Rate this Article

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Disease & Illness Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Disease & Illness

Advice for the Care of Alzheimer Patients - By : Caleb Hetzler
Sharp Or Constant Lyme Disease Symptoms - By : Michael Green
Dealing With Lung Cancer - By : Jon Simms
Don't Give Lung Cancer A Chance - By : Jon Simms
Alzheimer's in 2008 (part 1) - By : Sebastien Prince
A Couple Of Facts About Lung Cancer - By : Jon Simms
A Couple Of Risk For Smoking - By : Jon Simms
A Guide To Cancer - By : Jon Simms
A Look At Black Lung Disease - By : Jon Simms
Producing the PERFECT Viral Ebook - By : deepaman

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

	Submit Articles
	Member Login
	Top Authors
	Most Popular Articles
	Submission Guidelines
	Ezine Notifications
	Article RSS Feeds

	New Stuff
	About Us
	Link to Us
	Contact Us
	Privacy Policy
	Terms of Service

:: Top Author Businesses:

Try your luck, Play BlackJack

:: Our Supporters: