Nail Fungus comprises of tiny micro organisms called Tinea Unguium or Dermatophytes that infect either the toenails or the fingernails. Although our nails are made of a strong substance which is ideal for keeping infection and foreign bodies out, once an infection or foreign does get through our defensive barrier, the toughness of the nail makes this difficult to treat and so now helps protect the enemy within.
A nail fungus is a rather unpleasant condition although not life threatening can affect greatly the lifestyle and confidence of a sufferer. It is estimated that over thirty million (30 million) people in the United States suffer from the condition - this is just an estimation as there may be many more who are just living with the condition rather than seeking a treatment.
The picture above details a fingernail showing early stages of a fungal infection. The nail has slight pitting or white spots down one side, a slight brown discoloration. the brown discoloration will almost be a substance under the nail that when scrapped will have a foul cheesy smell to it.
If this looks familiar to you - you now have three choices.
- Buy a pharmaceutically produced commercial products
- Try a natural homeopathic or home remedy
- Just ignore it and hope it will go away
The third choice supprisingly it what a large percentage of sufferers opt for initially. Either way the first point of call should be a trip to your doctor. It has to be stressed that as nail fungus is not life threatening a large proportion of doctors will get enthusiastic with your condition and may even not bother to suggest antything as this is viewed as a cosmetic problem.
