Have your fingernails thickened and become unsightly? The bad news is that you may have a fungal infection; the good news is that it’s treatable!
Even though nail fungus is a relatively common problem, it doesn’t make the condition any less embarrassing – sometimes these conditions are painful too! Nail fungus can cause your fingernails to split, crack, loosen, or grow in the wrong direction.
The causes of nail fungus vary from trauma to disease and hereditary conditions. Fungus is normally present in the human body, but can be adversely triggered by other elements, such as sweat or too much exposure to water or humidity. The unfortunate reality is that some of us are just more susceptible to this condition than others.
Nail fungus starts with a fungal skin infection and then quickly spreads underneath the nail. For example, a fingernail infection may occur if you have a toenail infection and continually scratch your itchy toes. The fungus may then infect the skin around the cuticle and quickly spread underneath the nail. If you have recently lost or damaged a nail, your fingernail and the skin beneath it become even more susceptible to various types of fungal infections.
So, what steps need to be taken to return to beautiful and healthy fingernails? First, see a qualified and experienced doctor. Failing to treat nail fungus can result in the fungus spreading from one nail to the next, and can also result in the condition going from remotely mild to serious, in which case you may experience extreme discomfort. Nail fungus could also be a sign that there is a larger fungal skin infection present in your body, or, you are having issues with your immune system. Only your doctor can properly diagnose your condition.
Another reason to see your doctor is because over-the-counter treatments generally do not help clear up fingernail infections. Nail fungus often requires prescription-strength anti-fungal medication.
Depending on the severity of the infection, a physician may remove the nail. Once the fungus is cleared up the nail will regrow and replace your damaged nail. Because nails grow slowly, a new and healthy nail may take up to a year to grow back.
If you are suffering from nail fungus, please contact our office for an appointment. Dr. Rehman will provide a comprehensive evaluation and consultation to make sure that your fingernails become healthy again.
