The nails serve many important functions. They help us pick up and manipulate objects, and they protect and support the tissues of the fingers and toes. Nails can be very appealing. Women, more often than men, place a great deal of importance on how their nails look and spend a considerable amount of time and money on them.Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis. It is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails. The fingernail and toenail are naturally built to be strong barriers, and resistant to fungi and other infections. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail.

Fungal infection is estimated that between 2% and 14% of the population has fungal nail infections, with the frequency of such infections increasing with age. Few children have fungal nail infections, while as many as 25% to 40% of people over the age of 60 do. Fungal infections of the fingernails are more common in men; fungal infections of the toenails are more common in women. The rise in nail fungus is thought to be due to a combination of increased detection as well as increased risk of infection. Most nail infections are caused by dermatophytes. In the tropics, yeasts are the most common cause.

In both cases, the fungi digest keratin, which is the major protein in nails, hair, and skin. The nails retort by overproducing keratin, which causes them to thicken and separate from the underlying skin. Factors risk include aging of the population, spread of HIV/AIDS, tight footwear, vigorous physical activity, and use of communal swimming pools, locker rooms, etc. Nail fungus is more than a cosmetic problem. It can be painful and interfere with daily activities such as walking, playing sports, writing, typing, and other activities that require manipulating small objects or repetitive finger use. Nail fungus can be difficult to treat.

Mostly nail fungus infections treat to oral antifungal medication, such as oral medications itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors or correct structural abnormalities. Do not bite your nails or try to dig out ingrown toenails. Doing either of these things puts you at risk for an infection. Dry your feet completely after bathing and use a good-quality foot powder. Wear shoes and socks that provide good ventilation. Tight shoes that trap perspiration create a perfect environment for fungi to grow and multiply. Wearing open-toed shoes, or shoes that provide good ventilation with socks.