Nail fungus also called Onychomycosis is a form of fungal disease caused by tiny organism known as Tinea Unguium infecting the toenails and fingernails. According to the research, these fungi thrive best underneath the nails due to the fact that nails provide a secure, warm, dark and moist environment hence making it difficult to treat this medical condition. Nail fungus begins with redness and irritation on the nail base or sides and then spreads to other parts of the nail causing some changes on the nail bed and the nail itself. With time, the infected nails turn dark yellow-brown or yellow-green with white spots sometimes. Bleeding of the cuticles often occur while other signs that may be observed include: nail thickening, abnormal grooves and development of lines and small punched out holes.

Nail Fungus Treatment

There are numerous nail fungus treatment options ranging from medication to surgery. Medication: there are a variety of medications used to treat nail fungus such as: oral antifungal medications e.g. terbinafine granules which is a form of synthetic allymine antifungal. Terbinafine inhibits squalene epoxidase thereby inhibiting ergosterol. This inhibits the growth of fungus on the nails, however, this antifungal is not recommended for patients suffering from liver disorder.

Fluconazole: this is a form of antifungal drug that treats nail fungus through inhibiting a fungal enzyme called cytochromes hence preventing lanosterol from being converted into ergosterol, a vital component of cytoplasmic membrane of fungus as well as preventing 14a-methyl sterols from accumulating hence causing their death. Read more