Onychomycosis: Its Symptoms and Treatment

Onychomycosis is a generalized term that covers several different type of nail fungus infections. Fingernails and toenails are necessary to protect sensitive areas of our body and keep the tissue below them from becoming damaged.  Onychomycosis, is a condition that makes our nails look bad and makes them structurally weak. Treatment can take a long time no matter what method you choose.

Symptoms of Onychomycosis

• The first noted symptom is that the nail begins to change color. Typically, the color changes to either white or yellow.
• Typically, this process starts at the tip of the nail and works its way to the cuticle. In some rare cases, the infection starts at the cuticle and works toward the tip. Usually, this type of infection results in the loss of the nail.
• The nail begins to harden and become thick.
• The nail can develop yellow or brown spots.
• The nail surface may begin to crumble or flake off.
• Eventually, the nail may pull away from the nail bed and partially or completely fall off.
• The symptoms of this disorder can cause embarrassment in public places.
• If the toenails are affected, the ability to walk or feel the floor may be affected and it could cause pain or discomfort.

Causes and Hazards

Onychomycosis can be contracted by anyone at any time. While it can be found in all age groups, it is most often seen in the older population. People between the ages of 40 and 90 are more likely to have nail fungus than someone in their youth. Diseases such as diabetes or decreased circulation can assist in fungal growth.

The best way to decrease the possibility of contracting fungal infections is to take care of your nails and to take proper precautions to avoid contact with it.

Treating and Repairing Damage from Onychomycosis

One of the most difficult and trying factors in treating nail fungus is that it takes a long time to cure. It is easy to get frustrated and give up before they are able to cure the infection.

The best way to treat a nail fungus infection is to treat the area with an anti-fungal treatment. These can be purchased in topical, oral, and prescription form. The earlier you catch the infection, the easier it is to treat. It is important to catch the disorder before it spreads to the nail bed below the nail. Once it reaches this point, it is harder to get to.

If the infection has become severe, or the entire nail has become affected, it may be necessary to have the nail surgically removed, or to use prescription strength antifungal medication.

Definition of Leukonychia

As with most medical words, this one is long and confusing, but what is it? Leukonychia is a condition that affects the nails. It typically appears as though the nail changes color. In this condition, the nail can either partially change color or fully change color. It is caused either by systemic problems or by a genetic disorder. The nail has looks like a normal nail; it is shaped like a normal nail, but it turns white.

The white appearance of the nail is caused by cells called “parakeratotoic cells.” These cells are not fully under-developed and contain a bulky nucleus. Inside the nucleus, these cells are known to contain keratohyalins. This slight cellular difference causes the nail to look white.

Different Types of Leukonychia

True Leukonychia

This type of leukonychia contains two different variations called total leukonychia and partial leukonychia. The difference between the two depends on the appearance of the nail. The difference in appearance is described as completely white or only two-thirds of the way discolored.

• Total Leukonychia – Considered an autosomal dominant condition. This is not the only cause. Other problems may cause this disorder including:
  • Leprosy
  • Typhoid
  • Cytotoxic Drugs
  • Biting your nails
• Partial Leukonychia – Considered only a phase of total leukonychia. While there are many different causes, the most common are:
  • Metastatic carcinoma
  • Tuberculosis
  • Leprosy

In total, there are three different types of partial leukonychia.

• Transverse leukonychia – This disorder causes the nail to appear multi-colored. While it occurs in both men and women, it is seen mostly in women’s fingernails. There are many different causes but the most common are:
  • Respiratory infections
  • High fever
  • Malaria
  • Leprosy
• Punctate leukonychia – This is the most common type of leukonychia. It can occur in the nails of any person and can happen multiple times in their lifetime. In this type of leukonychia, the nail appears to have small white spots that fade over a short period of time.
• Longitudinal leukonychia – Appears as a small white line that is under the nail. It may make the nail appear to be bumpy, while it is actually flat and smooth.

Pseudo Leukonychia

This type of leukonychia is diagnosed when there is a discoloration in the nail due to changes in the nail bed. There are three different forms of this disorder:

• Terry’s nails – This type affects most of the nail and causes most of the nail to be white in color. The rest of the nail will appear pink or brown in color.
• Muehrcke’s nails – This disorder causes the nail to appear as though it has several white bands.
• Half and half nails – This disorder causes the nail to appear white and dull in color. The rest of the nail may appear brown.

Treatment for Leukonychia

The most effective treatment for leukonychia is to treat it at the source. The cause of leukonychia is a zinc disorder which can easily be treated with an over-the-counter supplement. While the nail is affected, you should avoid any contact with chemicals or other substances that may damage them further.

Myxoid Cyst or Digital Mucous

A Myxoid cyst can develop if there is any alteration of the tissue on the tip of the toe. The cyst is a shiny bump that typically goes unnoticed until it begins to grow larger. It feels soft and slightly rubbery. It appears somewhat transparent.

When they develop, typically on the end of a finger or toe, they can grow to about ¾ of an inch wide. Sometimes, these cysts break open and spill their contents. Typically, the contents are white or yellowish in color and very thick. Myxoid cysts are more common in women than they are men, and are also more common in people who are over the age of 45.

What is a Myxoid Cyst?

Myxoid cysts typically develop if there is minor trauma. They can also be caused by friction, in the same manner that a blister would be created. Keeping your hands in water for long periods of time can also cause these cysts to grow. Your body can soak up the water and it can collect in a bump, this can develop into an infection.

How is it Treated?

The best thing about this particular disorder is that unless there is pain or throbbing, there is no urgency in getting treatment. This disease can also go away on its own. You can also help the cyst go away by pressing on it or squeezing it.

If you seek a medical doctor for help, the typical way to remove it is cryotherapy.

• Cryotherapy is the act of freezing an area in an effort to kill off the infection. This is typically done using liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide snow, propane, and dymethyl ether. The most popular approach uses liquid nitrogen. This treatment is very safe, quick and effective in removing a wide variety of unwanted cysts and warts.

• Liquid Nitrogen Treatment – Using this treatment, a cryoprobe, cryospray, or cotton-tipped applicator is placed directly on the cyst. It freezes the cyst and helps heal the skin.
• CO2 Snow Treatment – Carbon Dioxide cryotherapy utilizes a tube of icy carbon dioxide that is sprayed directly onto the affected area.
• DMEP treatment – This treatment uses a foam applicator. The chemical is applied directly to the area for about 20 to 50 seconds. The time it is left on depends greatly on the size of the cyst and the location on the body.

Some Myxoid cysts can be removed in a surgical manner. It is important to note that removing one surgically makes it more likely that the problem will reoccur. If you choose this way of treatment, your doctor will also order an ultrasound and possibly an MRI which can be very expensive.

If the cyst is not painful, your doctor may insert a needle and remove the fluid. This will leave the existing skin to heal. If this method is used, the area around the cyst may peel away shortly after the procedure.