Nail fungal infections are common conditions of the toenails and fingernails. These are caused by fungi, making the nails thick, discolored, misshapen, and easy to crack or break. The technical term for this nail infection is onychomycosis.
Some Symptoms
Nails that are infected with nail fungus usually become discolored or become yellow, green, brown, thickened, fragile, or cracked. A nail fungal infection is not usually painful until it turns severe. Some people suffer from toenail fungal infection and also have a fungal infection on the foot called athlete’s foot.
How does one get it?
Nail fungal infections may be caused by different types of fungi, yeasts, and even molds that thrive naturally in the environment. These microorganisms enter the nail through a crack in the nail or its surrounding skin and cause an infection.
Who usually gets infected?
Anyone may become infected with nail fungus. Some people are more vulnerable to nail infections than others. These include the older folks as well as those who suffer from diabetes, blood circulation issues, nail injury or nail surgery, a weakened immune system, or an athlete’s foot.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor may provide a diagnosis by simply looking at the symptoms of the nail infection and asking more questions about it. The physician may also take a nail sample which will be sent to a lab for fungal culture.
What are some treatments?
It is quite challenging to treat a nail fungal infection. These are not likely to be gone without any kind of nail fungus treatment. The best of these treatments are oral antifungal pills. An alternative treatment would be the topical nail fungal treatment. In severe infections, the doctor may recommend a nail removal. It usually takes months up to a year for the infection to be eliminated.
2All about Akpu (Fufu)
Akpu or fufu is a dough-like food made from whether fresh or fermented cassava. It is considered an essential food in many African countries. It is consumed in general in areas like Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone. It goes well with the majority of soaps such as tomato stew, egusi, and okra soup. Fufu may be made of any starchy ground like malanga, cassava, or plantains. This is swallowed as oval balls that are molded by the palms and dipped in the most appropriate soup. Its taste has been described as being sour and slightly tart.
