An infection caused by nail fungus occurs when the fungus infects one or more nails. It often occurs first as a yellow or white spot found underneath the tip of a fingernail or toenail. This may prompt the nail to change in color, and thickness, and to have crumbly edges. This may also distort the shape of the nail and at times even cause pain and discomfort as well as a foul smell.
It is believed that half of the nail disorders are caused by nail fungus. A nail fungal infection often develops with continuous exposure of the toes or fingers to a warm and moist environment like the environment inside one’s shoes, public pools, and public showers. A nail fungus infection may occur at the same time as an athlete’s foot. The two conditions are caused by the same fungus.
How did the fungus infect?
Nail fungus usually enters the body through a crack in the nail or a tiny cut in the surrounding skin. The fungi that most commonly cause the infection belongs to the group known as dermatophytes. A nail fungal infection may also be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection.
A person who has diabetes, a weakened immune system, blood circulation disorder, and other similar conditions are more vulnerable to a nail fungal infection. It is also more prevalent among those who share personal items like nail clippers and towels and those who perspire a lot.
What is the best nail fungal treatment?
A nail fungus treatment may include a wide range of treatment options that can be customized to your particular condition. Options usually include the following: topical nail medication, oral antifungal medication, nail debridement or removing the infected part of the nail, and complete nail removal for resistant infections. Other forms of treatment like laser therapy may also help with nail fungal infections.
There are certain preventive measures you could follow to avoid nail fungus infections. These include wearing dry and clean socks all the time, keeping the nails trimmed properly, and wearing appropriate footwear when walking in damp public places.
2All about the alkanet
Alkanet is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the borage family. There are several species of this perennial plant. Its flowers are usually bright blue and yellow, depending on its particular species. The alkanet that has the Latin name Alkanna tinctura comes with blue flowers while the species with the Latin name Alkanna Orientalis possesses yellow flowers. The plant’s body may sometimes be upright and at times leaning while its stem and leaves are hairy.
The flowers of the alkanet bloom during May and June. Its fruits are like nuts, but the fruits are gray and their surfaces are blistered. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region. In the Turkish region, it is usually found in southern and eastern Anatolia. Alkanet likes sandy soil.
This plant has been used since ancient times for dyeing purposes and as a natural food coloring agent apart from its being beneficial to human health.
The alkanet is called by many names which include anchusa, dyer’s bugloss, common alkanet, bugloss, hoary puccoon, orchanet, and common alkanet.
