Nail fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails may be considered a superficial infections. This is usually caused by any fungal microbe that infects the nail bed. This fungal nail infection is also called onychomycosis and tinea unguium.
A nail fungus infection results in thickened, disfigured, split, and discolored nails. At first, the infection may only appear as a cosmetic concern. Without any treatment application, toenails tend to become too thick and they may press against the inside of one’s shoes, bringing about pressure, pain, and irritation.
Causes of nail fungal infections
More than one type of fungi may infect toenails. Most toenail fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, which is a type of mold. Dermatophytes are fungal microorganisms, which can be hard to see using the naked eye. These feed off keratin, which is a protein found in both fingernails and toenails. It is the substance that makes the nails hard.
Who is at risk of the infection?
It is possible for anybody to be infected by toenail fungus. Most often it affects adults and people who are over 60 years old. If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at risk of becoming infected with toenail fungus: diabetes, athlete’s foot, poor blood circulation, psoriasis, weakened immune system, hyperhidrosis, and nail injury.
What are its symptoms?
Toenail fungus may change your nail’s look in multiple ways. It may change the nail’s color into yellow, white, green, or brown. It may also appear chalky or cloudy in some areas. The nail may also thicken and possibly appear misshapen. The nail may also separate from the nail bed. Space is left between the nail and the skin underneath it. A crack or break may appear in one or more spots on the nail.
How is the infection treated?
A nail fungal infection can be treated by oral or topical medications. A laser nail fungus treatment is also available. Severe infections can be addressed by nail removal.
1All about Irish Potatoes
The Irish potato is a tuber crop that belongs to the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. This crop is consumed in almost every corner of the world, from Asia, Africa, America, and many more. Irish potato farming in Nigeria is a huge market. Nigeria is also one of the major producers of Irish potatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Irish potatoes are not necessarily Irish or originating from Ireland. The reason behind the name is that in the early 1800s, they were the major food product grown in Ireland. This has been associated with The Great Irish Famine. This is one of the worst agricultural famines that caused 1 million deaths. A lot of Irish people grow Irish potatoes due to their high production that can last throughout winter.
Nutritional Profile
The nutritional profile of a 100 g of Irish potato includes carbohydrates, fat, protein, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, sodium, thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin, vitamins E, B5, B6, and C, dietary fiber, and sugar.
As an Antifungal
A study revealed that the fungitoxicity of potato peel extracts is attributed to an unstable compound that yielded chlorogenic acid, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, methionine, and caffeic acid. A later study disclosed that steroid-glycoalkaloids, solanine, and diaconine are also present. All these compounds contribute to the antifungal properties of the potato peel extract.
Other Health Benefits
Here is a reliable list of all the health benefits that can come from Irish potatoes:
Boosts the immune system
Irish potato is loaded with lots of vitamin C, which is known to provide support to the boy’s immune system. Vitamin C allows the body to stay healthy and prevents diseases. Hence, it also drives the virus away and minimizes the likelihood of getting a cold.
Helps with Weight Loss
Irish potatoes have a high amount of dietary fiber. This is why it boosts the body’s metabolic rate. This allows the body to avoid fat accumulation by converting fat into energy. Eating Irish potatoes allows you to feel full for a long time. This can reduce one’s appetite, which is helpful for weight loss.
Lowers blood pressure levels
Irish potatoes can reduce the body’s blood pressure levels. This is because of the essential vitamins found in it that may regulate tension, anxiety, and stress. Its fiber content lowers the cholesterol level. It also promotes the body’s insulin production. As a result, the body’s blood pressure level is reduced.
Prevents rheumatism
Routine consumption of Irish potatoes may help prevent rheumatism. This makes it healthy to include Irish potatoes as part of their daily meal. The anti-inflammatory properties of this crop may help to reduce such illnesses.
Helps with brain functions
High carbohydrate content in Irish potatoes has several advantages. This includes the maintenance of good glucose levels in the blood. This is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Potassium encourages the widening of blood vessels. This ensures that your brain receives enough blood.
Ensures healthy skin
It is a known fact that vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous are all instrumental in keeping the skin healthy. All these nutrients are found in Irish potatoes, making this crop helpful to skin health. This aids skin regeneration. Its antioxidant properties also protect the skin from wrinkles.
Helps treat kidney stones
Kidney stones are formed because of increased uric acid levels in the blood. And because Irish potatoes contain magnesium, this can inhibit the buildup of calcium deposition. This helps treat kidney stone formation.
Maintains a healthy nervous system
Vitamin B6 is an essential component of the body’s nervous system. This helps keep motoric of the nerve. Due to the high vitamin B6 content of Irish potatoes, they are good for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. This vitamin B also helps come up with brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This makes sure that blood circulation goes right, allowing the nervous system to work well too.
Helps with gut health
Irish potatoes help keep the gums healthy. It’s the vitamin C that ensures this. This protects the gums from wounds or bleeding.
Helps with heart health
The Irish potato contains vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6 together with its lack of cholesterol makes it a good healthy heart support.
