Fungal nail infection is one of the most common dermatological conditions suffered by people around the globe. In the US, it is said that the prevalence of this infection is 18.5 percent while in the UK it is at 26.9 percent. The number of infections is still on the rise. Another name for this nail condition is onychomycosis. This caused half of the nail disorders and one-third of all the skin fungal infections. Toenails are more prevalent than fingernails. This condition affects the elderly more than the young ones.
Causes and Risks
Those who have skin fungal infections like athlete’s foot are at risk since the infection can easily spread to the nails. Fingernail infection may result after a toenail infection due to scratching. Damaged, injured, and broken nails are more susceptible to fungi. Nail biting and wearing artificial nails and nail polish may increase the risk of nail fungal infection too. Those who live in warm and humid climates are more prone to this infection as well as individuals who suffer from psoriasis, diabetes, blood circulation disorders, weakened immune system, and those who have poor health conditions in general.
The most common fungi that cause nail infection belong to the group called dermatophytes. Other causes of the infection include yeasts and molds.
Symptoms
It is easy to know if you have a nail fungal infection. The nail may become discolored, misshapen, change in texture, or all of them. The most common symptoms include these: a nail that looks like it will separate from the nail bed, the nail changes its shape, it becomes brittle and crumbly at the edges, a white, yellow, or brown spot may appear on the nail, and a foul odor may come from the infected nail.
Treatments
Several choices are available for a nail fungus treatment. You may opt for a topical medication that can be applied directly to the nail. When the infection is a bit severe, the doctor may prescribe oral antifungals.
2All about Nigerian Brown Beans
Beans are known for being highly nutritious, and beans have varieties. Some of these are black, brown, red, kidney, and white. It is said that there are 100 varieties of beans, and Nigerian brown beans are just one of these.
Nigerian brown beans are the brown cowpeas that are grown and consumed in most of Africa. This may also be known as white cowpea. These beans are truly nutritious and loaded with the following: protein, carbohydrates, potassium, zinc, sodium, manganese, copper, iron, and copper. Brown beans are crucial to the diet of Nigerians, and they are a good source of protein for them. This particular variety has a low glycemic index of 39.
Brown beans are sought after in Nigeria because of their unique taste of subtle sweetness and multiple flavors, better than the highly popular black-eyed beans. They also tend to become tender and smoother after they are cooked. They are also reputed to have more nutritional benefits than the other varieties. There are two types of Nigerian brown beans: the normal brown beans and the sweet kind known as ewa oloyin in Yoruba. “Ewa loyin” literally means honey beans or beans with honey.
