The appearance of a nail fungal infection depends on the type of fungus that causes it. There are various types of fungi. And the most common fungi that cause the infection belong to the group known as dermatophytes. These are found on the skin, hair, and nails. The nail infection may appear as spots or white chalky streaks on the nail. When the infection is more advanced, it may appear brown or yellow with thick and chalky debris underneath the nail. The nails become crumbly when they are cut.
How do you acquire this?
Fungal infections develop easily in dark, moist, and warm environments. The nail structure may also be weakened by blunt trauma to the toe or its nail, which makes it more vulnerable to fungal infection.
Among healthy people, fungal infections are often brought about by a fungus that spreads because the toes or fingers are constantly exposed to a moist environment. This includes the environment inside wet socks and shoes and the surroundings of public swimming pools and changing rooms.
Individuals who are elderly and have underlying conditions are of higher risk. Such conditions include the following: diabetes, cancer, and psoriasis. Immunosuppressant medications like methotrexate and steroids may have an increased risk of fungal infection.
How long is the treatment of a nail fungal infection?
The result of the treatment will be seen once the nail becomes fully grown from the base to the tip. This takes 12 to 18 months in adults and 6 to 12 months in children.
There are various types of antifungal medications. A range of oral nail fungus treatment options is available for the nails. Often the podiatrist will advise on the most appropriate medication to use for nail fungal infection.
Topical creams, ointments, and solutions are also available for treating nail fungal infections.
Laser therapy is a new form of nail fungal treatment. Heat is generated underneath the nail plate to eliminate the fungus.
2All about the Vitex or Chasteberry
Vitex is the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family, which includes 250 species around the world. The most common vitex used medicinally is the Vitex agnus-castus. This fruit is known as monk’s pepper or chaste berry. This comes in the same size as a peppercorn. This is produced by the chaste tree, which got its name because the fruit was likely used during the Middle Ages to decrease men’s libido. The fruit along with other parts of the plant is often used as a herbal treatment to cure a variety of ailments. Vitex agnus-castus is used for treating menopause symptoms, infertility issues, PMS, and conditions that affect the woman’s reproductive system. It has been used for this purpose since the time of ancient Greece. In Turkish traditional medicine, it is also used as an antifungal, digestive, and anti-anxiety medication.
Vitex’s mechanism of action is not known, but this may influence several hormones such as the following: progesterone, prolactin, and estrogen. Vitex is thought to reduce the release of prolactin through the activation of dopamine receptors. Prolactin is the hormone secreted in the pituitary gland which is instrumental in breast development and lactation.
As Antifungal and Antimicrobial
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, vitex’s alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed antibacterial properties against vaginal isolates of C. albicans, similar to the effects of fluconazole. On the other hand, the Vitex agnus-cactus L. essential oil showed antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains. This is due to the presence of several chemical constituents such as sabinene, linalool, and cineole.
