There are various types of nail infections. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The most common of these are nail fungal infections. Infections take place when fungi get through the nail through the small cracks or cuts in the nail and the skin nearby. Fungal nail infection is also called onychomycosis.
Some Key Points
Fungal nail infections are quite common, but they are more prevalent on toenails compared to fingernails. Mild fungal nail infections may be left to heal on their own. Some individuals may be at risk of the complications brought about by nail infections. Some individuals must seek medical advice such as those who suffer from diabetes, connective tissue disease, or peripheral vascular disease. It is difficult to treat nail fungal infections, and recurrence of infection is common as well.
What Causes This?
Most fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that belong to the group called dermatophytes. Yeasts and molds may also cause nail infections. Several factors may also increase the risk of becoming infected with nail fungus. These include the following: sharing personal items like towels and nail clippers, walking barefoot in public pools, changing rooms, and public showers, and having chronic conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, blood circulation disorders, and others.
What Are Its Symptoms?
It may be hard to notice the symptoms of the nail fungal infection at first but the following symptoms may occur as it progresses: change in nail color to green, yellow, blue, purple, or black; nail thickening and distortion; pain and discomfort coming from the nail, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and the nail being crumbly and brittle.
How Is It Treated?
Nail fungal infections are a challenge to treat. The decision to treat depends only on how bothersome it is to you. Treatment may be done by taking oral antifungals which can be 75 percent successful. Such medications must be taken for several months to a year. An alternative nail fungus treatment is the use of medical nail paints which can be less effective.
1All about Temu Kunci or Fingerroot
Fingerroot has so many names. It is also popularly known in English as Chinese key, Chinese ginger, and Chinese keys. It is a low herb that creeps into the soil. This grows well in hot and humid places. Fingerroot is native to China and Southeast Asia. It is also cultivated in Indonesia, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Thai cooks call this herb krachai while Malaysians call it temu kunci.
Fingerroot may be difficult to find outside Asia. It is more likely that you will find temu kunci in pickled, frozen, or dried form in Asian grocery outlets in different areas in the West. This may also be turned into a powder that can be used as an ingredient in Thai-style curry powders.
Nutritional Value
This herb is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, sodium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, prenyl, flavonoids, and essential oils (EOs).
Flavor Profile
The flavor of fingerroot is much like the warm sweetness of ginger combined with the mild bitterness and heat of black pepper. Its flavor resembles that of galangal although it is milder and more earthy. This plant has always been known to be medicinal.
As an Antifungal or Antimicrobial
The methanolic extract of the medicinal plant fingerroot was found positive for having antibacterial activity against two pathogens namely Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. In another study, the fingerroot extract showed inhibitory properties against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of the study also showed that fingerroot extracts had antifungal activity against the following pathogens: A. niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and A. parasiticus. This means that the rhizomatous spice extract from fingerroot may have some antifungal effects against several pathogenic microorganisms, which means that it has the potential to be used as a natural preservative agent.
Other Health Benefits
Apart from being the main ingredient in many Asian dishes, fingerroot is also used as a food condiment. It is used traditionally for treating various ailments such as tonic for childbirth, beauty aid for many girls, and leucorrhea prevention. Its rhizomes are also used for treating inflammatory diseases. Leaves may be used for treating allergies and poisoning. This is also used for treating infections.
Helps Prevent Bacterial Infections
Fingerroot can produce a substance that helps the body and inhibits the activity of several bacteria such as L. S. Aures, B. Cereus, and S. Monocytogenes. It can also prevent diseases from spoilage such as L. Cellobiasus and L. Plantarum. Moreover, fingerroot may also produce an antimicrobial impact against Staphylococcus.
Helps with Gastrointestinal Diseases
Fingerroot has been used in traditional medicine to deal with gastrointestinal issues like stomach ache, colic disorder, flatulence, and diarrhea. This may be combined with other herbs for treating bloating and constipation. It has also been observed to be effective in strengthening one’s stomach. It also helps in preventing the formation of gas in one’s gastrointestinal tracts and it also eliminates gas from the intestines.
Helps in Treating Ulcers
Fingerroot is a medicinal herb used for treating ulcers in the areas of Thailand and Indonesia. The herb’s methanolic extract is packed with antiulcer properties and has pinostrobin, which is known for cytoprotective effects in rats that suffer from ulcers.
Has Aphrodisiac Properties
Fingerroot comes with aphrodisiac properties, and this may be used in boosting libido and sexual desire. This herb also helps treat male sexual dysfunction. It has been used traditionally in Thailand for increasing sperm count and enhancing male libido.
Helps with Dental Care
Fingerroot helps support dental health. It may also be used for treating cavities and tooth decay, mouth irritation, denture stomatitis, oral odor, and other tooth and gum conditions. Fingerroot may also be used for treating bad breath caused by a foul odor that comes from the esophagus, tonsils, nose, and stomach.
Helps Resolve Poor Digestion
Fingerroot is well reputed for being a carminative, which helps with digestion and fights off flatulence. It also treats diarrhea and gets rid of intestinal worms.
Cancer Properties
Fingerroot extracts have been proven effective in inhibiting the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells.
