by Wong Darren
Nail fungus, also called Onychomycosis or Tinea Unguium scientifically, are those irritating tiny organisms that lives under our toe and fingernails. It belongs to the dermatophyte family, which also causes athlete´s foot, jock itch, psoriasis, and ringworm. These organisms consume the keratin substance of the nails making it deformed. Sometimes, this infection gets confused with psoriasis of the nails or nail ridges as they normally share the same appearance.
People with leukemia or diabetes are more prone to nail fungus because of the weakened immune system and problems in blood circulation. Adults are also among the most likely individuals to acquire the disease due to aging.
It isn´t all about age and illness, though. The nails serve as a very efficient armor to these fungi, which make the infection hardly treatable especially on the foot. These can be acquired through contagion or improper care of the nails. Where there is lesser oxygen supply, the nail fungus survives as they are anaerobic. Public swimming pools, workout centers and toilets are just some of their breeding grounds.
As nail fungi loves to grow in moist areas, the feet become the common victim especially when they are frequently enclosed in shoes and socks. Some other common causes are the application of nail polish and/or artificial nails and misuse of nail instruments.
The reddening of the toe nails and mild irritation are among the early signs of the developing fungi. The affected areas become sore and itchy. A white or yellowish spot can be found under the nails at some point. As it spreads, bleeding starts with unsightly discoloration accompanied occasionally with white discharges. While the nails gradually thicken and form crack lines, the cuticles also detaches. Besides these, one has to endure the sting that goes with it.
On the other hand, treating nail fungal infection isn´t too much toil. There are handy remedies available over the counter. Oral or topical creams like Lamisil, Tinactin, Penlac and Dermisil prove to work slowly but surely. For a cheaper option, you may try applying Vicks VapoRub on the infected areas. Testimonials say that it performs effectively as well as the more sophisticated brands.
While it is safer to follow the doctor´s prescription, some still prefer home remedies such as soaking the contaminated part in vinegar for 15-20 minutes twice daily until the infection disappears. It will take for a new nail to grow three months or more.
Otherwise, stick to professional advice. Your podiatrist can help you eliminate the fungus faster. However, the infection may recur so you are not absolutely fungi-free for life. Prevention is still better than cure. By keeping the nails clean cut and sanitized, you can drive these fungi off your way. Frequent washing is one way to de-stress those pretty hands and feet. Dry it well and sprinkle moderate amount of foot powder afterwards. If the use of nail polish or artificial nails is necessary, make sure to clean the area before and after removal. Also it is better to sterilize any instruments that you or your favorite salon will be using. Following these simple instructions is the ultimate key in preventing this annoying infection.
Have you tried the Lanni Ultimate Moisturiser?
Article Source: http://www.losangeleschronicle.com/articles/57874
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Say Goodbye to Nail Fungus
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Itchy, Scaly Psoriasis
Author: Rachel Broune
A chronic disease of the skin consisting of itchy, dry, red patches, usually affecting the scalp or arms and legs. A common chronic skin disease, more common in whites (2% of the population) than in other racial groups, in which red flaky lesions occuroften on the elbows and knees, or in the scalp. May cause nail abnormalities. A chronic skin disease that occurs when cells in the outer layer of the skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. This results in scaling and inflammation. An estimated 10 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop an associated arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.
More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with psoriasis, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. An estimated 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis.
Causes of Psoriasis
The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. When psoriasis develops, patches of skin thicken, redden, and become covered with silvery scales; these patches are also known as plaques.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) - is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis.
Flexural psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in skin folds, particularly around the genitals (between the thigh and groin), the armpits, under an overweight stomach (pannus), and under the breasts (inframammary fold).
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by numerous small oval spots. These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and scalp.
Pustular psoriasis appears as raised bumps that are filled with non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding pustules is red and tender.
Nail psoriasis produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails.
Treatment of Psoriasis
There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Because of this, dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to finding the most appropriate treatment for their patient. It has long been recognized that daily, short, non-burning exposure to sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis. Climatotherapy involves the notion that some diseases can be successfully treated by living in a particular climate. Several psoriasis clinics are located throughout the world based on this idea.
According to supporters of Ayurvedic medicine, managing disease and restoring health involve assessing the whole person to understand the nature of the imbalance. For psoriasis, a specific treatment regimen might involve topical application of certain oils, such as sesame or mustard; fasting and other dietary guidelines; elimination of stress; and regular physical exercise.
Naturopathic practice excludes major surgery and the use of most synthetic drugs. Naturopathic treatments can complement those used by conventionally trained doctors. How a naturopathic doctor treats psoriasis varies from practitioner to practitioner.
Herbal remedies are increasingly popular and mainstream. Many people dealing with chronic diseases such as psoriasis turn to these alternatives when Western medicine stops working.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/the-itchy-scaly-psoriasis-351219.html
