Avoid unnecessary therapies against nail fungus
Nail fungus is an infectious disease of toenails or fingernails. The disease is usually caused by filamentous fungi such as Trichophytum rubrum, which destroy the affected nails. Nail fungal infection can affect any component of the nail, including the nail plate, nail matrix and nail bed. Toenails are usually more affected than fingernails because of the warm, moist environment in the shoe. Infected nails often become brittle and turn white or yellow-brown. There may also be thickening of the nail plate due to the fungal infection. In Europe and North America, between 14 and 18% of people suffer from nail fungus. Confirmation by a rapid test helps avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Treatment options include antifungal preparations, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and surgical removal. With appropriate treatment, prognosis is good, but recurrences are not uncommon and often occur within 3 years of completion of therapy.