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Toenail Fungus
Can toenail fungus go into the bone?
(11 Jun 2008)
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Home Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis, commonly known as toenail fungus is quite a common condition that afflicts the nail, disfiguring and destroying it. This is a fungal infection that is brought on by one or more of the many fungi that thrive in moist warm environments, particularly as in your shoes. The big and small toes are the most commonly affected.
As their growth progresses, the fungi attack and thrive on keratin, the protein that forms the hard surface. People who habitually or regularly wear layers of nail polish or tight fitting shoes are more prone to developing this condition. It can also be passed on from one person to another through close contact in public places like showers and locker rooms. Certain diseases like HIV and diabetes also increase the risk.
While toenail fungus is generally not a very worrying disorder and can be treated easily, failure to treat the condition or delaying the treatment can cause problems. In most instances the condition does not spread, except to other toes, but in severe cases and when unattended it can spread to and affect the bone. An immunocompromised patient afflicted with the condition has an increased vulnerability to further infections. Further and spreading infection can affect skin, the skin structure itself and the bone. In the rarest of cases when not addressed and treated appropriately, the condition can result in the loss of a limb or even death, caused by further complications.
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answered by G M on 11 Jun 2008, 6:41:52
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