A nail fungus infection is a very common phenomenon specifically in the spring and summer months. Visible as a yellowish discoloration of the infected nail, fungi based nail infections are found virtually everywhere, especially in the tropical regions.

Nail discoloration, burning, itching and occasional pain in severe cases are some symptoms of this highly contagious problem. Another defining attribute of a fungal nail infection is its recurrence and resistance to treatment despite the use of modern anti-fungal agents and over-the-counter treatments available today.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Fungal nail infections are a result of - a fungus, any of the variety of dermatophytes, candida, and molds. Fungus flourishes in moist and dark conditions, generally found under the nails, especially on the foot. This is because a person's feet are often enclosed in shoes and socks and because feet are often sweaty.

Another consideration is that this type of fungus grows on the floors of locker rooms and changing rooms next to moist public places such as gyms and swimming pools. This usually results in a fungal nail infection on the feet that is very hard to eliminate, and is very communicable.

Signs Of A Nail Fungus

A noticeable odor, change in the color of the nail, and occasional burning/itching/pain are some ways of manifestation of a fungal infection of the nail. After a while, additional symptoms may be exhibited. For example - The nail may become brittle and easily break off. Also, the nail may dry out and start crumbling. Rapid progress of these symptoms can be prevented by applying lotions and creams topically. Yet, reversal of the symptoms is not possible without fully treating the underlying nail fungus.

Treatment Options

Nail fungus treatment is usually very hard since the actual fungus is hard to reach underneath the nail for direct action. Even the modern treatments must have up to a year for removing all of the symptoms of fungal nail infections.

Studies undertaken to determine relatively how effective a treatment is in eliminating nail fungus has brought about the understanding that the modern drugs are either extremely slow acting, or of dubious usefulness. Due to this, the current R & D for prescription drugs and medication is focused on discovering and applying new agents that exhibit anti-fungal properties that may help eliminate nail fungus quickly.

One can use holistic treatment options for fungal nail infection that are said to be very potent at providing a treatment for nail fungus very quickly. Some commonly recommended and talked about home remedies include green tea, grape-seed extract and grape-seed oil. It should be noted that there is very little evidence that definitively showing these to be effective. Meanwhile, there are natural remedies that with correct applications, have been shown to treat nail fungus in under 4 weeks!