Black Fingernail

Posted in: Fingernails' problems, General info, diseases by weddingcometrue | March 6th 2010 | no comments

Our body hosts many microscopic organisms. Fungi are one of them, searching for warm and moist places, nails for instance. That's why fingernail fungus appears frequently during the humid months of the year. Germs penetrate the nails through exposed tissues. Nails become dry and brittle, suffering modification in color and separating sometimes from the nail bed. It starts with one nail, but soon the others can get infected to.

Fingernail fungal infections are common. One of the most dangerous, but still uncommon, is black fungus. It quickly affects the nail in the most unattractive way. It attacks the moist area under the nail, and soon covers the entire nail bed. Still, there are many other causes for black fingernail, that you have to take into consideration before jump to conclusions.

If the nail or its root is struck, blood vessels broke and invade the area under the nail, having result a big black spot on your nail bed. If the injury was severe, the entire nail bed may be affected. Nails grow slowly, so it takes pretty long time for it to disappear.

If you are sure you haven't suffered any nail injury in the recent past, and you observe that the blackness on your fingernail gains dimensions, than you should be worried. Infected black fingernail becomes deformed, crumby and thick. The infection starts on one nail, but soon it affects the others too. This is the moment when you should go to see a doctor. Black fungus is the sign of advanced stage of infection. It may have result peeling of the skin around nail and pain in the fingertip. If not treated infection can cause serious damage to the entire nail.

Black fingernail appears often at people who like gardening and come in contact with the soil and decaying vegetation. That is why you have to wear gloves and wash carefully your hands afterwards. If you suffer any minor injury, such as a cut or a scratch, on your finger while gardening, apply as soon as possible first aid, so that germs have no time to enter under the skin.

One can get black fungus by contact with persons infected. Swimming pools, lockers and public baths are places appropriated for germs to spread. Choose carefully the salon where you will have your manicure or pedicure done. The instruments need to be sterilized before each use. If you are not sure that it happens, then bring your own set.

Here are some treatments for the infected fingernails. Although it doesn't kill the fungus, Vicks Vaporub stops its spreading. Hydrogene Peroxide can be also useful. Soak your nails in the solution for 20 minute, twice a day. You will see the results soon, due to the antiseptic ingredients. Tea Tree or Emu Oil are other two good antiseptics. Apply them on your nails with a cotton stick. You can also try to soak your fingers in Apple Cider Vinegar, or if you think that products from drug stores are safer, then buy Lamisil, a medicine with well-known results in fungal infections.