Tinea unguium nhsmail

A very specific and technical topic!

Tinea unguium is a type of fungal infection that affects the nails, also known as onychomycosis. It is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophyte, which is a type of fungus that grows on the skin and nails.

Here are some key points about tinea unguium:

Causes:

• Fungal infection caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum
• Weakened immune system
• Poor hygiene
• Sharing personal care items
• Walking barefoot in public areas

Symptoms:

• Discoloration of the nail, such as yellowing, thickening, or brittleness
• Fungal growth under the nail plate
• Crumbling or breaking of the nail
• Pain or discomfort in the nail bed
• Foul odor from the nail

Treatment:

• Topical antifungal creams or ointments
• Oral antifungal medications (such as terbinafine or itraconazole)
• Laser treatment
• Surgical removal of the infected nail

Prevention:

• Keep the feet and hands clean and dry
• Wear shoes and socks that breathe
• Avoid sharing personal care items
• Trim toenails straight across and avoid sharing nail clippers
• Wear gloves when washing dishes or gardening

NHSMail:

I assume you're referring to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, which provides a service called NHSMail for healthcare professionals to access patient information and communicate with each other. If you're a healthcare professional, you can use NHSMail to access information on tinea unguium and other medical conditions.

If you're a patient, you can consult with your doctor or a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of tinea unguium. They can provide you with personalized advice and treatment options.