Nail Fungus (नाखून फंगस / Onychomycosis) एक common nail infection है जो fungal organisms की वजह से होता है।
- यह toenails (पैर के नाखून) में ज्यादा पाया जाता है, लेकिन fingernails (हाथ के नाखून) में भी हो सकता है।
- Infection धीरे-धीरे बढ़ता है और अगर untreated रहे तो nail deformity और pain पैदा कर सकता है।
- Common in older adults, diabetic patients, and immunocompromised individuals।
Nail Fungus क्या है (What is Nail Fungus)
- Infection caused by dermatophytes, yeasts (Candida), या molds
- Nail becomes thick, discolored, brittle, or crumbly
- Slow progression over months to years
- Can lead to secondary bacterial infection
Nail Fungus कारण (Causes of Nail Fungus)
1. Fungal Infection (Dermatophytes)
- Most common cause
- Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale
2. Yeast Infection (Candida)
- Fingernails, especially in frequent wet hands
3. Mold Infection
- Rare, often in traumatized nails
4. Risk Factors
- Diabetes, immunosuppression, circulatory disorders
- Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes
- Nail trauma or injury
- Swimming pools, gyms, or shared showers
Nail Fungus लक्षण (Symptoms of Nail Fungus)
- Nail thickening (मोटा नाखून)
- Discoloration – yellow, white, brown, or black
- Brittle, crumbly nails
- Nail distortion or separation from nail bed (onycholysis)
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Foul smell in severe infection
Toenails में infection ज्यादा severe और long-lasting होता है।
Nail Fungus कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Nail Fungus)
- Physical Examination – nail appearance and texture
- KOH Test (Potassium Hydroxide) – confirms fungal elements
- Fungal Culture – identifies species
- Nail Biopsy / Histopathology – rare, severe or resistant cases
Accurate diagnosis helps in choosing the right antifungal treatment।
Nail Fungus इलाज (Treatment of Nail Fungus)
1. Topical Antifungals
- Ciclopirox, Efinaconazole, Amorolfine nail lacquer
- Effective in mild or early infections
- Daily application for several months
2. Oral Antifungals
- Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Fluconazole
- Required for severe, thick, or multiple nails
- Liver function monitoring necessary
3. Nail Debridement / Removal
- Trimming thickened nails
- Surgical or chemical removal in resistant cases
4. Home Remedies / Supportive Care
- Keep nails dry and clean
- Tea tree oil or antifungal powders (adjunct therapy)
- Avoid sharing shoes or nail clippers
Treatment duration often 3–12 months, patience required for full nail regrowth।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Maintain good nail hygiene
- Keep feet dry, change socks daily
- Wear breathable footwear
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
- Disinfect nail clippers and grooming tools
- Control diabetes and immune disorders
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Complete the full course of antifungal therapy
- Monitor for liver toxicity during oral antifungal use
- Avoid self-treatment with harsh chemicals
- Seek doctor if infection spreads or worsens
- Pregnant women or children require special guidance
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Nail fungus contagious है?
हाँ, फंगस direct contact या contaminated surfaces से फैल सकता है।
Q2. कितनी जल्दी नाखून स्वस्थ हो जाता है?
Toenails 12–18 months, fingernails 6–9 months में पूरी तरह grow होते हैं।
Q3. क्या home remedies effective हैं?
Mild infection में मदद कर सकते हैं, लेकिन medically approved antifungal therapy जरूरी है।
Q4. क्या nail fungus फिर से हो सकता है?
हाँ, proper hygiene और preventive measures ना अपनाने पर recurrence common है।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Nail Fungus (नाखून फंगस / ओनिकोमाइकोसिस) एक common, लेकिन slowly progressive nail infection है।
Early diagnosis, proper antifungal treatment, nail hygiene और preventive measures से infection cure किया जा सकता है और recurrence कम किया जा सकता है।
अगर नाखून thick, discolored या brittle हो, तो dermatologist या physician से consultation जरूरी है।