HOMEOPATHY FOR TINEA UNGUIUM

Tinea unguium is a common type of fungal infection. It is also called onychomycosis. The fungus infects the fingernails and, more commonly, the toenails. It is more common in men, older adults, and people who have diabetes, psoriasis, peripheral vascular disease, or another health problem that weakens the immune system.

Tinea unguium is increasingly prevalent with increased age and spreads from tinea pedis or less often, tinea manuum. It may affect one or more toenails and/or fingernails and most often involves the great toenail or the little toenail. It is often confused with non-infected nail dystrophy due to skin disease, particularly psoriasis, also dermatitis, lichen planus, viral warts, ageing process.

Causes

Tinea unguium is most often due to Trichophyton rubrum and T. interdigitale. It should be distinguished from other causes of onychomycosis:

·       Candida species, which often cause paronychia.

·       Moulds including Scpulariopsis brevicaulis, Fusarium spp,. Alternaria, Acremonium, Scytalidinum dimidiatum and Scytalidinium hyalinum.

It can be present as several different patterns:

·       Lateral onychomycosis. A white opaque streak appears at one side of the nail.

·       Subungual hyperkeratosis. Scaling occurs under the nail.

·       Distal onycholysis. The end of the nail lifts up. The free edge often crumbles.

·       Superficial white onychomycosis. Flaky white patches and pits appear on the top of the nail plate.

·       Proximal onychomycosis. Yellow appear in the half-moon. (lunula).

·       Complete destruction of the nail.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms are:

·       Thickened.

·       Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration.

·       Brittle, crumbly or ragged.

·       Distorted in shape.

·       A dark color, caused by debris building up under the nail.

·       Smelling slightly foul.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

·       Contact dermatitis.

·       Lichen planus.

·       Malignant melanoma.

·       Psoriasis nails.

·       Traumatic onychomycosis.

A nail unit biopsy may be needed to confirm diagnosis.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When TINEA UNGUIUM is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM

Horny or split nails. Nails grow slowly out of shape. Honey growth under the nails. Feet very tender, covered with large horny places.

BUFO RANA

Panaritium, swelling blue black around nail, pain in streaks up arm.

FLUORIC ACID

Nails, distorted, crumble, grow rapidly. Longitudinal ridges are seen on the nails. Felon. As of a splinter under the nail. Soreness between toes. Corn’s sore.

GRAPHITES

Nails, brittle and crumbling. Nails deformed, painful, sore, thick and crippled. Nails, thick, rough ingrown. Cracks and fissures are seen on tip of fingers, Feet cold, wet. Foul excoriating sweat on feet, worse evening. Burning in soles and feet.

SILICEA

White spots on nails. Nails, rough, yellow, crippled, brittle, and having white spots. Corrugated nails.  In growing toe nails. Finger tips, as if suppurating. Finger tips, painful, dry, at night. Felons, deep seated pain. Panaritium. Offensive sweat, hand and axilla. Icy cold and sweaty feet. Offensive sweat on feet.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS

Nail’s brittle, ribbed, soft.  Mis-shaped and crumble easily. Ingrowing toe nail.

GENERAL MEASURES

·       Wash hands and feet regularly. Wash hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize nails after washing.

·       Trim nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. Disinfect nail clippers after each use.

·       Wear sweat- absorbing socks or change socks throughout the day.

·       Choose shoes made of materials that breathe.

·       Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders.

·       Wear footwear in pool areas and locker rooms.

·       Give up nail polish and artificial nails.