Onych-o-myco…what???

As a nail instructor I teach all kinds of subjects that you wouldn’t imagine would be necessary for a license; Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Infection control, Chemistry basics and Product chemistry to name a few. One very interesting course is nail disorders and diseases. This one is fun. I love the big words. They make me sound as if I know what I’m talking about and of course, I do. This is a great subject. The most terrible, horrible, no good, very bad nail infection is Onychomycosis or nail fungus.

Someone asked me how to get rid of nail fungus. This is my answer:

True fungus or onychomycosis is usually a systemic problem. You need to see your doctor for solutions. There are prescription medications you can take for this problem. Usually topical applications won’t touch it although I’ve heard that Vicks Vapo Rub is a great cure. It takes time but I’ve heard it works.

Unless you are talking about the green “jungle rot” which is really a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas aeruginosa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudomonas_aeruginosa. It starts out a little yellow turning to green, brown and then black. The worst part of this infection is that it is ugly. It grows under the damaged nail or between the artificial enhancement and natural nail plate but can grow off if the artificial nail is removed exposing the natural nail to the air, keeping it clean and dry. It is very happy growing on a nail with fungus. Seeing your Dr. is a great idea to help with this infection as well.

NO nail service may be performed over the “greenies”, fungus or any other nail infection or inflamed condition.

P.S. If your nail technician can’t give you the definition and description of Onychomycosis, RUN.

Linda Clemmons