White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO) is a fungus which grows on the surface of the nail plate, turning the nail plate opaque and milky white in color. Some forms of the WSO infection may well result in opaque whitish-yellowish and at times brown patches on the nail plate.
1 to 2 % of the population suffers from WSO, with 4% of the Italian population 65 years or older are afflicted with it.
Mold WSO generally starts with the infection of a single toenail and is far more prevalent in adults who walk barefoot outside.
The Relationship between WSO and HIV
30% of patients with HIV also have been diagnosed with Onychomycosis. WSO is found in the fingernails and the toenails in most affected patients. Often times HIV patients with WSO cannot be treated with topical treatments.
Symptoms
WSO, also known as ringworm of the nails is caused by a species of trichophyton and microsporon. It begins by infecting the edges of the nails. The infection has generally been present for years unbeknownst to the patient.
Patients suffering from WSO will usually have opaque, brittle or deformed nails with debris underneath the nail edges, but without pain or itching, which can be associated with other kinds of nail fungus.
A diagnosis can be made with a easy go to to the doctor. A sample is taken from the infected region, which is sent off to the lab to be tested. If testing proves positive, a treatment regimen will be recommended by your healthcare provider.
WSO is at times caused by a metabolic upset, run-down condition or emotional anxiety, which might trigger dystrophy of the nails. This particular fungus grows inside the tough surface of the nail and can not be penetrated with topical agents.
Treatment Options
The outlook may possibly seem grim if topical treatments do not do the trick even so, there are medications such as Griseofulvin which can be taken orally for six to nine weeks. An additional somewhat odd treatment is to file the affected area with broken glass regularly. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can use a standard nail file instead.
Even though they tend to not be as efficient, a topical cream may well be applied in conjunction with other treatment choices. The patient can also correct internal, physical, metabolic and emotional internal factors which may well be contributing to WSO.
Treatment need to be persistent and usually times the nail treatment will be accompanied by treatment of the groin area as well. Treatment may possibly be difficult, but persistence can ultimately win out in the end.
Other drugs utilized to treat WSO include Terbinafine, Itraconazole and Fluconazole. There are some moderate to serious side effects associated with some of these medications and the suggested dosage need to be monitored by a healthcare professional.
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