Bad Side Effects of getting too much manicure

People who wash their hands too much, or those who always have their nails manicured or pedicured in neighborhood parlors should be wary of onychomycosis, a fungal infection that affects the nails.

Dr. Flordeliza Abad- Casintahan, chairman of the Department of Dermatology of Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, explained the symptoms of the fungal infection during an interview on dzMM on Tuesday,

"Nagsisimula siya na namumuti yung kuko, magiging manilaw-nilaw, hanggang sa maging brown, at matigas."

She said the infected nails also tend to be crumbly, especially at the latter stage of the disease.

Casintahan said the fungal infection can spread and worsen if not treated immediately.

"Magsisimula yan sa isang kuko, magiging dalawa, hanggang sa lahat ng kuko mo infected na. Nasa veins, nasa skin yung infection. Kahit putulin mo yung kuko, pagtubo niya, infected pa rin."

According to Casitahan, those who wash their hands too much, or whose work requires frequent handwashing and exposure to dirt are more susceptible to this kind of infection.

"Ang fungi nabubuhay sa moist na environment. Kapag hugas ka ng hugas ng kamay, o kaya palaging basa, pawis, mas prone ka to infection."

She added that the infection usually enters the skin through a gash, a wound or a scratch. It puts at risk those who usually go to parlors to have their nails cleaned.

"Kung infected yung nipper, iyung pusher niya, magiging infected ka. Hindi mo naman alam sinong nauna sa iyo."

Likewise, those who are suffering from diabetes, or those whose immunity is compromised, might get infected.

Casintahan explained that since the nail is harder than the skin, normal topical antifungal agents will not work well against onychomycosis.

She suggested scraping the infected nail before applying topical agents. If the infection is more serious, one must take oral antifungal medicine and use lacquer paint-type ointment for better absorption.

Although these medicines are widely available, Casintahan suggests consulting a doctor once symptoms appear.


From: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/