The disease comes in a number of forms which the British Association of Dermatologists have defined into five main categories:

1.) Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis

This refers to infections of the top edge and lateral edges of the nail that can also travel underneath the nail (i.e. a subungual position).  In some instances the infection remains on one side of the nail but tends to be progressive and spread to cover the whole nail over a period of time.  Texture changes, discoloration and thickening of the nail often result.

2.) Superficial White Onychomycosis

This is less common than the previous category and is more superficial in nature.  With this condition the color change is white rather than yellow and the nail surface is commonly flaky.

3) Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis

This is a rare form of nail fungus infection that can affect patients with a suppressed immune system.

4) Candidal Onychomycosis

This relates to the infection of the nail with Candida yeasts (yeast is the spore form of fungus).  This form of the disease is less common and has similar characteristics to Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis.

5) Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis

All forms of nail fungus infections are progressive and can eventually reach a stage where the nail is destroyed.   Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis refers to this condition.

If you suspect a nail fungus infection it is important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.  Despite that fact that around half of all nail disorders are caused by fungus, it is important to receive a definite diagnosis before undergoing a treatment regime.

Body cleanses have been around for years, but recently have been gaining more attention.  Our bodies are overloaded with toxins, and cleaning can help remove the burden of toxicity in our bodies.  Two of the main types of cleanses are colon cleansing and candida cleansing.

Colon cleansing is the cleanse that people most often begin with.  While it is rather gross to discuss, most people have around 10 pounds of old impacted fecal matter in their intestinal track.  In addition to this, many people are carrying around parasites like hook worms and roundworms.  Many people say “Death begins in the colon” and it is easy to understand why when you understand the level of toxicity that exists there. A colon cleanse can help the body rid itself of old fecal mater.  Additionally, it can pave the way for probiotic absorbtion allowning you to repopulate your intestines with the good intestinal flora, L-Acidophilus, B-Bifidus and B. Longum.

A candida cleanse is another popular cleanse that is helpful when your body is overrun by candida yeast.  Yeast overgrowth is thought to cause mood swings, depression, exhaustion and headaches.  It is also thought to contribute to sweet cravings which lead to weight gain.  To do a candida cleanse, you should start with a colon cleanse.  You will then take anti-fungal supplements followed by a probiotic.

While there are other cleanses that can be helpful, doing a colon cleanse followed by a candida cleanse is a good start to riding your body of unwanted toxins and restoring health.