If you have a black fingernail, you may be wondering whether it is caused by a fungal infection under the nail. This may well be the case, however, other things can cause a nail to turn black, so it's important to consider other possibilities and perhaps consult your doctor before jumping to conclusions.
Fungal infection of fingernails and toenails is called onychomycosis. Only a few species of fungus are capable of invading human hair and nails - they often gain access through a break in the skin or under the nail at the tip of the finger or toe. Because they derive their nutrients from the protein found in human nails and dead skin cells, these fungi do not invade healthy tissue. Instead, they invade the matrix of the nail itself and grow there, causing a black fingernail or toenail.
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Onychomycosis is quite common: more than ten percent of the North American population will experience a fungal nail infection at some time in their lives: it is probably the most common cause of nail abnormalities in the general population, however, there are other causes. A blow to the affected nail is the most obvious alternative. When a nail or the root of a nail is struck so that blood vessels are broken and a bruise forms under the nail, a black area develops that takes a very long time to clear up. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, the whole nail or only part of the nail will be affected. Nails grow very slowly and bruises are similarly slow to disappear even after soreness subsides - a black nail that persists long after the initial injury is no cause for alarm. It will grow out in time.
Nail injuries are, however, the route of entry for other organism that can either live in and under the nail without causing a problem or set up an infection in exposed tissue. Some species of bacteria are known to colonize spaces in nail beds without causing infection. Some of these bacteria produce color changes, though shades of green are more typical than black. The bacterial colonies can persist for long periods of time without causing noticeable inflammation. Various species of yeast can set up severe and progressive infections of the nail bed and tissues around the nail, however these infections usually do not cause a black fingernail, and are generally severe enough that the need for medical attention is obvious. Yeast infections are, in fact, another form of onychomycosis.
If you have not suffered a nail injury and your black fingernail is slowly progressing and causing the nail to become thick, deformed, and crumbly, you may have true onychomycosis. Typically, infected nails are white, yellow, brown or black, and variations on these shades may be present. The infection often starts on a toenail and progresses to other toes and fingers, and is very resistant to treatment. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, make an appointment with your physician for a proper diagnosis.
Black Friday Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors 2011 Deals
Nov 25, 2011 19:23:30
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Black Friday Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors Feature
- 3.6-volt cordless power scissors
- Ergonomically-shaped handle
- Provides up to 70 minutes of continuous power
- Includes universal cutting blade and charger
- 2-year warranty
Black Friday Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors Overview
BLACK and DECKER POWER SCISSORS *3.6V *Cordless power *Use on fabric, cardboard, paper tarps, canvas, vinyl window screening and more *Ergonomic design - scissor blade in-line with material, soft comfort grip *Includes: 3.6V scissors, universal cutting blade and chargerBlack Friday Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors Specifications
These scissors offer way more cutting power than just about anyone can muster with muscle alone, and best of all, it’s effortless. You can’t help but love a product that makes life so much easier, especially for folks who suffer from arthritis.You can cut nearly anything with these, from delicate pattern paper to sheet vinyl flooring and window screening, with just the press of a button. Our favorite job for these, though, is to easily slice into that impossible-to-open, hard plastic packaging that seems to be on most everything these days. It’s no match for these scissors.
When power scissors first came out, there wasn’t too much concern about ergonomics, but we know so much more these days about how important that is. Black & Decker’s made this power tool a treat for the body to use, with a nice cushy grip, super light weight and no force needed.
One charge will keep you cutting for 70 minutes, and then you just plug it in and charge it again. There’s no end to what you can use these power scissors for – gift wrapping, sewing, scrapbooking, decorating, jobs around the house, crafts, clipping coupons. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste
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