Nail Candidiasis - Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment

Candida is a naturally occurring fungus that everyone has on their body. Under certain conditions, some types of Candida grow too fast and cause an infection to develop. This infection is known as Candidiasis which specifically affects the skin and nails. The most common species is Candida albicans that can cause infection in the nails, skin, and mucous membranes throughout the body.

It thrives in a warm and humid environment and a weak immune system or other conditions allow the infection to develop.

According to Ayurveda, nails are the byproduct of asthi dhatu (bones). If the bones are healthy, nails are healthy too. Asthi dhatu is primarily made from medo-dhatu (adipose tissue) and later asthi dhatu form majja – dhatu (nervous tissue).

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA successfully treats this condition and provides very safe and effective treatment for nail candidiasis. The asthi-majja-meda are connected with the digestive system as per Ayurvedic principles along with rakta (blood) and Pitta dosha.

What are the Causes of Nail Candidiasis?

Fungal infection is caused due to internal as well as external factors. Internal factors include such as chronic intestinal issues along with indigestion, diabetes, etc. The external factors include lack of hygiene, use of chemicals, injury, etc.

Ayurvedic Reference of Nail Candidiasis

Symptoms of Nail Candidiasis

Brittle and easily breakable or splitting nails
White, brown, or yellow discoloration
Nail lifting up and becoming detached
Thinning nails with a dry and powdery surface
Debris collecting under the nail
Thicker and more discolored nails

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA assures fast relief from chronic fungal nail candidiasis through Ayurvedic treatment. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® provides the best evidence-based Ayurvedic treatment that includes internal medications, external procedures along with complete guidance about diet and lifestyle.”

Reach IAFA and know what real Ayurvedic treatment is!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet Management in Nail Candidiasis

Do’s (Pathya)

Intake of fresh and warm food is recommended
Drink adequate water
Wash your hands frequently
Maintain personal, social, and environmental hygiene
Change clothes daily
Exposure to mild sunlight daily in the morning and evening is recommended.

Don’ts (Apathya)

Intake of Pitta and Vata dosha aggravating foods such as fried, spicy, and non-vegetarian food should be avoided.
Consumption of tea, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided.
Avoid applying nail paints and chemical-based skincare products.
Avoiding sleeping during day time
Lack of enough sleep

Yoga Therapy in Nail Candidiasis

Various Yoga postures such as:-

Suryanamaskar,
Padmasana,
Vajrasana,
Paschimottanasana is quite effective.

Pranayam such as:-

Anulom Vilom,
Kapalbhati,
Chandrabhedi is effective.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Nail Candidiasis

IAFA provides purificatory and internal therapies for the successful management of Nail Candidiasis.

References

Child Health and Ayurveda, First Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, Angular Stomatitis Chapter No. 31, Page No. 131-134.
Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, Fungal Infection Chapter No. 41, Page No. 250.
Sharma P, editor. Sutrasthana, Chapter 20, verse 11. In: Charak Samhita of Acharya Charak. Vol. I. 8th ed. Varanasi, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2007. p. 139.
Tripathi B. Charak Samhita with Hindi commentary ‘Charak Chandrika’, Chapter 5, citation no. 204. Varanasi, India: Chaukhambha Prakashan. p. 186.
Gupta Atrideva, Astangahrdaya, Chaukhambha Prakashan Varanasi, edition reprint, 2007, Nidana Sthan 14/24, p. 273.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can nail candidiasis spread to other parts of the body?

Answer: If the infection is not treated and proper hygiene is not maintained, then it can spread to other body parts directly or indirectly.

Question: Can a person with nail candidiasis use skin cosmetics like nail paints or skin moisturizers?

Answer: A person with nail candidiasis should avoid applying nail paint or chemical-based skin moisturizers. To keep the skin hydrated, use chemical-free moisturizers.

Question: How does Ayurveda treat nail candidiasis?

Answer: In Ayurveda, the causative factors are ruled out first. After finding out the exact root cause, internal and external treatments are prescribed which are quite useful in treating as well as preventing the recurrence. Ayurveda provides the anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory treatment.

Question: Is the Ayurvedic treatment of nail candidiasis slow?

Answer: Definitely not. The first line of Ayurvedic treatment is to find out the main root cause. If it is clear, then according to the root cause, treatment is provided which is fast.

Question: Why is Ayurvedic treatment slow?

Answer: It is a myth about Ayurvedic treatment that Ayurvedic medicines act very slowly but actually it is not. It is totally dependent on the condition of the patient as well as how the patient follows the Ayurvedic physician’s advice.