It is not just the fingers that are susceptible to fingernail fungus, toenails are also at risk from it. Excessive thickening or softening of the nails is the primary symptom, though discoloration of them is also not uncommon. This is more than just a minor problem, and it can in fact be very difficult to manage. You must take steps to remove it from your nails as you could otherwise end up losing them.
The thing with nails is that they make a great barrier against infections; however, once infection (fungus) manages to get through, it the same protective barrier can make it very difficult for us to treat the problem.
Fingernails fungus is contagious, which is why it is fairly widespread. The organisms that cause the infection spread from one person to the next where the air is moist and where peoples feet are bare (such as in public pools and beaches). Even the simple sharing of a nail file can help spread the infection so as a precaution, do not share nail files.
How do fingernails get infected with fungus in the first place? Literal contact, such as standing with bare feet, or placing an uncovered hand, in an infected area is the main cause of new infections. With the using of contaminated items (shoes, gloves, towels, etc.) being another. If these items are left in damp or sweaty places, and are not regularly cleaned, then the likelihood of fungus growing in them significantly increases.
Another prominent factor is the increasingly popular trend of applying acrylic nails. The unnatural processes that nails undergo as result of this beauty treatment break into their protective barrier and increase the possibility of fungus getting inside. It's also quite possible that an already infected nail, which is showing as yet unnoticeable symptoms, has an acrylic nail placed over it, which then gives it a perfect, moist environment in which to develop.
Don't overly worry though should you find yourself to be infected with nail fungus as it can be effectively treated. On first noticing anything out of the ordinary regarding your nails, go to a pharmacy and ask about standard over the counter treatments - for most people, the use of these is sufficient to rid themself of the infection. However, should they not have the desired result, then you should not hesitate to contact your doctor so that they can recommend a more potent treatment.
However, prevention is still the best treatment. As such, you should always keep your nails well groomed and your feet well ventilated and dry. As much as possible, stay away from artificial nails and be sure that the tools used by your manicurist are well sanitized. You should find out if they do sanitize their tools and if not, then its time to find yourself a new manicurist.
Keep in mind that your nails can say a lot about your current health condition. Healthy nails are often signs of a healthy well being. So do pay attention to them and give your nails the proper care they deserve.
The thing with nails is that they make a great barrier against infections; however, once infection (fungus) manages to get through, it the same protective barrier can make it very difficult for us to treat the problem.
Fingernails fungus is contagious, which is why it is fairly widespread. The organisms that cause the infection spread from one person to the next where the air is moist and where peoples feet are bare (such as in public pools and beaches). Even the simple sharing of a nail file can help spread the infection so as a precaution, do not share nail files.
How do fingernails get infected with fungus in the first place? Literal contact, such as standing with bare feet, or placing an uncovered hand, in an infected area is the main cause of new infections. With the using of contaminated items (shoes, gloves, towels, etc.) being another. If these items are left in damp or sweaty places, and are not regularly cleaned, then the likelihood of fungus growing in them significantly increases.
Another prominent factor is the increasingly popular trend of applying acrylic nails. The unnatural processes that nails undergo as result of this beauty treatment break into their protective barrier and increase the possibility of fungus getting inside. It's also quite possible that an already infected nail, which is showing as yet unnoticeable symptoms, has an acrylic nail placed over it, which then gives it a perfect, moist environment in which to develop.
Don't overly worry though should you find yourself to be infected with nail fungus as it can be effectively treated. On first noticing anything out of the ordinary regarding your nails, go to a pharmacy and ask about standard over the counter treatments - for most people, the use of these is sufficient to rid themself of the infection. However, should they not have the desired result, then you should not hesitate to contact your doctor so that they can recommend a more potent treatment.
However, prevention is still the best treatment. As such, you should always keep your nails well groomed and your feet well ventilated and dry. As much as possible, stay away from artificial nails and be sure that the tools used by your manicurist are well sanitized. You should find out if they do sanitize their tools and if not, then its time to find yourself a new manicurist.
Keep in mind that your nails can say a lot about your current health condition. Healthy nails are often signs of a healthy well being. So do pay attention to them and give your nails the proper care they deserve.
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Learn more about fingernail fungus and the remedies for it : Fingernail Fungus Or Zetaclear Review
