What Is Nail Fungus?
Nail Fungus or Fungal Nail is the most common infection of the nails. It is a common condition that is followed by a yellow or a white spot that appears at the tip of fingernails or toenails. Nail Fungus usually affects the toenails as compared to fingernails because toes are more confined to your shoes. Nail Fungus mostly thrives in the warm and moist environment.
If this condition gets worse, then you are more likely to get crumbled, discolored or thickened nails at the edge. Moreover, if you come in contact with someone who is suffering with a fungal nail infection, probably the fungus can be transmitted to you.
Be cautious while going for manicure and pedicure at a nail salon. You should ask them to inform you about the hygiene of the salon and how the staff disinfects their tools.
What Are The Causes Of Nail Fungus?
There are a number of causes of nail fungus and every cause has its own treatment. Despite the fact that most nail fungus infections are preventable, there are some risk factors that increase the possibility of developing it. Following are some of the causes of Nail Fungus;
- Different types of fungi or fungal organisms cause Nail Fungus. Dermatophytes is the most common type of fungi that causes nail fungus.
- Nail Fungus does not occur to a specific age group but it can develop at any age. However, nail fungus is more common in older people. This happens because the nails at this age become dry and brittle. The cracks can allow the fungi to enter the nails easily.
- People with weak immune system and reduced blood circulation have a chance to get infected by nail fungus.
- People with diabetes are also at higher risk of being affected by nail fungus.
- People with nail injuries can also get affected by this infection.
- Artificial nail lovers are also more likely to develop nail fungus.
What Are The Signs Of Nail Fungus?
Fungal infection can affect either all your nails or only one nail. Below are some of the symptoms of Nail Fungus;
- An odor coming from the fungus nail
- Crumbled, brittle or ragged nails
- Discoloration of nails; yellow or white
- Dark colored nails
- Deformed nails
- Thickened nails
What Are The Best Nail Fungus Treatments?
Here are some simple and easy treatments techniques for preventing fungal nail infections. Slight change in your lifestyle can help to cure your infected nail. Proper hygienic care of nails is necessary to get and effective treatment.
Following are some homeremedies to prevent a nail fungus infection;
- Reduce the use of artificial nails and nail paints
- Wear the socks which lessen the moisture
- Avoid barefoot walk
- Use clean and sanitized tool for manicure and pedicure
- Always dry your feet after a shower
- Immediately wash your hands after touching the infected nail
Below are some of the medications that will turn out to be the best treatment techniques;
- Use oral antifungal sprays regularly
- Using medicated nail paint can be one of the best treatment method
- Use medicated nail ointments
- Another treatment method can be the permanent removal of nail if the situation gets severe
