For recommended reading to learn more about Nail Fungus causes and cures including the best home remedies visit: “Nail That Fungus Forever!”
What is Nail Fungus? Fungus or fungi are microscopic organisms that don’t need sunlight to survive and live in warm moist environments, a place our feet find themselves daily. These organisms need only a tiny visible or invisible cut or separation between the nail and nail bed to enter and grow. Onychomycosis is the medical term for what we know as nail fungus. Although it can affect finger and toe nails, it predominately affects the toe nail. Nail fungus affects 25% of adults over the age of 40, but that number increases with such things as age, health, heredity and work environment. How do you get Nail Fungus? Nail fungus can occur because in a number of situations, but the most common are: Going barefoot in damp public places such as the local pool or shower areas at the gyms. Sweaty, perspiring feet in socks that don’t absorb perspiration and/or shoes with little or no ventilation. Already suffering from athlete’s foot or psoriasis. The risk of getting a nail fungus increases in senior citizens, people with diabetes and those with a weakened immune system. So how do you know if you suffer from Nail Fungus? Symptoms you should look for to determine if you might suffer from a nail fungus are: Discoloration of the nail, starting with white or yellow streaks Distortion in the shape of the nail Brittle or ragged edges Thickening of the nail Dull, with no luster or shine Debris trapped under the nail Loosening or lifting of the nail from the nail bed A visit to your doctor will confirm your suspicions. The doctor will likely examine your nail and may scrape some debris from under the nail to have analyzed to be sure that it is a fungus. If left untreated a fungus can cause permanent damage to a nail or even spread to other nails or other parts of the body. What treatment is available for Nail Fungus?
Although there are mixed reports on how long it takes to treat a nail fungus and whether these treatments actually work, there are several types of treatment to consider depending on the severity of the infection. Your doctor may prescribe an oral medication which could take 3 to 4 months to treat the fungus. There are also known side effects with the oral medications so be sure to keep your doctor informed of all past and present medical conditions you have and any problems you may have while taking the medication. Another form of treatment is topical creams and ointments. These take longer, but the only adverse reaction you may have is some minor skin irritation around the infected area. If your doctor feels your case is severe and painful he may suggest surgical removal of the nail. With this procedure it will take about a year for you to re-grow a healthy nail. There is a new treatment available using laser therapy but it is still new and not highly available. Home remedies are another avenue of treatment, but there are no scientific data to back up these remedies, only the word of the people who have tried them. Some of the remedies include using vinegar, vicks vapor rub, mouthwash, tea tree oil and even an olive leaf extract. How to prevent Nail Fungus from occurring or re-occurring? The best 5 steps to prevent nail fungus is to take care of our feet: Keep toenails clean, cut short and filed Never reuse socks and remove them if moisture is present Spray fungicides in shoes After thoroughly drying feet use a foot powder to prevent moisture Always wear some type of footwear in areas where moisture is present
For recommended reading to learn more about Nail Fungus causes and cures including the best home remedies visit: “Nail That Fungus Forever!”