A Nail Fungus Infection Overview.
What is it?
An fungal infection of your nails is known in the medical world
as Onychomycosis. You will recognize this as a layperson as a
yellow crumbly infection under your nail, that may cause your
nail to disfigure and become discolored. The tell-tale starting
sign is a small discolored spot under your nail, which if left
untreated, will spread to the rest of your nail. This type of
infection accounts for 50% of all nail infections, and is often
caused by a continued exposure to a moist warm environment
around the nail.
How is an infection contracted?
Nail fungus infections are caused by small organisms getting
under your nail, maybe through a small cut or if the nail has
been damaged by an injury. The organisms are often a mould or
yeast that will be able to thrive in a dark environment; you
will probably recognize this process in the cultivation of
mushrooms, which are grown in a dark and moist environment.
Nail fungus infections are more common in the toenails. This is
simply due to the fact is that your toenails spend the majority
of the time in socks and shoes, though they can also occur in
your fingernails too.
How is an infection treated?
A fungal infection can be treated in a number of ways. A doctor
may prescribe you an oral medication. Other alternatives
available to your medical practitioner are a medicated cream or
solution which is applied directly on to the infection. Nail
fungus can also be treated with the application of a specialist
medicated nail varnish. To find out more about these treatments
you must consult with a qualified medical specialist. There are
also various herbal / alternative treatments available,
including (but not limited to) vinegar.
How can I prevent a nail fungus infection?
The best way to prevent a nail fungus infection is to have a
good hygiene routine for your fingernails and toenails. When you
trim your nails make sure they are clean first, and cut the nail
straight across. Keep good practice with keeping your hands and
feet clean, if you are prone to toe nail fungus you can look at
obtaining specialist socks that aren't made from cotton, which
can tend to retain moisture. Additionally if you play a lot of
sport and find your feet sweating heavily in your trainers, make
sure you wash and clean your feet afterwards, if you still have
problems you may wish to look at investing in a different pair
of trainers which may allow your feet to 'breath' more.