Stubborn and smelly, nail fungus is an unwanted problem that has a tendency to turn your digits a nasty shade of yellow, leaving them cracked and brittle. Although this infection may be irritating, it is rarely detrimental to your health. The only problem? The pesky fungi are not so easy to get rid of.
Nail fungus infections, otherwise known as dermatophytes, are a common issue that can creeps from the dead tissue of the nails to the skin. These types of fungi multiply quickly, but can thankfully be treated with prescribed medications. Dermatophytes are particularly prevalent and therefore are the most common source of nail fungus infections.
Damp safe havens like showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools play home to fungi such as yeasts and molds that can potentially cause nail infection.
Damaged nails can cause the spread of nail fungus and can even be passed on from one person to another. Therefore, if you notice any infection of the nails, it is important to ensure that they don’t carry on to other nails and people.
Weakening of the immune system, due to diabetes, HIV, or the like, is a much greater risk for nail fungus. Therefore, if you have any of these conditions—or something similar—be extra vigilant about keeping your nails safe.
If you suscribe to unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes, or are afflicted by medical conditions that limit the flow of blood to your nails, such as Raynaud’s disease, you could be considered more vulnerable to acquiring nail fungus. Poor circulation is the critical factor here.
Getting rid of nail fungus can prove to be a challenging task; for it can expand rapidly and completely wiping it out can be quite hard. Moreover, the treatment that is required for this is often costly too.
Numerous antifungal medications are available without a prescription to battle toe-fungus. These remedies, easily accessible in any drug or grocery store, are designed to eradicate the troublesome microorganisms.
To address nail fungus, you could consider utilizing DIY solutions. Such as dipping your nails in a vinegar bath or coating them with a layer of tea tree oil. Both of which have proven to be useful home remedies for the issue.
If everyday efforts don’t do the trick, you may need to consider seeking medical assistance. A physician can prescribe antifungal medications of greater potency than the remedies available to purchase without a prescription.
Your nails require extra care if you have contracted the nail fungus; that is why you should keep them clean and dry. Likewise, it is advised to not borrow or share nail clippers or other personal items with someone who has this fungal infection.