What is nail fungus?
If you
notice any change in your nails such as color, shape, and texture, then you can
confirm that it is obviously a sign of nail fungal infection. Nail fungal infection is a common condition,
known as onychomycosis. This is caused
by the fungus dermatophyte. Nails with
fungal infection show characteristic changes like cracking, crusty and
thickened nails. In this condition, the fungus
tents inside the nails and overpopulates within a brief period of time, and
shows a variety of skin changes that are visible. It causes severe pain when left unattended. This may occur at any age, but it is most
common in adults. Nail fungal infection
is contagious and may spread from one nail to other. This fungal infection does not only affect
the toenails but can also contract infection to the finger nails too.
Some of
the characteristic changes are,
Color – The nail color usually changes from white to
yellow and brown. Sometimes, very severe
infection turns your nails black.
Texture – The infected
nails becomes so thickened and crusty that it often cracks and breaks.
Shape – The shape
of the nails is almost changed when compared to the normal nails. Change in shape of the nails is mainly due to
the change in texture.
Factors and Causes of Fungal Infection
The
most common causes of fungal nail infection are
·
Poor hygiene
·
Dirt
·
Ill-fitting Footwear
·
Humid area
·
Walking bare feet in damp area
·
Sharing pedicure tools.
There
are also some health conditions which contribute to fungal nail infections.
Diabetes – Diabetic
patients may likely contract fungal infection when compared to non-diabetic
patients. People with diabetes may face
serious foot problems such as foot ulcers and other infections.
Thyroid Diseases –
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause brittle nails or splitting. This in turn may pave way to nail fungal
infections.
Preventive Tips of Nail Fungus
There
are certain measures which can be taken to prevent nail fungal infections for
sure.
1.Maintain Foot Hygiene - Maintaining
proper hygiene of the foot is of utmost importance. Clean your foot with water twice a day.
2.Dirt-Free Foot – Feet attracts more
dirt if left unattended. Keep your foot
clean and dirt-free. Wash your feet with
mild soap.
3.Avoid
Ill-Fitting Footwear – Ill-fitting
footwear is always an annoying part of outfit. If footwear
is not comfortable, it will give way to odor and infection. The sole of the footwear should be clean and dry
from sweat. Moreover, circulation of air
is very important. The footwear which you
wear should be breathable because the fungus tends to grow faster in sweaty and
stuffy environment.
4.Humid
Area – Humidity and moisture is a favorable condition for the fungus to
grow. You cannot escape the humidity of your environment,
but yes you can maintain proper foot hygiene.
5.Avoid
Walking Barefoot in Damp Area – Damp
areas are usually unpleasant and uncomfortable.
It is always advisable not to walk barefoot in a damp area. If you are walking in public places like
swimming pool, gym, etc. make sure you wash your feet properly before and after
the usage.
6.Stop Sharing Pedicure and Manicure Tools – You can
easily contract infection from this for sure.
If you have come in contact with someone
else who has fungal infection, then there is a high possibility of contracting
the infection. Never ever share your
personal pedicure and manicure tools before disinfecting them.
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