Find out what you can do to treat nail fungus and help keep it away for good.
What is fungus?
A fungal infection called thrush occurs when microorganisms (microscopic parasitic fungi) begin to multiply, most often on the feet and, more rarely, on the hands. Fungus that primarily affects the skin is called fungal dermatitis, more commonly known as athlete's foot. When it spreads to the nails, it is called nail fungus, or onychomycosis, and it is an infection that affects one in ten people.
An unsightly and painful infection
Even though people with nail fungus often are embarrassed by the appearance of their nails, physical discomfort and pain can add to the inconvenience. That is why it’s important to quickly consult a doctor or podiatrist if you think you have nail fungus. Not only will a healthcare professional be able to confirm the presence of a fungus (the change in the appearance of your nails could be due to another infection), but he or she can also recommend the appropriate treatment.
Various treatments
Some cases can be treated by applying creams, others by taking an oral medication; still other cases require laser treatment. For laser treatments, the number of sessions required varies according to the severity of the fungal infection. In all cases, it is important to act as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to the root of the nail and permanently damaging the cells.
What causes nail fungus?
Some factors encourage the development of fungi. Try to avoid exposing your nails to the following conditions, at least on a constant basis:
- dampness
- heat
- darkness
What to do if you suffer from nail fungus
Until you can get in to see a doctor or podiatrist, following a few recommendations will help you limit the spread of infection on the body and reduce the risk of contamination. Because, yes, fungal nail infections are very contagious!
- Wash your feet every day.
- Dry your feet properly, especially between the toes, with a towel immediately after showering.
- Make sure your feet are always dry; change socks if they get wet or damp.
- Wear wool or acrylic socks instead of cotton.
- Disinfect nail clippers and nail files and don’t share them with anyone.
- Wear appropriate footwear—ones that don’t lift the tips of the toenails and thereby open the door to fungus.
- Don’t go barefoot in public places.
Say goodbye to nail fungus
By taking nail fungus seriously and consulting a healthcare professional without delay, you’ll finally be able to bare your toes without embarrassment!
