Preventing And Curing Fingernail Fungus

By Mark Walters

It is not just the fingers that are susceptible to fingernail fungus, toenails are also at risk from it. Excessive thickening or softening of the nails is the primary symptom, though discoloration of them is also not uncommon. This is more than just a minor problem, and it can in fact be very difficult to manage. You must take steps to remove it from your nails as you could otherwise end up losing them.

Our nails are great at keeping infections at bay - not surprising really when you consider that acting as a protective barrier is the reason that we have them at all. The problem is that should an infection (fungus) manage to penetrate them, then the same protective nature of the nails makes it difficult for us to penetrate them also in order to treat the problem.

Fingernails fungus is contagious, which is why it is fairly widespread. The organisms that are responsible for the infection can easily spread from one person to another as a result of close contact. Note that no actual physical contact is necessary, as the organisms can even pass through the air should be it particularly moist.

And in what ways is fingernail fungus normally passed from one person to the next? Literal contact, such as standing with bare feet, or placing an uncovered hand, in an infected area is the main cause of new infections. With the using of contaminated items (shoes, gloves, towels, etc.) being another. If these items are left in damp or sweaty places, and are not regularly cleaned, then the likelihood of fungus growing in them significantly increases.

Another prominent factor is the increasingly popular trend of applying acrylic nails. This typically involves various thickening, altering, lengthening of the persons natural nails, and increases the possibility of an acrylic nail fungus infection occurring between these layers. Also, some nail professionals also make the mistake of applying the acrylic nail over the natural nail that, unknown to them, is already harboring spores of the fungus.

Can nail fungus be treated? Yes it can.. If you have the infection already then you can try over the counter or alternative treatments. If those don't work then you should seek more potent medications which your health provider would prescribe for you.

You can save yourself a lot of time and effort though by focusing on prevention rather than cure. The best thing that you can do is to make sure that your nails are always well groomed, ventilated and dry. Not borrowing personal items from others, particularly shoes, towels, and nail care instruments is also an important precaution to take.

Keep in mind that your nails can say a lot about your current health condition. Look after them, and give them the same care and attention that you give to the other parts of your body. - 30540

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here