Good overall health entails making sure that each organ and body part is healthy. This includes even your nails. However, no matter how thorough a one’s hygiene care routine may be, they may still end up having fungal nail infections. Why is this so?
This type of nail infection is not caused by bad hygiene habits and it can be treated and prevented. This is good news for people who have fungal infections on their nails. Don’t worry too much about the infection and go straight to what you can do about it.
Nail Fungus: What Is It? What Causes It?
Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection that gets under the nails. Fungal nail infections usually infect toe nails but very rarely can infect fingernails, too. There are different types of fungus that may cause this type of infection. Once the fungus is able to infiltrate the nail, it will be difficult to wash the fungus off with simple soap and water because the nail itself (ironically) protects the fungus and keeps it in place.
The warm, moist pocket inside socks and shoes creates the perfect environment for the nail fungus to thrive. Also, foot injuries and wearing shoes that are too tight increase the possibility of nail fungus to grow.
Who Can Get Fungal Nail Infections?
In truth, anybody can develop fungal nail infections. However, some people may have a higher risk to develop these infections than others. People who regularly have pedicures done, people who frequent public pools and individuals who have had Athlete’s Foot before are some groups who have an increased risk of coming down with a fungal infection in their nails.
If you fear that you fall under one of these categories, it pays to be able to recognize the symptoms of a fungal nail infection. If your nails are thicker, flakier and uncharacteristically painful, you may have a fungal infection.
Are Fungal Nail Infections Contagious?
No, these fungal infections very rarely transfer to other people. However, others may get the infection if they go into public pools with others who have fungal nail infections.
Treatment Options
There are two treatment options that may be used to treat fungal infections on the nails. Nail experts and dermatologists will recommend either of these two treatment options.
1 - Topical Creams
Topical creams and ointments can be applied directly on the affected nail. The antifungal agents in the cream will seep into the nail bed and get rid of the infection.
2 - Antifungal Medications
Your doctor may also prescribe antifungal medications that come in the form of tablets. Your doctor will advise you on how many tablets you should take within a given time period to successfully treat your fungal infection.
Prevention
However, keep in mind that an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure. To prevent yourself from getting a fungal infection in your nails, there are a few prevention methods you can try. Use clean socks, make sure that your salon uses sterilised equipment when you get a pedicure or manicure and keep your feet clean and dry. You may also ask your dermatologist or nail expert for advice as to other effective prevention methods.
Conclusion
Aided with the information about fungal nail infections, it is possible to prevent yourself from getting fungal infections. If you end up having this type of infection, you can rest easy knowing that there is a cure for your fungal infection. If all else fails, seeing a specialist will help you know what you can do to get rid of the infection and permanently prevent it from recurring.
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