What Causes Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus can make you want to hide your toenails and fingernails. The thick, discolored nails causes you to be ashamed of your feet or hands and makes you desperate for a treatment that will work. Nail fungus is a common problem for both men and women, but it does not mean that you have to live with it. By understanding what causes nail fungus, you can help to prevent it and understand more about how you should treat it. What causes nail fungus?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection that can be transmitted from one person to another or from toe to toe. This means that if you come into contact with someone else who has the fungal infection, you can get it and begin to see the symptoms, including the thickening of the nail and the nails changing color.

Damp areas tend to lead to nail fungus as well. This includes the gym, the spa, the
poolhouse, and more. The warmth and wetness of areas like this are the perfect breeding ground for a fungal infection and since your feet are what touches the wet area the most, this is why toes and the nails of the toes are most affected. By drying your feet well, you can help to cut down on the chance of getting nail fungus.

Athlete's Foot

Ahtlete's Foot is a condition that is also caused by a fungus but unlike toenail fungus, it only affects the skin of the foot. This condition causes the skin on your feet to itch, flake and appear scaly. Athlete's foot is normally transmitted by walking barefoot in damp areas such as locker rooms and shower stalls. The condition can be treated by antifungal over-the-counter medication in the form of creams, sprays, powders or gels.

Treatment of Toenail Fungus

One of the most recommended home remedies for treating toenail fungus is to soak your feet in a weak solution of water and vinegar. Another idea is to apply Vick's Vapor Rub to the affected toenail. After you take a bath or shower, make sure that you dry your toes completely. Use a hairdryer if necessary. By keeping your feet dry, you will prevent the fungus from thriving.

Complications from Toenail Fungus

If you have a weakened immune system or suffer from diabetes, you need to get medical attention as soon as possible. What begins as a toenail fungal infection could lead to other more serious infections. In the case of diabetes sufferers, they already have poor circulation of blood to the feet and this can increase the risk of developing nail fungus. If not treated, the fungal infection can turn into skin and bone infections. When you have severe toenail fungal infections, you may also have trouble walking or wearing shoes.

How to Prevent Toenail Fungus

If you have to wear covered shoes during the summer months, make sure you change your socks every day. Bring a change of socks with you to work and change to a dry pair of socks halfway through the day. If you can wear sandals, that would be a better option as it gives your feet room to breath and can prevent them from sweating. Do not allow your feet to remain damp. If you eliminate the conditions favorable for the fungus to grow, you will prevent the infection from starting in the first place. You can also use powder on your feet before you put on your socks. After taking a shower, make sure you dry your toes completely.