Fungus Nail Natural Treatment

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal nail infection of the fingernails and toenails. - These fungal infections usually cause discoloration, thickening and often softening of the nails. - Nail fungus or fungal fingernails is a difficult condition to treat and may often cause permanent damage to the fingernails and possibly nail loss.

Common causes of NAIL FUNGUS:
Nail fungus infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi (tinea unguium), yeasts such as Candida albicans, and non-dermatophyte molds. - Factors that may increase the development of nail fungus include humidity, heat, trauma, diabetes mellitus, and underlying tinea pedis (athletes foot).

Symptoms of NAIL FUNGUS:
It is estimated that around 30 million people in the United States have onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are more common in toenails, but they also occur in fingernails. They are more likely in adults and often follow a fungal foot infection, like athlete's foot.

When the nail is infected with fungi, it becomes yellowish, dry and brittle. The nail also becomes thicker, as layers of fungi grow and bloom. The nail may even separate from the skin, slightly rising off the toe.

Locker rooms, public pools and gym showers can all be sources of fungal infections. Fungi love these hot, damp environments. Nail salons can also be a source of fungal infection. If the foot tub is not properly cleaned after a pedicure, fungi can live there, infecting the next person that puts their feet in tub.
Perhaps the best way to prevent a fungal toenail infection is not to go barefoot at public pools or locker rooms. When you go to the nail salon, be sure the equipment is properly cleaned.

Is Nail Fungus Contagious?
Yes, it can be. The organisms can sometimes spread from one person to another because these critters can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms or it can be passed around on a nail file or emery board. So, don't share them. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.

Because of the strong resistance of our barriers against fungus entering the nails, once they get inside, they are difficult to eliminate. There are treatments which can be either topical, surgical, or by medications, to fight the fungal infection.

Prevention:
Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes.
Toenails should be clipped straight across.
Wear shoes that fit and are made of breathable materials.
Avoid wearing tight hosiery, which harbours moisture.
Clean dry feet resist disease.
Washing the feet with soap and water prevents infection.
Wear shower shoes when possible in public areas.
Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.
Disinfect instruments used to cut and trim nails.
Always disinfect home pedicure tools.
Don't apply Nail Polish to nails suspected of infection.

Nail polish and plastic or acrylic nails can trap moisture and fungi. Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist.

The toenails are 6 times more likely to be infected than fingernails. Fungi often cause the area around the base (and the sides) of the nail to become red and irritated. At first, the edges or base of the nail is affected. As it spreads, the nail and nail bed show changes.

There is often mild discomfort, itchiness, or even pain around the cuticles (flesh surrounding the nails). Bleeding or detachment of the cuticles may occur. The nail can become discolored-yellow-green, dark yellow-brown, and sometimes white spots are seen. The nails thicken and develop abnormal grooves, lines, and tiny punched out holes.

Treating The Nail Fungus Naturally:
Although they may not hurt, it is best to treat fungal infections early. Untreated fungal infections can become very painful, making it difficult to walk and uncomfortable to wear shoes.

Article Source: http://physicalfitnessarticles.net

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