Fungal nails can be an embarrassing disease. Thankfully, it is easily preventable.
As can be derived from the word, a fungus is a type of microorganism that forms in warm, most climates. A fungal nails often develops as a result of walking barefoot on gym locker floors or wearing tight shoes that cause your feet to sweat and remain damp. To avoid contracting fungal nails, simply refrain from walking barefoot in communal locations and wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
Treat the unsightly condition. Fungal nail won’t go away on its own; you need to tackle it head on and deal with this embarrassing and painful condition once and for all!
How Do I Know if I Have Fungal Nail?
Fungal nail has a number of distinguishing characteristics. It can be identified by toenails that have suddenly become abnormally thick and yellow in color. Sometimes the nail is brittle or has rough, jagged edges and may curled either upward or downward.
However, not every toenail that has become thick and yellow is a fungal infection. It could be a different type of ailment. Vice versa, you don’t want to assume that the problem is simply something minor and ignore it, because you may then putting yourself in jeopardy of welcoming an advanced and deep infection.
If left untreated, the entire nail can become brittle, yellow and distorted. It will also thicken so much that just the edge of the toenail resting against your shoe can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Fungal nail commonly appears in four different forms.
- The nail begins to DETACH FROM THE SIDES and starts to change color, usually white or yellow.
- A layer of WHITE MATERIAL APPEARS ON THE NAIL and continues to be present in days later, even when you scrub the material off.
- A YELLOW DISCOLORATION AT THE CUTICLE, appearing as if your nail is turning yellow from the root up.
- CANDIDA YEAST ATTACKS THE NAIL and the entire plate becomes yellow or green. It also can become swollen and quite painful.
What’s Causing It?
If you want to be able to wear sandals again without reservation and you dream of showing off a beautiful pedicure, but such seems so far down the road because of your nail problems, don’t be discouraged. There is treatment.
The fungus that is wreaking havoc on your nails may be caused by any one of the following factors:
- Socks that keep your feet feeling sweaty
- Tight, crowded footwear that makes your toes warm and moist
- Communal showers
- Walking barefoot in locker rooms
- Problems with excessive sweating
Fungal nail can also be a common problem for people that suffer with diabetes or have circulation problems. Since the cause of the problem is so diverse, it is helpful to sit down with a professional to discuss and pinpoint the root cause.
Foot Fungus Facts and Faux Pas
Fungal infections are certainly nothing to play games with. Leaving a fungal infection untreated is a mistake that could end up costing you hundreds of dollars, as the infection will only worsen and invade more of the nail or surrounding skin.
Some people, however, try to treat the problem themselves by purchasing over–the-counter topical ointments, thinking that doing so might make it go away. Topical medications, by themselves however, never eliminate the root of the problem, and only keep you coming back for tube after tube of ointment. You’re just throwing your money out the window!
Fungi, known as dermatophytes, which are in the mold and yeast family, attach themselves onto the nail due to the number of causes that we just reviewed, and do not let go without a fight. Therefore, the best thing you can do for yourself in winning this fight is is making an appointment at the first sign of attack, and allow him to effectively put a stop to this painful and embarrassing ailment before it spreads to the entire nail and begins to infect the surrounding skin as well!
Win the Fight Against Fungus
If you think you may have developed a fungal nail, come visit the Footcare Place here in Toronto.