Leading Causes Of Toenail Fungus Infections

 

Both your fingernails and toenails can be affected by toenail infection. Toenail fungus thrives in the damp environment beneath the nails. Since the fungus loves to feast on keratin, it feeds on the surface on the nail that is made of keratin. A severe infection of the fungus causes discoloration, disfigurement and even loss of the nail. The big toe finger and the little toe finger face the highest risk of toenail fungus infection. 

So What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Before starting to treat a case of toenail fungus, it is important to know what causes toenail fungus. Most people pick up the toenail fungus from damp areas like public swimming pools, gymnasiums or shower cubicles. The tight-fitting footwear worn by people like athletes and weight lifters also causes a fungal infection. Other toenail fungus causes include improper drying of the feet after a bath or exercise. 

The health of an individual also plays an important role in affecting his chances of contracting a fungal infection. People with an abnormal skin pH level or weakened immunity are at increased risk of toenail fungus. For instance, diabetics are more prone to an attack of the fungus since they have a weak immune system. In addition, poor hygiene of the foot may also lead to an infection. Once the fungus infection has set in, it can spread to other toes and from one person to another.

Toenail Fungus – Common Symptoms And Effective Treatment

The most common symptom of toenail fungus is discoloration that causes the nail to turn yellow, brown or purple. Toenail fungus symptom also appears in the form of streaks or spots along the sides of the nail. Other symptoms include swelling and thickening of the nail with crumbling edges. In severe cases, the entire nail may be lost due to the infection.

Treatment for toenail fungus begins with proper care of the foot. After a swimming or bathing session, remember to scrub your feet well and dry them thoroughly. While drying the feet, make sure you scrub vigorously to remove dead skin and enhance circulation. It is also important to trim the toenails and clean them on a daily basis. Proper personal hygiene also contributes to toenail fungal care. Thus it is best to avoid sharing towels, washcloths or other personal items if you have a fungal infection or know someone with an infection. 

Toenail fungus can also be eliminated by switching from synthetic socks to cotton socks. Since synthetic socks do not allow passage of moisture, they can offer a favorable environment for the fungus. Similarly, it is best to go for comfortable shoes made of natural materials. Shoes with air-holes are also great for moisture and air exchange. For people with an existing problem of fungal infection, it is best to sprinkle anti-bacterial powder into their socks and shoes. Sometimes, wearing nail-polish causes the fungal infection to worsen. You can easily overcome this problem by removing the nail polish until the infection clears off.

 

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