Nail Fungus Symptoms

You may have a nail fungal infection — also called onychomycosis  — if one or more of your nails are:

* Thickened
* Brittle, crumbly or ragged
* Distorted in shape
* Dull, with no luster or shine

A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail
Infected nails may also separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. You may even feel pain in your toes or fingertips and detect a slightly foul odor.

Useful Tips to Prevent Nail Fungus

To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:

* Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Thoroughly dry your hands and feet, including between your toes, after bathing.

* Wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wick away moisture may keep your feet dryer than do cotton or wool socks (you can also wear synthetic socks underneath other socks). Change them often, especially if your feet sweat excessively. Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.

Is it Possible to Get Artificial Nail Fungus From Nail Shops?

Artificial nails have come to stay. It is rare to find a woman who doesn’t wear it these days. This naturally follows that they are used in covering their natural toes and to make them more beautiful. However, women have been known to use artificial nails to cover up nail fungus infection hence resulting in a coined word “artificial nail fungus”.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t cure nor solve the problem. Instead, it worsens it. Let me explain. Nail fungus grows in a favorable environment in which there is a lot of moisture and it is dark. Now when you apply artificial nails to the already infected toe nails, it creates an environment that is both dark and has a lot of moisture. Since these fungi grow only in areas that are airless and on feet that are both damp and warm, the artificial nail thus inhibits the easy flow of air around the toenail.

Nail Fungus Infections Overview

Are you thinking you might have an infection of the nails? It is possible. But don’t conclude until you are done reading these series on the general overview of nail fungus infections. In these series, you’ll learn what nail fungus infection is, what causes it, its cure and treatment and preventive measures.

Nail fungus also referred to as Onychomycosis is caused by tiny fungus organisms that can be easily contracted anywhere. If you’ve got it, be rest assured that you are not the only person having this same dilemma as estimates have shown that over two million people in Canada have it while over 10 million people have it in the United States.

Nail Fungus Infections: What is it?

Did you know that your nails –both toe and finger- are susceptible to infections? No I’m not talking about whitlow. I am talking about infections that occur under the nails. Any kind of fungal infection that happens to your nails is usually referred to as Onchomycosis. The symptoms are really simple and easily noticeable. Its appearance is in the form of a crumbly, yellow infection under the nails that causes the toe or fingernail to become both blemished and tarnished. It usually starts as a small, mottled spot found under the nails. This when neglected, will gradually spread to all the other parts of the nail and from there to the other nails on the same feet. This form of infection is about the most rampant –about 50%- form of nail infections that can be found everywhere today. They are often stimulated and survive when there is moisture and warmth around the infected area.

What are Nail Fungus causes. 

An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus.

Nail Fungus Natural Treatment

Fingernails and toenails are the common breed of fungal infections. Though it is common, it is not really as easy to disappear. Everywhere we go, fungi are present, and they can give different effects on our body. Like a nail, for example. When infected, the nails will look thick and dull. Eventually, it will become crumbly and will result to the loss of your nails. Not only does it look very pleasing. It has a bad odor due to the fungus or death of the nail. Plus, it is very unhealthy and unhygienic. Because of the strong resistance of our barriers against fungus entering the nails, once they get inside, they are as difficult to eliminate.