By R. Drysdale
Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails are very common - nail fungus prevention and treatment depends on an understanding of what, exactly, is going on. A fungal toenail infection occurs when fungal elements, usually spores, get in under the nail, into the tender tissue of the nailbed, and start to grow there. Sandwiched between the toenail and the toe, the fungus feeds on the toenail itself: toenails are not live tissue, but they contain a protein called keratin, which fungi are able to break down to obtain nutrients. Fingernails, hair, and animal hooves and horn also contain keratin, and these substances are also susceptible to fungal invasion.
Nail fungus prevention begins with being careful not to put out a welcome sign for the fungus. A healthy body with a strong immune system will fight off most fungi that show up. Clean, well trimmed nails, and fingers and toes that are free of breaks in the skin are important too. Look after any injuries, even small nicks and scratches, particularly if they are close to the nails. More severe injuries involving nails or their roots may require more intensive first aid and daily care to prevent fungal spores from gaining entrance and setting up an infection. As well, fungal toenail infections are more common than fungal fingernail infections, so the feet will benefit from more attention.
Feet probably suffer from fungal attack more often than hands because feet don't get as much fresh air, and they don't get washed as often. The key to nail fungus prevention here is to keep the feet cool, dry and clean. Fungus spores will start to grow when conditions are damp and warm. They linger in dirty socks and shoes, in soil, damp ground, and dirty public shower stalls. While it's not necessary to avoid these places altogether, it's important to remember that you should always dry your feet thoroughly, change your socks regularly, and again, attend to even minor injuries carefully. Antifungal powders applied to the insides of shoes can also help prevent fungal toenail infection.
If nail fungus prevention fails, and you see signs that a nail is infected, don't wait for it to get worse before you tackle it. In these very early stages, a home remedy for fungal toenail and fingernail infection, or a homeopathic remedy may work just as well as an expensive prescription drug. Fungi grow very slowly, so you have time to work on it before it gets too advanced. First, consult your doctor to be sure it is a fungal infection, and then, whichever treatment you choose, commit yourself to tending to the treatment daily, possibly for months, until the infection is gone.
R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Nail Fungus Prevention, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.
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