Nail Fungus Treatment and Prevention

Fungal infections are a very common condition that can occur on various parts of the body, including fingernails and toenails. Fungal infections develop over time, and they can be accompanied by bacterial infections, which make the initial infection worse. Tinea Unguium, also called onychomycosis, is a common nail infection that can affect the appearance of nails and the skin around them. To prevent the fungal infection from spreading and getting worse, you need to know what a fungus is and how to treat fungal infections in toenails and fingernails.

How and why do fungal infections develop?

Nail fungal infections are caused by Fungi that develop under, in, or in the nail, and they occur in moist, warm environments. When the conditions are right, Fungi can overpopulate and lead to fingernail and toenail infections. Also, Fungi can be transferred between people, so if you came in contact with a person who has a fungal infection or used clothes or other items that they used – you can get the infection.

Nail fungus is also used by using nail tools that have not been properly cleaned and disinfected; so, if you do an at-home manicure or go to a nail salon, make sure all the tools have been thoroughly cleaned or use disposable tools that are thrown after one use.

Nail fungi risk factors

There are people who are more susceptible to fungal infections, so if you are in one of these groups, there is a chance that you will develop a fungal nail infection:

• People who have poor blood circulation or a medical condition that interrupts blood flow
• People who have diabetes
• People who wear artificial nails
• People over the age of 65
• People who sustained nail injuries or injuries on the skin around the nails
• People with a weakened immune system
• People who have toes and fingers in moist conditions for long periods of time
• People who wear mostly closed-toe shoes

While women get more nail treatments and wear artificial nails, men are more susceptible to fungal nail infections.

How does a nail fungal infection look like?

There are several types of nail infections that can affect you, but a fungal nail infection has a distinct look, and you can recognize it with these signs:

• On odor emanating from the nail
• A nail that lifts from the nail bed and looks distorted
• A thickened nail
• A brittle nail

As mentioned, there are several types of infection that can affect your nail health and the appearance of your nails. To make sure that it is indeed a fungal nail infection and treat it properly, you should see a doctor. The doctor will observe the nail and, in some cases, scrape the nail. The sample will be viewed under a microscope to see whether the cause of the infection is a fungus.

How to treat fungal nail infection?

There are several ways to go about treating a fungal nail infection; the first one is over-the-counter products that do not require a prescription. Such products can sometimes fail to deliver results, so you are advised to use your discretion when trying these types of products.

If you prefer the medicinal route, there are several antifungal products that can be prescribed to you by a doctor:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)

Your physician may also prescribe you topical solutions or special nail lacquers that treat nail fungus effectively. Such antifungal treatments are applied directly on the nail, like nail polish, and they are considered to be very effective.

How to prevent nail fungus?

If you have never had a fungal nail infection, then lucky you! It is a condition that can be very difficult to treat and cure. In that case or in case you have had a fungal infection and you want to prevent it from recurring, here is what you should do to prevent fungal nail infection:

• Dry your feet thoroughly after a shower – especially the areas between your toes
• Let your nails be bare from time to time – do not have nail polish on your nails at all times as it can lead to fungal infections.
• Reduce use of artificial nails – artificial nails block your natural nails, and the space between them can fill with moisture that leads to the development of fungus, so give your nails a breather from time to time
• Get a professional manicure – if you like manicures and pedicures, make sure you go to reputable nail salons that use clean tools
• Do not go barefoot in public places – fungus can live on various surfaces for long periods of time, so wear shoes or flip-flops whenever you are in a public place – especially public showers, pools, or saunas
• Use preventative measures – to soak up excess moisture and prevent fungus, you can use moisture-wicking socks, antifungal powders/sprays.

Nail fungus affects nail health, as well as the appearance of nails. If you have fungus on your nails, you should go to a doctor who will prescribe you medication for the condition. You can also prevent nail fungus in several easy ways and make your nails look healthy at all times.