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Nail fungus affects millions of people in the United States, and a fungal nail infection can happen to anyone. Older adults, especially those age 60 and older are more likely to get them, however, and children rarely get nail fungal infections. This is because nails begin to thicken with age, and growth slows, leaving the nail more vulnerable to fungal infections. Those with diabetes or circulatory problems are more prone to these infections, as are people with poor immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients and those with HIV/AIDS. These people must take special care to keep their nails healthy and free of infection, as a small fungal infection can lead to serious complications for those with these medical conditions. Other people commonly affected by nail fungus include those who:
Regardless of who it affects, nail fungus is a serious matter to those dealing with it in their daily lives. It can cause pain and embarrassment, and can limit daily tasks such as writing, typing, walking, sports, or other physical activities. Many sufferers are so embarrassed they often withdraw from social activities. What Causes Nail Fungus? Several factors can contribute to a nail fungus infection. The fungus that causes nail infections is spread in places like locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, and any other moist places where it can grow and be tracked by bare feet. This fungus gets into your skin through tiny cuts or a separation between the nail and the nail bed. Nail polish and acrylic nails can often create the perfect condition for nail fungus to grow by trapping moisture and fungi under the nail. Socks and shoes that do not allow the feet to breathe can also lead to fungal infections, as they provide dark, warm, moist environments. Fungal infections occur when nails are kept warm and moist. Situations that can lead to these conditions include heavy perspiration, tight socks or shoes, and bare feet in locker rooms, saunas, and around swimming pools Nail fungal infections are also often spread in nail salons. Fungi can be spread if scissors, nail files, nail clippers, razors, emery boards and other contaminated tools are not cleaned properly between uses. Make sure your salon properly sterilizes all of their instruments after each use. Better yet, bring your own tools for the safest outcome. Toenails are more likely to be infected by a nail fungus almost seven times as often as fingernails. However, professional dishwashers, house cleaners, or other workers whose hands stay wet for long periods of time are at a higher risk of getting fingernail infections. Signs and Symptoms of Nail Fungus There are several signs and symptoms of a nail fungus infection. Nails that have been infected are often discolored, have a flat or dull finish, become brittle, crumbly, and break easily. Infected nails may also become thick and pain may develop in the fingers or toes. The first thing most people notice when they develop a fungal nail infection is a small #016EBB or yellow spot on the nail that begins to spread. If the infection spreads under the nail to the nail bed, the nail becomes discolored and thick. It may look deformed. The nail will often come apart from the nail bed in this situation. There may be a foul odor of dead tissue. In severe cases, the skin surrounding the infected nail will become swollen, red, and extremely painful. If only the nail is infected, and not the skin surrounding or underneath, then the nail will look brittle and crumbly and may turn #016EBB or #016EBB-speckled. These infections can cause a lot of pain and may result in permanent damage to the nails. Those with diabetes or a poor immune system face a serious health risk when it comes to nail fungal infections. A small fungal infection can lead to serious complications for these people. Nail Fungus Prevention There are ways to prevent nail fungus infections, and the best way is to keep your nails healthy. One of the most important factors is nail hygiene. Nails should be kept clean, dry, and should be trimmed straight across. Avoid nail biting and digging at ingrown toenails, both of which can increase your chances of infection. Reconsider your footwear. Stay away from synthetic materials and shoes that do not allow your feet to breathe. Wear absorbent, cotton socks. Before putting on shoes and socks, be sure to dry your feet completely and dust your shoes with an antifungal powder. Change socks often if you notice they are wet. Wear open-toed shoes whenever you can, or slip off your shoes every now and then to air them out and get rid of any excess moisture. Whenever you are in warm, damp environments such as locker rooms, community showers, or saunas, be sure to wear waterproof sandals to protect your feet from infection. Do not wear the same gym shoes two days in a row. They need at least one day in between to dry out completely—try to alternate between at least two pairs if you go to the gym daily. Acrylic nails should be avoided, as they can damage your nails, and the chemicals and glue can be harmful to your health. Nail polish removers and nail hardeners can also damage the nails. Nail polishes can trap moisture underneath the nail, making it easier for fungi to grow. A balanced diet can also improve the health of your nails. Make sure to get enough protein to keep your nails stronger and healthier as they grow. Nail Fungus Treatment Options Our nails provide a protective layer to keep infection and other irritants from getting to the skin underneath. Unfortunately, when infection does manage to break through, the protective layer keeps it from getting back out. This, paired with the fact that fungi grow very slowly, can make fungal infections very difficult to treat. In fact, 20 percent of those who suffer a fungal nail infection will have a recurrence, even if they treated the original infection. There are several treatment options including:
Whichever treatment option you chose, it is important to practice the following behaviors until it the infection is completely cleared up: If you get a fungal infection you should be sure to keep your nails short and to file down areas where the nail is thicker than usual. Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms, shower stalls, or saunas. It is important to keep infected nails separate from uninfected nails as a fungal infection can be contagious and is easily spread from nail to nail. You should never use the same tools on an infected nail and a healthy nail. Take your own tools to the nail salon to avoid infecting others. Avoid shoes that crowd your toes and cause the nails to touch. If you touch a healthy nail to an infected nail, be sure to wash it immediately.
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