A Look at What Causes Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also called paranoychia or onychomycosis is a problem over 35 million people in the United States face each year. Symptoms include brittleness, crumbling, thickening, shape distortion, change in color caused by debris building up behind the nail, a dullness to the nail, some separation from the nail bed, pain and for some there is even an unpleasant odor. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for toenail fungus, even those treatments that are effective will take time, it can be up to a year before you have a completely healthy nail once more. Therefore a good idea is to know what causes toenail fungus so that you can try and do what you can to prevent it.
What causes toenail fungus
The name of the fungus most commonly responsible for toenail fungus is from a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are tiny microscopic organisms that thrive in dark, warm and damp environments. They can enter the body in tiny cuts in the skin and through tiny places in the toenail where there may be separation. In the right environment the fungus can then spread and grow. These fungi feed on the keratin that make up the nail surface.
Because toenails are in such a great breeding environment toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. Also blood circulation is less to the toes and so the immune system does not always becomes aware of the threat till it has a hold. There are several common causes of toenail fungus, they include;
- From damp areas like public pools, showers, gyms and so on
- Trauma or injury to the toenail can leave it more open to a fungal infections
- Wearing shoes that keep your feet damp and warm all the time
- Not drying properly after washing
- Sharing foot wear
- A weakened immune system
- Poor hygiene
- Being unlucky enough to be more prone to fungal infections
Who is more at risk?
- Older adults
- Men more than women
- There is a genetic propensity
- Those who sweat a lot on their feet
- Diabetics
- People with psoriasis
- People who use public area like pools, gyms and showers frequently
- Those with weakened immune systems
Prevention
Prevention involves knowing what causes toenail fungus and basically avoiding them! They include;
- Eating a healthy diet to keep the immune system strong
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Avoid shoes that are made of synthetic materials
- Wear cotton or wool socks
- When in public areas wear water-proof sandals
- When using nail salons make sure they sanitize their equipment
- Keep nails short, but not too short, just a little longer than the toe itself
- Avoid artificial nails
- Wash your hands after touching the infected nails
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5years back I had this nail fungus infection on my toe nails. 2 of nails got spoiled & till now the are like that only. I tried many treatments but there is no relief.
Thank to this post i found the proper cure for my fungus and now i got rid of yellow nail and i got beautiful toe nail. i can use sandals and i’m proud with my toe nails.