The Major Causes That Bring About Nasty Nail Fungus

Women love to groom their nails and polish them with different colors. In fact, nail polish has become part of a woman's wardrobe and fashion statement. If you want to look Gothic, simply color your nails with black, maroon or other super dark colors. For people who want to look neat and clean, using a polish that is clear or nude is the best. Nail color and grooming has truly been an important part of our lives nowadays.

However, nails are not spared from infections and diseases. One condition that is easy to spread and quite common, regardless of gender, is nail fungus. You will know that you have this nail infection if the tips of your nails start to turn yellowish or black. The discoloration will continue all throughout your nails if you do not treat the fungal infection immediately. Since this condition is caused by fungus, it is also easy to spread to other nails.

Majority of nail fungus cases actually occur on the toenail, particularly if the feet are always wet and damp. However, people who seem to get their hands wet may also see nail fungal infection spreading to their fingernails.

The best way to prevent nail fungus is to know what causes this problem. Here are the most common factors that cause fungal infection in nails:

Wet Or Damp Environment

Almost all types of fungi love damp and wet places. The fungi that cause nail infection, called dermatophytes, like to live in areas that are always wet, such as swimming pools and shower rooms. If you use a public swimming pool or shower room, you should be very careful because there might be dermatophytes lurking in these areas. Once a fungus embeds itself in tiny spaces between your nail bed and nail, there is a big possibility that it will make a fungi colony on the affected space.

Another environment that makes nail fungus flourish is sweaty and damp socks. Thus, if you have sweaty feet, you better change your socks regularly and use powders or creams that will help minimize the sweating. Furthermore, use shoes that promote proper ventilation, such as open shoes or meshes or breathable leather.

Contamination

As with other types of fungal infections, nail fungus is very easy to spread. If left untreated, all of the nails in your hands or feet will get infected in no time. People who have athlete's foot are also prone to having nail fungus. Using nail-cleaning equipment that is contaminated with fungus can also spread this infection.

To prevent nail fungus, first you need to bring your own nail cleaning tools whenever you are having your nails cleaned. It may also be wise not to share towels, shoes and other personal effects, even with your friends or family. This is not only hygienic, but will also avert the spread of fungal infections.

Trauma

When you hit your nail with a hammer or stub your foot on a table, your nail experiences trauma. More often than not, such trauma can cause your nail to separate with your nail bed. The bigger the area of separation is, the more space for the dermatophytes to penetrate your skin. What you need to do, when this happens is to protect your nail immediately.

Underlying Conditions

Some people are more prone to suffering from nail fungus and other fungal infections than others. Those who are suffering from diseases like HIV, blood circulation problems, or diabetes have weak immune system so they can easily be infected by anything.

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