Nail Fungus and Fungal Infections

Nail fungus infections are one of the most common types of fungal infections, affecting almost 30 million Americans. Although most people tend to put fungal and bacterial infections into the same category, fungi are actually much more like plants than bacteria, covering a huge range of very different looking varieties. Many people – probably you included – frequently eat and enjoy fungi! Simply think of the mushroom toppings on your pizza, or that tasty grilled Porcini mushroom that you had with dinner. Yep, all these delicious mushrooms represent different types of fungi. But although most of the time fungi are harmless, they can sometimes result in a infection that can be frustratingly hard to eliminate.

If you have a strong and healthy immune system, you can usually fight and control fungal infections without much difficulty. However, diabetics and people with compromised immune systems may have a much harder time in combating fungal infections on a long term basis. In actual fact, most fungal infections are quite slow in developing. It may take several months or even years before the symptoms of for example, become serious enough to be brought to medical attention and to receive treatment. Unfortunately, this often extremely slow onset of the fungal infection is matched by the treatment, which also can take an excruciatingly long time to do its work.

Common forms of skin and nail fungal infections include athlete's foot, ring worm, white spot, and nail fungus. As mentioned above, skin and infections can be difficult to treat. The usual approach is to manage them by applying topical (i.e. you rub them on the affected area) antifungal agents. But with all fungal infections, prevention is better than cure. OK, easily said, but what can you do to avoid a fungal infection? It's not so simple to do, because fungi are busy breeding all around us. All is not lost, however. By taking a few simple precautions you can prevent a fungal infection from finding you.

In order to prevent or the like, it is important to understand what causes it. Keeping your nails clean and healthy



is the best way to prevent micro organisms from being trapped underneath the skin. To protect a fungal infection from developing around your feet and on your toenails, avoid walking around barefoot. Being barefoot in the wrong place is a great way to pick up malevolent fungi! Where possible, you should especially avoid walking barefoot in wet public areas like public swimming pools, boardwalks, bathrooms, or other areas which lots of people use and where fungi can thrive.

If you're especially vulnerable, even wearing sandals can leave your feet open to fungal exposure. On the other hand, don't get paranoid about nail fungus. If you are one of those at a greater risk for developing a fungal infection around your toenails, strive to wear clean cotton socks and shoes that breathe. Keep your feet dry, so avoid nylon socks and materials as these produce wetness more easily. If your feet are prone to sweating, you might think about wearing open-toed shoes or sandals in spite of the risk, or at least make sure to take your shoes off and "air your feet" at regular intervals.

The simplest and probably most effective thing you can do to prevent the onset of and reduce recurrent infections is to keep the skin around your nails clean and dry at all times. Practice good hand and foot hygiene: keeping the nails dry after hand-washing, showers and swimming will help to prevent gaining a toehold (sorry!). If you have to get your hands wet for an extended period of time, such as when you are washing the dishes, wear gloves to protect your nails. Avoid borrowing towels and use anti-bacterial soap when washing your hands as an extra line of defense against fungal infections. Remember, is an infection that's treatable, but it's far better not to get it in the first place.

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