Fungal infections can affect the fingernails as well as the toenails, but toenail fungus is more difficult to treat because toenails grow more slowly. It occurs most often on the big or small toe, but might occur on any toe.
Toenails are more likely to be affected by fungus since it is attracted to a dark and damp environment which is more common on the foot than on the hand. In more severe conditions, affected nails can have a yellowish or brownish discoloration. They may thicken or become brittle over time, and may even shed. Sometimes the nails have crumbling edges. It can be unsightly, disfiguring, embarrassing, and at times, painful.
CAUSES
* Toenail fungus can be picked up in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools, and can be passed among family members.
* Athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery that cause trauma to the toes or keep the feet from drying out are at higher risk.
Other factors that causes toe nail fungus are :-
* The abnormal pH level of the skin,
* Poor hygiene of the foot,
* Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungus because their immune system is compromised.
Some of the common symptoms of toenail fungus includes: -
* Swelling of nails.
* Yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail.
* Toenail color can vary from brown or yellow to white with toenail fungus.
* Streaks or spots down the side of the nail.
* Even complete loss of the nail.
HOME REMEDIES FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS
* Wash your feet regularly, and dry them thoroughly when they get wet.
* Wearing nail polish on the toes is not advised because it can seal in fungus and allow it to grow.
* Tea Tree Oil is a product of a species of tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) that grows in Australia. This oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. By spreading it on the infected toenail, especially over the new growing part, near the cuticle, the fungus can be eliminated in a few months.
* Keep toenails trimmed, and be sure to disinfect any pedicure tools before using them.
If you do develop toenail fungus, see your foot doctor. The doctor might remove as much of the nail as possible by trimming, filing or dissolving it. Medicated nail polish might be prescribed for a localized infection, but a serious infection will likely be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication.
PREVENTION
* Toenail and athlete's foot fungi like to grow in warm, moist areas, which include public areas such as spas, swimming pools, locker rooms, or showers.
* If you can wear sandals, water shoes, or swimming booties they would help in keeping your feet from touching the floor directly.
* Some public swimming pool areas have small wade-through pools, which help to keep the toenail and athlete's foot fungi in check. After your session at the pool or other public area, wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.
* Pure 100% cotton, wool, or silk socks are the best to wear because they absorb moisture from your feet and provide good ventilation
* Washing and thoroughly drying your feet really helps. Because toenail fungi likes warm, damp environments, if you keep your feet dry, the fungus will find it hard to survive. When drying your feet, use a towel vigorously to remove dead skin and improve circulation.
* Prevention is the best treatment for toenail fungus.
