Fingernail fungus is an infection that isn't just limited to the fingers; it is also a common affliction of the toenails. The symptoms are usually thickening or softening of the nails, it might also cause discoloration. Often times, this fingernail fungus can be a very difficult condition to manage and can also cause some serious damage to the persons fingernails, which could eventually lead to nail loss.
Our nails are great at keeping infections at bay - not surprising really when you consider that acting as a protective barrier is the reason that we have them at all. The problem is that should an infection (fungus) manage to penetrate them, then the same protective nature of the nails makes it difficult for us to penetrate them also in order to treat the problem.
Is fingernails fungus contagious? Yes, it can be contagious. The organisms that are responsible for the infection can easily spread from one person to another as a result of close contact. Note that no actual physical contact is necessary, as the organisms can even pass through the air should be it particularly moist.
And in what ways is fingernail fungus normally passed from one person to the next? Well, the contact of bare skin with an infected area, or using items (such as shoes, socks, gloves, towels, etc.) that have been infected by a person who already has fingernail fungus are probably the main causes of new infections. Items stored in damp or sweaty places, or those that have been sweated in without being properly cleaned afterwards, pose the greatest risk.
The increasingly popular trend of applying acrylic nails also contributes to the spread of fingernail fungus. The unnatural processes that nails undergo as result of this beauty treatment break into their protective barrier and increase the possibility of fungus getting inside. Also, some nail professionals also make the mistake of applying the acrylic nail over the natural nail that, unknown to them, is already harboring spores of the fungus.
Can nail fungus be treated? Yes it can.. On first noticing anything out of the ordinary regarding your nails, go to a pharmacy and ask about standard over the counter treatments - for most people, the use of these is sufficient to rid themself of the infection. However, should they not have the desired result, then you should not hesitate to contact your doctor so that they can recommend a more potent treatment.
However, prevention is still the best treatment. As such, you should always keep your nails well groomed and your feet well ventilated and dry. As much as possible, stay away from artificial nails and be sure that the tools used by your manicurist are well sanitized. You should find out if they do sanitize their tools and if not, then its time to find yourself a new manicurist.
Remember that your nails, as insignificant and superficial as they may seem, say a lot about your state of health in general. Healthy nails are often signs of a healthy well being. So do pay attention to them and give your nails the proper care they deserve.
Our nails are great at keeping infections at bay - not surprising really when you consider that acting as a protective barrier is the reason that we have them at all. The problem is that should an infection (fungus) manage to penetrate them, then the same protective nature of the nails makes it difficult for us to penetrate them also in order to treat the problem.
Is fingernails fungus contagious? Yes, it can be contagious. The organisms that are responsible for the infection can easily spread from one person to another as a result of close contact. Note that no actual physical contact is necessary, as the organisms can even pass through the air should be it particularly moist.
And in what ways is fingernail fungus normally passed from one person to the next? Well, the contact of bare skin with an infected area, or using items (such as shoes, socks, gloves, towels, etc.) that have been infected by a person who already has fingernail fungus are probably the main causes of new infections. Items stored in damp or sweaty places, or those that have been sweated in without being properly cleaned afterwards, pose the greatest risk.
The increasingly popular trend of applying acrylic nails also contributes to the spread of fingernail fungus. The unnatural processes that nails undergo as result of this beauty treatment break into their protective barrier and increase the possibility of fungus getting inside. Also, some nail professionals also make the mistake of applying the acrylic nail over the natural nail that, unknown to them, is already harboring spores of the fungus.
Can nail fungus be treated? Yes it can.. On first noticing anything out of the ordinary regarding your nails, go to a pharmacy and ask about standard over the counter treatments - for most people, the use of these is sufficient to rid themself of the infection. However, should they not have the desired result, then you should not hesitate to contact your doctor so that they can recommend a more potent treatment.
However, prevention is still the best treatment. As such, you should always keep your nails well groomed and your feet well ventilated and dry. As much as possible, stay away from artificial nails and be sure that the tools used by your manicurist are well sanitized. You should find out if they do sanitize their tools and if not, then its time to find yourself a new manicurist.
Remember that your nails, as insignificant and superficial as they may seem, say a lot about your state of health in general. Healthy nails are often signs of a healthy well being. So do pay attention to them and give your nails the proper care they deserve.
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Learn more about fingernail fungus and the remedies for it : Fingernail Fungus Or Zetaclear Review
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