Don’t Be Caught With Nail Fungus
Summer is sandal-wearing season, which puts everyone’s feet out in the open. As we inadvertently glance at acquaintances’ hands or feet, you can’t help but judge a person when they have gross nails. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out who doesn’t take care of their feet.
About 6% to 8% of the U.S. population get foot-related infections or fungi problems each year. That’s a lot of people walking around with yucky nails. Yellow, fungus-ridden nails don’t have to be part of your daily look. It’s not attractive and it’s not healthy, so get rid of it!
If you have nail fungus, the best thing you can do is inform yourself about how to prevent it and how to properly treat it. I’ll lay out the facts, plain and simple.
DEFINITION:
Nail fungus is the most common nail disease. It is an infection that grows under the bed of toenails (mostly) or fingernails. Nail fungus feeds off keratin, which is a protein found in dead tissue.
SYMPTOMS:
Yellow nails, white nails, thickening nails and crumbling nails are all signs of nail fungus. The more yellow the nail, the more severe the nail fungus. It is also a sign of nail fungus if the nail plate separates from the nail bed (the skin under the nail).
3 CAUSES:
Nail fungus is caused by molds, yeasts or dermatophytes (fungus that grows on the skin, hair and nails) that can find their way to nails or nail beds through small cuts or openings around your nail and skin. Nail fungus usually returns if you are susceptible to it and if you don’t take necessary changes to prevent it. It is contagious and very difficult to get rid of once you have it.
HOW IT’S TRANSMITTED:
About 90% of nail fungus is caused by Dermatophytes. They can cause Athlete’s Foot (about 70% of people get Athlete’s Foot at least once in their lifetime), which can then cause nail fungus. Public floors, humid areas and other people’s clothes, shoes, manicure and pedicure objects all can have Dermatophytes that can infect you. Be cautious and wear sandals in wet, public places such as pools, locker rooms and spas.
Yeasts that can cause nail fungus can grow (and therefore spread to your nails) when you are sick, using an antibiotic, using birth control pills or having immune system problems.
Most molds grow in soil, and then can be transmitted to nails or skin, but usually ca not be passed from person to person.
YOU INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING NAIL FUNGUS IF YOU:
- Have Athlete’s Foot
- Have Diabetes
- Have a weak immune system
- Have a hangnail, ingrown toenail or other nail injury
- Have onycholysis (condition that causes separation of nails from the skin)
- Are over 60 years old
- Poor blood circulation
- Live in a warm, humid climate
- Walk barefoot in public showers, locker rooms or public pools
- Share towels, nail clippers, nail files, socks or shoes with another person
- Cut your nails frequently
- Wear tight shoes
- Wear shoes that make your feet sweat
- Wear moist shoes that don’t have the time to dry out
- Wear artificial nails
- Work in a position where your hands or feet are wet a lot of the time
TREATMENT:
Oral medications are easy, but they’re expensive and can have dangerous side effects. Topical medicines allow you to control the treatment, aren’t pricey and aren’t dangerous. Keep your feet clean with Pedifix Antifungal Foot Soap. Reduce moisture by keeping your feet and shoes dry with On Your Toes powder. 
Use Tineacide antifungal products to kill the fungus, such as Tineacide Cream and Tineacide Shoe Spray. If you want to cover up your yellow nails, use Dr.’s Remedy Enriched, Antifungal, Non-Toxic Nail Polish, which has vitamins and proteins that actually will fight the nail fungus, strengthen the nail and increase shine. Use Dr.’s Remedy Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover, which won’t strip your nails of their health, and treat your brittle nails to Dr.’s Remedy Hydration Treatment clear polish.
PREVENTION TIPS:
- Keep feet cool and dry
- Don’t wear shoes that are too tight or that have no ventilation
- Wear waterproof sandals when you’re in a public locker room, shower or pool
- Don’t share shoes or nail-care tools
- Go to a trusted spa when getting nails done and bring your own nail care products
- Don’t cut your nails more than once a week
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