What Are The Causes Of Fungal Nails
Unsightly toenails are a problem nobody wants to deal with; it can be highly embarrassing, leading to an array of mental health problems - self consciousnesses, anxiety etc. Imagine not being able to get your feet out on a hot summers day because of a fungal toenail infection; it doesn’t sound pleasant, right? A few of the main symptoms include your toenails becoming crusty, thick, or yellow/brown in colour; the problem is beyond cosmetic. Unfortunately, fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can spread from your toenails to your feet as athlete’s foot.
Now, you’re probably wondering what a fungal toenail infection is and how you can rid of it? Onychomycosis can be increasingly difficult to resolve at home; therefore, if you suspect you have a case of it, you should get professionally diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
What are the most common causes of nail infections?
Did you know, your toenails are composed of 80% hard keratin and 20% soft keratin? Keratin is also in your skin and hair. Dermatophytes are the fungus profound for causing onychomycosis. This type of fungi feeds on keratin to grow and multiply.
Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist environments, such as;
Public swimming pools
Beaches
Saunas
Changing rooms
Sadly, onychomycosis is highly contagious when dermatophytes find their way to your feet; due to exposure, the fungi consume the keratin by breaking it down into smaller particles. You may also be susceptible to fungal toenails because of sensitivity to foot problems, especially those who have diabetes, poor circulation and weakened immune systems.
What can make foot fungus worse?
Some of the risk factors that could potentialy increase the likelihood of you getting or worsening foot fungus could be as simple as walking barefoot at the swimming pool or gym, but did you know you are also more likely to contract a fungal infection the older you get?
Here are some of the other reasons that you could be more prone to fungal infection:
As mentioned earlier, the older you get, the more likely you are to get a fungal disease. This is because your circulation slows down, as well as the growth of your toenails, not to mention your longer life, means you've had more exposure to fungal infections.
Sweating heavily can also contribute to a fungal infection. This is because fungus thrives in warm and moist environments.
Having a minor skin condition such as psoriasis or nail injury can worsen the effects of fungal infection on your foot.
Having diabetes can cause slower circulation in your feet and weaken your immune system, which in turn can also worsen a fungal infection.
How can toenail fungus be prevented?
It is essential when in public places to wear flip flops or sandals; keeping your feet off a wet floor can reduce your risk of coming into contact with foot fungus.
Washing your feet daily and towel drying them thoroughly, not forgetting between the toes, will help prevent toenail fungus.
Use foot powder on the tops of your toes, in between them, and on the soles of your feet assists in absorbing excess moisture. In addition, you should always wear clean socks and change them daily.
Keeping your toenails neatly trimmed and straight across can prevent sharp edges that could injure your nail bed or become ingrown, allowing your toenails to become more exposed to fungal infections.
Breathable, natural footwear and socks may help reduce your risk of onychomycosis. Ensuring your shoes are not too tight and give your toes plenty of space to move around.
Finally, the best advice that can be given is to consult a professional like ourselves, if you suspect you may be suffering from a fungal infection. Podiatrists have all the answers to your fungal nail; with several different treatment options, your feet will be vacation-ready in no time at all!