Fungus
What is
fungus?
Fungus,
also called onychomycosis or tinea,
is a living organism that prefers dark, warm and damp areas. That is why
fungus spores mainly occur in (public) swimming pools, showers or locker
rooms. The spores cause the infection of your skin. Most people get it
under or around their nails, such as finger nail and toenail fungus. Fungus is a very contagious
skin condition.
A fungus infection is not always a sign of poor hygiene. In fact,
about 10% of the
US
population suffers from toenail fungus. The spores can get under
your skin through a tiny cut in the skin. Many people get a toenail infection when walking barefoot in swimming pool areas, showers
or locker rooms. The infection can also develop because of poor hygiene
when wearing tight, closed shoes too often.
A nail infection can be first recognized by a white or
yellow area under the tip of the nail. Many people fail to recognize it
early enough. In a later stage the nails become thick and
discolored and loose all the shine. People usually get
frustrated as their nails become distorted and ugly
looking. The nails can also crumble and you might eventually
even loose a nail. The problem with a toe nail infection is
that the nail acts like a cover for the fungus and is thereby virtually
protecting it so it can grow even faster.
That is why it is important to act immediately. A toenail
or fingernail infection needs to be treated if you do not want to
damage your nail permanently. Also it is important to treat the fungus
so that it does not spread to other areas of your skin or even to other
people. Absolute hygiene is a must when having an infection.
Otherwise you might risk that other people also catch the
infection.
Who
is affected?
With toe and fingernail fungus it is as with so many other
diseases. Some people are just more prone to develop an infection
than others. Reasons for an infection are for example
-
abnormal pH level of the skin
-
injury of the nail
-
poor hygiene
-
low
immune system
-
contact with spores
How can
you avoid an infection?
When going to a public swimming pool, locker room or showers you
can best avoid getting into contact with fungus spores by wearing
sandals or shoes. After visiting any of these places wash your feet
thoroughly and dry them very well.
Avoid sharing personal items, like towels or shoes with people
that currently have an infection.
For hygienic reasons you should wear socks that absorb moisture
(sweat) best, such as cotton or wool. Through those materials the
moisture can pass. It is important that your feet get enough air.
Therefore shoes that let in enough air are recommended. Shoes made with
natural materials like leather shoes as opposed to plastic shoes are a
good choice. Wearing damp socks can cause an infection. Also,
make sure to change your socks at least once a day, especially when you
got the feeling that your feet feel damp. It is also a good idea to wear
powder if you already know that your feet sweat a lot.
It surely helps to wash your feet and toes with soap and water at
the end of the day and rub them dry as good as you can. Cut your
toenails as short as you can so the spores have no room to grow.
Also, in your house you can walk without shoes and socks to make
sure that your feet and toes are really dry.
It is often said that nail polish actually promotes toenail and
fingernail fungus because it traps the spores under the nail and
virtually protects them. That creates the ideal moist, dark and warm
environment without any possible ventilation.
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