No one likes the looks of ugly toenail fungus. Brittle, distorted and discolored toenails can be the source of insecurity for many people, as well as a real hassle to get rid of. This form of fungus is difficult to fix, as several forms of the fungus are usually present in the infected toenail simultaneously.
Let's start by defining toenail fungus, listing its major causes and symptoms, as well as information on how you can naturally and effectively fight these types of infections.
According to the Mayo Clinic, toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is classified as an infection that occurs when a fungus finds its home in the toenails[1]. The fungal presence may appear as a white or yellow spot on the nail (it can also occur on fingernails, although is less common). If it's not dealt with, the spot grows larger and the nail begins to deteriorate, leaving a crumbling, thick, painful, discolored nail behind.
The most common signs of toenail fungus are usually visually and painfully obvious. These symptoms may include:
Microscopic fungi can find their way into the toenails under a variety of different circumstances. Usually, nail fungal infections occur when a type of fungus called a dermatophyte inhabits the nail. They can also be caused by a general mold or yeast infection in the toenail. Whether fungus, mold or yeast, all of these infections are created in warm, wet environments.
Places such as gyms, locker-rooms, hot-tubs, saunas, steam-rooms, swimming pools and showers, are hot-beds for these types of fungal infections. Just walking barefoot can cause you to get a fungal infection.
The dark warmth of your shoes and socks, particularly if you are sweating in your shoes, is also the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections. People are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections when they have tiny cuts between the nail and nail bed, as this opens the area up for the fungus to thrive. Toes are more vulnerable to infection than fingernails because of a lack of circulation in the area, as compared to the hands.
Anyone can get a toenail fungal infection, but older adults are more at risk due to a greater lack of blood circulation to the feet. What is more, as we age, our nails begin to thicken, making us more susceptible to fungal invasion. Men are more at risk than women, and the tendency is passed on genetically.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood for nail fungus may also include diabetes, trauma to the nail, poor personal hygiene, athlete's foot, hyperhidrosis, peripheral vascular disease, continual exposure to water and conditions involving immunodeficiency.
While addressing toenail fungus with the tips above is a good start, I would also recommend taking an herbal supplement called Candida Balance at the same time. This all-natural product will help kill off the fungus circulating in the blood, that may be contributing to your infection.
Candida Balance will help balance the toenail fungus internally, while the tips above are an external approach.
Do you see signs of toenail fungus on your feet? Be sure to let me know your results and feel free to post any other successful remedies you have used.
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