Nail fungus is a common condition that usually presents in mid-life or later years. Generally, nail fungus involves the toenails. Nail fungus is a persistent and troublesome problem. The fungi responsible hide between the dead layers of keratin, where they are inaccessible to the immune system and where drugs have difficulty penetrating.
It often presents as a yellowing or crumbling or thickening of the nails, especially at the edge nearest to the area where the nails are cut. This
sometimes results in discomfort, but usually is painless. Nail fungus is unsightly. Although the large toenails are most frequently involved, other
toenails can be involved as well. It is not usual for several toenails to be fairly severely involved and other nails not to be involved at all. It is also frequent to see one foot involved and the other foot completely clear of the
infection. Sometimes fingernails are also involved and they have a similar appearance. Frequently, two feet and one hand will be involved with nail fungus and the other hand will be uninvolved. The exact reason why this occurs is unknown. Nail fungus is often seen in association with fungus on the feet and occasionally on the hands. This fungus is typically not the blistery, itchy,
"athletes foot" so often described in commercials. Rather it is a chronic infection, which is recognized by thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet, with scaling and occasional cracking.
More than 35 million people in the United States get this fungus. The fungus lives underneath the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows, since fungus like dark and damp places. This is why its hard to reach and stop nail fungus.
Fungal infections are not commonly contagious nor do they spread easily between people. Nail fungus grows more often in people with weaker immune systems, which rather than suppress it, allow the fungus to become established. There
is currently no known way to boost your immune system to make fungal infections less likely. Nail fungus is easier to avoid than to treat. Preventive measures include:
"Washing and drying feet daily.
"Wearing socks that absorb moisture
."Ensuring that your shoes are completely dry before you put them on.
"Not wearing nonporous, closed shoes made of synthetic materials.
"Wearing water proof sandals when in public showers.
"Not wearing tight shoes or the same shoes every day.
"Training in running shoes made of materials that breathe.
"Inspecting your feet regularly and having your doctor check for nail fungus and other running-related foot problems.
"Not wearing artificial nails since wearing artificial nails is the most common cause of nail fungus in women.
About The Author
Lisa Davis is a contributing author and publisher to
http://www.nailfungusadvice.com An online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest on latest treatments and breakthroughs in the treatment of nail fungus