Nail Fungus: What is it?
August 14, 2007
A friend suffered from nail fungus a few years ago and asked me for holistic approach to treating her toenail fungus. I gave her a list of essential oils along with other natural remedies to aid in preventing nail fungus. I also talked about what can causes nail fungus.
Question: What is nail fungus?
What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus or onychomycosis is a tiny organism that can affect the nails of the finger and toes. It’s a common condition that many people suffer from. More than 35 million people are afflicted by nail fungus!
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Our nails are the perfect spot for fungus. It’s free to grow thanks to the protection of our nails its hard to get to the fungus. Fungus thrives in warm, moist, and dark places which is why you mainly see fungus on the toenails.
Our feet are usually hidden behind socks, nylons, and shoes for a good part of the day. This is the perfect place for fungus to grow since covering our feet creates the perfect environment.
High Risk For Nail Fungus
- Working in a humid or moist environment
- Improper ventilation of feet
- Walking barefoot in damp places (pools, gyms, & showers)
- Smoking
- Sweaty feet
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
- Brittle nails
- Thickened nails
- Distorted appearance
- Discolored nails (nails can turn brown, black, yellow, or green) this is caused by debris building up under the nail.
Fungus Prevention
- Antifungal Spray
- Don’t go barefoot in public
- Don’t trim or pick at skin around the nails.
- Choose your pedicure salon wisely. Make sure the salon sterilizes its instruments or bring your own.
- Ditch the nail polish and artificial nails. If you have nail fungus it can be tempting to hide it under a coat of polish however this can prevent the fungus from healing and may increase the infection.
- Wear appropriate socks, take your shoes off occasionally during the day.
- Wash your hands after touching the infected nail germs can spread from nail to nail
Next in Series: Holistic Remedies For Nail Fungus
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Don’t forget Yoga Mats!
Tea Tree Oil & Water is what I have been using to wash them!
I think of tea tree essential oil is my all purpose essential oil.
One is a nail polish — it stays on the nail. The other is a cuticle oil which soothes the surrounding tissue which tends to become irritated. Effective in treating and preventing fungus, mold, yeast, and bacterial infections. These products are very popular professional products, are used extensively in Salons and Spas, and are also recommended and sold by Medical Professionals. They worked for me.
an interesting information.
I better stop smoking. I knew about cancer and heart decices, but nail fungus.
Thanks to you, my October 30 day challange will be to take a month free from smoking.
Fungal infections are common on both fingernails and toenails. Toenail fungus also known as onychomycosis is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungus are harmful because as they grow they feed on the keratin that makes up the surface of the toe nail. The two fingers that are more likely to be affected are the big toe finger and the little toe finger. Toe nail fungus causes disfiguration and discoloration of the nails. It is a contagious disease and some times it may be hereditary.