|
Know the Dangers of Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections of the toe or finger nail, or Onychomycosis, is most commonly seen in the toenail. Records indicate an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from Oncychomycosis – Toenail Fungus.
Maintaining proper hygiene and using appropriate skin products helps avoid toenail fungal infection. Dermatologists are optimistic that a cure for fungal infection is on the horizon. Yet millions still suffer. Though toenail fungus is most often found among diabetics, everyone is susceptible - especially those who have lifestyles or jobs where their feet get wet, dirty, and where periodic cleansing is difficult or impossible.
Onychomycosis (toenail fungus) generally appears at the distal tip of the nail and progresses into the nail over a period of months and years. The nail thickens as the fungi growth continues to destroy the affected part of the nail. As the fungus develops, it grows and causes swelling. Nails turn brittle and chalky and often change color - yellow, violet, white or even green - to black as the nail, tissue, muscle, and nerves begin to die.
More than 50% of those aged 50 or older suffer from toenail fungus. Fungi growth is primarily attributed to lack of cleaning, constant exposure to heat and moisture, and repeated introduction to fungal environments (dirty socks, infected shoes, dirt and mud, bacteria-rich water. Toenail fungus often accompanies injury. Since the foot is especially susceptible to infection, injury (primary open wounds) to the toes and nails invites fungus growth.
Recommended Treatments and Techniques:
The best thing that you can do to protect your nails from fungal infections is to protect from injury and deep-clean often. Regularly change socks, use foot powder to reduce moisture and sweating, and frequently change shoes – in fact it may be necessary to throw away fungus-laden shoes, or at a minimum, put them through a good washing.
If toenail fungus has developed, it’s important to use deep-cleaning skin care products. Topical medications such as Toenail and Fingernail Therapy Cream from SkinEnergizer.com, are specially formulated with transdermal Emu Oil to penetrate deeply in to the nail and skin to eliminate fungus. Additionally, products that contain super-moisturizing agents are helpful. Healing skin requires moisturization for skin rejuvenation. Read more about skin care products.
|
