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Caring for our skin is good but, please, pay attention to your nails, too. Even though they are hard and look lifeless does not mean that they are secure from any harmful germs. In fact, there is one particular bacterium that finds finger and toenails the best place to inhabit. The bacterium is called ‘dermatophyte’ or ‘tinea unguium’, a kind of parasitic organism that causes ‘nail fungal infection’ or ‘onychomycosis’.

What is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis (on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis) with a popular term ‘nail fungal infection’ is what happens when dermatophyte migrate and grow in your nails until they are destroyed and extricated from the nail bed. Dermatophyte, which is contained in yeasts and molds, consumes the keratin protein (the basic components of hair, nails, and scalp) of the nails. Ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are just among dermatophyte’s progenies, the most common being nail fungal infection.

Onychomycosis affects the toenails most often than fingernails because the dermatophyte fungus that causes it, thrive in warm and damp environment. Deficiency in oxygen supply fuels their growth, which means that dermatophyte is anaerobic. Perspiration and lack of hygiene are just among the most common roots of nail fungal infection. Exposing your finger and toenails in wet and warm environment will encourage contamination.

You may distinguish infection by a noticeable discoloration of the nails (which may vary from white, yellow, to black), irritation and redness of the surrounding skin, foul odor, thickening and formation of cracks on the outer layer. When these signs appear, consult a doctor immediately.

Who can get Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis comprises at least 50 percent of al nail disorders. Millions of Americans suffer from this infection. Fungal infection on the toenail affects men more while infection on the fingernails affects females more. Children are less likely to acquire onychomycosis. Adults at the age of 60 and above are the major victims of nail fungi because of aging. Diabetics and persons with leukemia are also susceptible due to declining immune system and crisis in blood circulation process.

Suggested Treatments
Since the infection remains secluded in your nails, treatments are not that easy. It may even take a year or less to exterminate the infection and for a new nail to grow. Seeing your specialist or podiatrist (foot doctor) for remedy is the best step. There are topical and oral creams available in drugstores like Lamisil, Tinactin, Penlac, and Dermisil. Alternative medicines like vinegar, Australian tea tree oil, and grapefruit extract has been known for their curative properties too.

The 5 Prevention Tips
As always, prevention is still better than cure. These tips can help you ward off nail fungi from invading your finger and toenails:

1) First and foremost, maintain proper hygiene. Always clean-cut your nails; wash and dry your feet and fingers after a stressful day of work. Applying foot powder can help keep your from sweating.

2) Avoid wearing nail polish and artificial nails too much. Make sure to dry-clean your toes before applying them.

3) Public places like communal toilets, gyms, swimming pools and the like may not be safe at all. It is advisable to have the appropriate footwear to protect your feet at all times.

4) If your job requires your hands to be exposed in water and chemicals, put on a pair of gloves. Wash and dry your hands well after.

5) Check with your manicurist or pedicurist if the instruments they use are sterilized. Otherwise, bring your own.

For more information, kindly visit Toenail Fungus. Must read: The Science of Nail Fungus Infection and How to Treat Fingernail Fungus Infection.