You can pick up toenail fungus in almost any damp places. This includes public gyms you are a member in, shower stalls you often use in school or office, or your village swimming pool.
A toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is actually a fungal infection on toenails and can also occur in fingernails. However, toenails are more likely to be affected since fungus are more attracted to a dark and damp setting, which the foot possesses more than the hands. This happens when even the smallest fungi enters the corners of the nails and eventually spreads from the socks, to the shoes.
The sad truth about this is your nail itself covers the skin underneath it and allows the fungus to grow even more. This usually affects the elders and children in occasional cases. This condition mainly disfigures and destroys the appearance of nails. You will know easily when you have toenail fungus by the changes in appearance of your toenails.
Affected nails can have yellowish or brownish discoloration, or may have streaks or spots on it. Your nails may also thicken and become brittle if not treated immediately, and can even result to a total loss of nails.
You may also experience swelling, depending on the severity of the infection on your toes. In special cases, if you happen to have abnormal pH level of skin, you are more prone to have toenail fungus than others. If you are diabetic or have circulation problems, you are also more prone to having toenail fungus because of your weak immune system. Or you can easily get it as simple as having a very poor hygiene.
Like all diseases you may encounter, prevention is still the best cure in keeping toenail fungus at bay. It is best to maintain good hygiene of your foot by paying close attention to your toenails.
Remember to keep your toenails trimmed at all times. It is also advisable to avoid wearing nail polish as this also encourages fungal growth. You should always make sure to dry your feet completely and leave no room for fungus-causing moist. Wearing thick and pure cotton, wool or silk socks will also be of big help in absorbing the moisture from your feet and preventing fungus build up.
It is unavoidable to get your socks wet at times, so just take them off and dry your feet completely before changing them with a new pair of fresh, clean socks. It is also best not to share socks, shoes, slippers and any kind of footwear with anyone to avoid further transfer of fungal infection and to promote good hygiene, among others.
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