Nail fungus is a condition that affects millions world wide but unless you are a sufferer it unlikely that you would know the condition exists.
Onychomycosis to give it its correct medical term can affect both the fingernails and toenails and can cause the sufferer to hide or cover their feet and hands, it is not a pleasant looking condition.
Fungal nail infections are more common among toenails as fungus thrives on warm, damp and dark environments - a sock covered hot sweaty foot is ideal for the fungus to survive and spread.
If unchecked the infection can spread from toe to toe and can be passed from person to person.
It is not unusual for a person to have all ten digits of both feet and hands infected with the fungus, usually after this the sufferer will seek some kind of treatment.
Although painful, nail fungus is not a disabilitating or a life threatening condition but does carry a certain stigma in today's beauty conscious society.
Having discolored and disfigured nails is not something that would attract someone to you - even less so if you told somebody it was a fungus.
There does seem to be a multitude of treatments and cures available both over the counter and prescribed as well as the more traditional and herbal home remedies.
Treatment can range from utilising simple vinegar and Tea Tree Oil to expensive pharmaceutically produced medication.
Some cures work for some and some work for others, there does not seem to be a one cure fits all solution.
Prevention is better than cure - as the condition suggests a fungus is present and we have discovered fungus thrives in damp and dark conditions.
The following steps are recommended if the first signs of nail fungus are showing.
Wear cotton socks and change them at least twice a day.
Keep nails trimmed short but do not contaminate other toes when using clippers or scissors (wash them thoroughly before using on neighboring toes) Wear shoes that will allow your feet to breathe.
Above all do not just hope the fungus will rid itself - fungi is easy to acquire but hard to get rid of.
Onychomycosis to give it its correct medical term can affect both the fingernails and toenails and can cause the sufferer to hide or cover their feet and hands, it is not a pleasant looking condition.
Fungal nail infections are more common among toenails as fungus thrives on warm, damp and dark environments - a sock covered hot sweaty foot is ideal for the fungus to survive and spread.
If unchecked the infection can spread from toe to toe and can be passed from person to person.
It is not unusual for a person to have all ten digits of both feet and hands infected with the fungus, usually after this the sufferer will seek some kind of treatment.
Although painful, nail fungus is not a disabilitating or a life threatening condition but does carry a certain stigma in today's beauty conscious society.
Having discolored and disfigured nails is not something that would attract someone to you - even less so if you told somebody it was a fungus.
There does seem to be a multitude of treatments and cures available both over the counter and prescribed as well as the more traditional and herbal home remedies.
Treatment can range from utilising simple vinegar and Tea Tree Oil to expensive pharmaceutically produced medication.
Some cures work for some and some work for others, there does not seem to be a one cure fits all solution.
Prevention is better than cure - as the condition suggests a fungus is present and we have discovered fungus thrives in damp and dark conditions.
The following steps are recommended if the first signs of nail fungus are showing.
Wear cotton socks and change them at least twice a day.
Keep nails trimmed short but do not contaminate other toes when using clippers or scissors (wash them thoroughly before using on neighboring toes) Wear shoes that will allow your feet to breathe.
Above all do not just hope the fungus will rid itself - fungi is easy to acquire but hard to get rid of.