Have you ever heard of the word, Onychomycosis? That may seems like a big grammar to you but trust me, I don’t mean to scare you. Well, Onychomycosis is another name for Nail fungus. Here are two questions: How can you know you have it? How does it start to affect you?
It usually starts with a yellow spot under the tip of your toe nails or finger nails. As it grew, your nail color may begin to change and little by little, other nails may be affected which is no good news. It’s common among adults and more prone to adult who are 60 years and above.
What are the cause of Onychomycosis or nail fungus? Onychomycosis is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. Exposing your fingers or feet to water for a long time can also be a cause. For some people, it is difficult to avoid much exposure to water because their work involves making use of water or exposing their hands to it. Using a glove will surely be of great help.
As stated earlier, age is another factor, for those who are 60 years older, they are more likely to have nail fungus because their blood can no longer circulate well like when they are young and are more active. As a result, their nails have little ability to fight fungus or other disease. Generally, nail fungus affects men that women. Reasons for that have not been known to many and answers to that may vary from people to people.
Heredity is another cause for nail fungus. Persons whose father or mother had it at a point in their life are more prone to have nail fungus. That is a clear warning that if any of your relations has or had Onychomycosis in the past, I am afraid that may be an indication that you too may have it in months or years to come. You can surely be the next victim.
For most people who live in hot climate, they are more prone to have it. Generally, we don’t sweat the same. Some people hardly sweat, while others sweat a lot. People who sweat a lot are more prone to have nail fungus than those who sweat little. People who live in a humid environment are also more likely to have nail fungus than those who do not.
Effects of Nail Fungus.
One question that may come to your mind is what is the effect on Onychomycosis or nail fungus on human? One of it is discomfort. At the advance stage, it can be painful. There are also some psychological effects. We always want our fingers and toes to look beautiful. We also want to have nice nails. But when they don’t look exactly the way they ought to look, that may make us feel uneasy. In fact, it also affects our self-confidence which may make us feel little about ourselves. Since women care a lot about how they look and how others think of them, Women may be more affected psychologically than men.
Symptoms of nail fungus?
Your skin may begin to break off. Later, it may also become painful. Your nails may begin to smell. The color of your nails may also begin to change.
Prevention
There are many ways of preventing nail fungus. Here are some of them;
Always put on shoes for breathing. Leather shoes are the best.
Avoid walking bare footed most especially in swimming pools. You also need to avoid walking bare footed in places with dirty waters.
Always put on socks made of cotton.
Good hygiene can also help. You can always disinfect your legs and hands after returning from work.
Always examine your fingernails and toes. Immediately you notice any symptom, try to do something about it immediately.
Nail fungus is like many other diseases or infection, the earlier you detect it and treat it, the better.
Treatments
There are many ways to kill a bird. But for sure, some ways are better, safer and easier than other. There are many creams that can help. Please consult a specialist for recommendation.
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