Natural Health November 2018

HEALTH & Wellness
Nail infections can be tricky to resolve.
The American Academy of Dermatology
recommends three steps in treating
Candida of the nails:
• Examining possible underlying
medical causes of the condition and
correcting those issues if they exist.
• Keeping nails dry from harsh substances
or water. Wearing gloves to do daily
duties may help the condition.
• Treating nails by strengthening them.
Petroleum jelly or thicker-based
lubricants are better than watery lotions.
• If a nail infection cannot be treated,
surgical nail removal may be the best
option. A new nail will grow, but it is
a slow process.
Vitamin B with biotin may also help
brittle nails, but it is a long-term solution
and something that should be kept up
as a daily supplement. If the condition
doesn't subside, it is best to talk to a skin
specialist about a prescription drug to
help with the problem.
Preventing
candidiasis of the
skin and nails
Prevention is extremely important in
keeping the nails and skin healthy. One
way to reduce a Candida infection is to
lower the amount of sugar consumed.
Keeping blood sugar at healthy levels
can contribute to healthier skin and nails.
This is especially important for people
with diabetes.
It is extremely important to keep the skin
and nails dry and clean. Changing
sweaty or wet clothing, washing with
soap, and drying well will help avoid
the spread and increase of yeast.
As for the hands and feet, choosing
a reputable nail salon will decrease
the chances of bacteria moving from
customer to customer. It is also important
to wear flip flops in public places like
pools and showers.
Both the skin and nails have Candida,
but balance is important. If a fungal
infection does occur, home or over-thecounter
remedies can be used.
People with weakened immune systems,
diabetes, or other health conditions may
need medical care more immediately.
If a fever and rash are present, that's a
sign that a doctor should be contacted
right away.
Nail fungal infection: Causes, treatment,
and symptoms
Also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium, nail fungal infections are the most
common diseases of the nails, making up about 50 percent of nail abnormalities.
Fungus is normally present on the body, but if it overgrows, it can become a problem.
Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to infection, which usually appears as
discoloration and thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges. The condition most
commonly occurs in toenails.
Around 10 percent of the adult population suffers from nail fungus infection. Here
we will provide an overview of nail fungal infections, in addition to common causes,
treatments, and symptoms.
Fast facts on nail fungal infection
• Microscopic fungi in the nail cause the condition.
• It can affect both fingernails and toenails but is more common in feet.
• Diagnosis is carried out by examination of the debris under the nail.
What causes nail fungus infections?
Microscopic organisms called fungi cause nail fungal infections; they do not require
sunlight to survive so can thrive in these areas.
Most commonly, a group of fungi called dermatophytes (such as Candida) is
responsible for nail fungal infections. However, some yeasts and moulds also cause
these infections. Pathogens that cause nail fungus infection usually enter the skin
through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail bed. The fungi grow
when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.
22 Natural Health * November 2017 VOL 85