Natural Health November 2018
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HEALTH & Wellness<br />
Who is at risk<br />
for nail fungus<br />
infections?<br />
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection,<br />
but they are more common in men than<br />
women and the elderly than the young.<br />
Some additional traits or factors raise<br />
the risk of nail fungal infection, these<br />
include:<br />
• diminished blood circulation<br />
• slow growing nails<br />
• a family history of fungal infection<br />
(genetics)<br />
• heavy perspiration<br />
• humid or moist work environment<br />
• wearing artificial nails<br />
• wearing socks and shoes that prevent<br />
ventilation<br />
• walking barefoot in damp public<br />
places (swimming pools, gyms, and<br />
shower rooms)<br />
• previous injury or infection to the skin<br />
or nail<br />
• diabetes, AIDS, circulation problems,<br />
a weakened immune system<br />
• tight footwear with crowding of toes<br />
• exercise that causes repeated minor<br />
trauma to the hyponychium (where the<br />
finger tip attaches to the nail)<br />
Older adults are the most at risk of<br />
nail fungus infections as lower blood<br />
circulation and slower growing nails are<br />
part of the natural aging process.<br />
What are the<br />
symptoms of nail<br />
fungus infections?<br />
Nails that are infected with fungus<br />
typically are:<br />
• thickened<br />
• brittle<br />
• crumbly<br />
• ragged<br />
• distorted<br />
• dull<br />
• darker or yellowish in colour<br />
There may be also be:<br />
• scaling under the nail - hyperkeratosis<br />
• yellow or white streaking - lateral<br />
onychomycosis<br />
• yellow spots at the bottom of the nail -<br />
proximal onychomycosis<br />
• infected nails may separate from the<br />
nail bed - onycholysis<br />
Nail fungal infections can result in pain<br />
in the toes or fingertips, and they may<br />
even emit a foul odour. Another symptom<br />
associated with nail fungus infections<br />
are fungus-free skin lesions called<br />
dermatophytids. These may appear like<br />
rashes or itchiness in an area of the body<br />
that is not infected with the fungus - much<br />
like an allergic reaction.<br />
Nail fungus infection<br />
treatments<br />
Treating nail fungus infections can be<br />
a long and expensive process. There<br />
are oral antifungal medications, topical<br />
ointments, and alternative therapies.<br />
Over the counter creams and ointments<br />
are available, but they have not proved<br />
very effective.<br />
Topical nail fungus treatments can clear<br />
nail fungal infections, but often do not<br />
completely cure the infection. Alternative<br />
medicines used to treat nail fungal<br />
infections include Australian tea tree oil<br />
and grapefruit seed extract. However,<br />
there is no scientific evidence supporting<br />
the use of these products. In some<br />
extreme cases, a physician will opt to<br />
remove the entire nail.<br />
Prevention of nail<br />
fungus infections<br />
Preventing nail fungus infections<br />
requires hand and foot hygiene. Some<br />
suggestions include:<br />
• Keeping nails short, dry, and clean.<br />
• Wearing socks that breathe, usually<br />
synthetic.<br />
• Using antifungal sprays or powders.<br />
• Wearing rubber gloves to avoid<br />
overexposure to water.<br />
• Refraining from picking or biting nails.<br />
• Wearing shoes or sandals in public<br />
places and pools.<br />
• Ensuring that your manicure or<br />
pedicure salon properly sterilizes<br />
tools.<br />
• Using artificial nails and nail polish<br />
less often.<br />
• Washing hands after touching<br />
infected nails.<br />
• Avoiding sharing shoes and socks.<br />
Reference: www.medicalnewstoday.com / webMD.com<br />
<strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Health</strong> * <strong>November</strong> 2017 VOL 85<br />
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