unhealthy nails
Toe nail infection is a relatively common condition that causes thickened and unsightly nails that can often become painful. Medication can be used to treat nail infections but will usually require several weeks of treatment. About three in every one hundred people will experience the condition and it most common in those over the age of fifty five and those that use communal areas such as swimming baths. The infection is passed in a number of different ways but can be transmitted from a skin infection such as athlete's foot if the condition is not treated early enough. It is important that the condition is treated as early as possible as the infection can be passed from unhealthy nails to healthy ones if there is contact between the two.
unhealthy nails
A toe nail infection more common in certain groups so it is important that they remain vigilant. Those who wash their hands frequently are at particular risk as constant washing can damage the protective skin at the base of the nail which can allow fungi to enter. This is also true for those that have damaged a nail. Diabetes, poor circulation and general poor levels of health can also increase the chances of developing the condition. Often a nail infection will occur in just one nail although the infection can also be found in several and is usually painless. The unhealthy nails may also appear thick and discoloured and these symptoms may be the only ones a person experiences. However, the problem can be worse for some sufferers with white patches where the nail has come away from the skin and in some instances the nail may come away altogether. Eventually both the nail and the nail bed may be destroyed which make walking very uncomfortable.
A number of preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing unhealthy nails. Fungus thrive in a moist, warm environment so it is important to keep feet as cool and dry as possible so as not to create this atmosphere. Many may feel tempted to walk barefoot if infected but this can result in the infection being passed on to other people. This is often seen in places such as swimming baths. Feet need to be kept clean but they also need to be kept dry so many suggest showering in the evening rather than the morning so as to allow time to walk barefoot which means that the feet can properly dry. It is also recommended that socks are changed regularly and people uses shoes alternately so as to allow them to fully dry out. These measures can help to ensure that no treatments are needed as they can help a person to avoid a toe nail infection.
A toe nail infection more common in certain groups so it is important that they remain vigilant. Those who wash their hands frequently are at particular risk as constant washing can damage the protective skin at the base of the nail which can allow fungi to enter. This is also true for those that have damaged a nail. Diabetes, poor circulation and general poor levels of health can also increase the chances of developing the condition. Often a nail infection will occur in just one nail although the infection can also be found in several and is usually painless. The unhealthy nails may also appear thick and discoloured and these symptoms may be the only ones a person experiences. However, the problem can be worse for some sufferers with white patches where the nail has come away from the skin and in some instances the nail may come away altogether. Eventually both the nail and the nail bed may be destroyed which make walking very uncomfortable.
A number of preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing unhealthy nails. Fungus thrive in a moist, warm environment so it is important to keep feet as cool and dry as possible so as not to create this atmosphere. Many may feel tempted to walk barefoot if infected but this can result in the infection being passed on to other people. This is often seen in places such as swimming baths. Feet need to be kept clean but they also need to be kept dry so many suggest showering in the evening rather than the morning so as to allow time to walk barefoot which means that the feet can properly dry. It is also recommended that socks are changed regularly and people uses shoes alternately so as to allow them to fully dry out. These measures can help to ensure that no treatments are needed as they can help a person to avoid a toe nail infection.