A lot of us have for sure have experienced bad “fingernail days”. Some of you may have experienced a broken nail or experienced injuring it while doing something. However, there is this one kind of nail problem that should not be taken easily. Fungal fingernail infection can really disturb and even embarrass you if you do not take care of your fingernails well.
Research has proven that dermatophytes which are tiny organisms cause these fungal infections. This is a type of fungi that grows well in moist, dark and warm environments. These organisms dwell in the spaces in between the nail and the nail base. The dermatophytes destroy this protein making your nail look discolored and make your nail brittle. Listed below are the fungal fingernail infection symptoms.
- Discoloration
Discoloration can be yellowish, brownish or purplish. The fungus attaches at the tip of the nail and continually digs through to the root.
- Brittleness
When your nails starts to get brittle, flaky and comes off easily, this is a sign that you have been infected by the fungus.
- Thickening
When your nail starts to get thicker and starts to hurt when you try trimming it, this is an indication that you have been infected by the fungus.
- Bad odor
When your nails are affected with the fungus, your finger emits a smelly odor. This odor comes from the corrosion of the protein keratin which is in between the nail and the nail bed because this is the part the fungus assaults.
Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of thinking ways of curing fungal fingernail infection why not think ways of preventing it. Maintain proper blood circulation to your hands to lessen the chance of getting infected by this fungus. The most important of all is having proper hand hygiene. As we have learned this type of fungus grows on warm moist areas, just like shower rooms, spas and swimming pools. This fungus can even live for a short time in puddles on tile floors and basically waiting for you to step on it. It is best that you wear slippers or sandals wherever you go. If in cases where you need to work with feet getting wet, wear boots to avoid touching the water which will become essentially dirty. After workout sessions or any exercise activity; rest, wash and dry your feet immediately.
If you see any of the fungal fingernail infection symptoms appearing on you, be wary. There are cures that you can apply for yourself available in your local pharmacy. Still, if the infection continues to worsen better consult your doctor.
To learn more about fungal fingernail infection, you can visit the article from familydoctor.org: fungal infections of fingernails and toenails
