Banishing Fungus: Reclaiming Health for Your Nails
Nail health is often a forgotten part of wellbeing. However, it shouldn’t be, as nails can reveal a lot about an individual’s overall health. Specifically, nail fungus, a common condition that often goes unnoticed, can be quite harmful if not addressed properly. Nail fungus can cause discoloration, thickening and even deformation, causing not just physical, but psychological discomfort. However, the silver lining is that being aware of it is the first step towards healing. Here, we focus on banishing fungus, reclaiming health for your nails, and how simple changes can make a big difference.
Getting to Know Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, affects as many as 35 million people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it’s often ignored because it appears harmless initially. This condition is caused by various types of fungi, most commonly dermatophytes who are always on the lookout for warm and moist environments. Our shoes, unfortunately, provide just the perfect home.
Nail fungus can emerge from a myriad of situations, like walking barefoot in public showers, constant immersion of hands in water, or through minor skin or nail injuries. People suffering from conditions like diabetes, circulatory issues, or a weakened immune system are more susceptible.
How to Identify Nail Fungus
Here are a few signs of nail fungus, which are not always obvious:
• Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
• Thickened and brittle nails
• Distorted shape or ragged edges
• Occasional pain
• Foul smell
The good news is that nail fungus is treatable, and early intervention can prevent permanent damage. Here are five solid steps you can take to banish nail fungus and reclaim your nail health:
1. Seek Professional Help: If you notice any signs of nail fungus, the first step is to consult a dermatologist or a podiatrist. They can confirm whether your nail abnormality is due to a fungal infection or another condition. They might suggest over-the-counter treatments, prescription options or, in severe cases, surgical interventions.
2. Maintain Good Nail Hygiene: Proper nail care is central to prevention and treatment. Regularly cleaning and trimming your nails can go a long way. Make sure to keep your nails dry, avoiding moisture buildup, especially in closed shoes. Moisture encourages fungi to thrive.
• Always remember to dry your feet properly after bathing.
• Make use of antifungal powders or sprays in your shoes.
• Use latex gloves when washing dishes or doing any water-based chores.
3. Adapt a Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporating balanced nutrition and regular exercise into your routine supports the body’s natural defense mechanism against infections, including nail fungus. Fact is, the healthier your immune system is, the lower your risk of contracting fungal infections.
• Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Engage in regular exercise to boost blood circulation, promoting nail health and overall immunity.
• Avoid smoking as nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the peripherals, which includes your nails.
4. Use Specialty Nail Products: Nowadays, there are many products specially designed to fight nail fungus. These include antifungal polishes, creams, and even nail lacquers, all of which contain powerful ingredients to halt the growth of fungi.
5. Opt for Natural Remedies: Several home remedies have been used to treat nail fungus. These include vinegar soaks, applying tea tree oil, coconut oil, and oregano oil, which have antifungal properties. However, remember that these remedies are adjunct therapies and may not replace standard treatments, depending on the severity.
Stopping nail fungus can be a lengthy and arduous process. However, steadfast adherence to the steps above will go a long way towards a successful recovery. Unleashing yourself from the grasp of nail fungus is a process, but the silver lining is reclaiming health for your nails and thereby, elevating your overall well-being quotient.
