What is onychomycosis?
The onychomycosis or the so called fingernail fungus is a disease, “addicted” mostly to women. This doesn’t mean that men are fully protected. Statistics show that women frequently suffer from it 3 times more than men. Only 15-20% of people around the world are struggling to resist the nail fungus, despite modern means of treatment. The disease is just hard to be treated. On the other hand it can easily be restarted even after successful treatment. The reasons for this are two – the state of the individual organism and the human hygiene.
Any breach in the blood supply and operation of the blood vessels may be a reason for the easy susceptibility of the organism in this type of fungus. Violations in the work of the immune and endocrine systems are also a prerequisite for susceptibility to infection. Particularly at risk are people suffering from diabetes. If the hands and feet with small wounds, corns or abnormal thickening of the skin, do not underestimate them and take necessary measures before infection occurs.
One important factor is that the fungal spores can be all around you, including your home. General bathroom accessories, towels, beach towels are a potential hazard. Do not put in the bathroom mats or synthetic rubber on the floor. Never use bath slippers or shoes that are not your own – this should be a matter of principle in your home.
Walk with flip-flops when you are at the swimming pool, put your own towels on the lounges. If you need to take a shower on the beach, use slippers - it is better to wet them, instead your nails to suffer after that.
Provide air for the legs in the summer so the skin can breathe. Do not use tight shoes or synthetic socks.
Women are at risk more than men to this nail fungus infection because of their household duties. Many of the dish-washing liquids or cleaning liquids for the house affects negatively the nails. They violate their surface, which can be easily contaminated. Recommendations for use of household gloves are not intended only to protect your skin from drying out ,but also your nails and hands. Many women complain of brittle nails, lack of shine on the nail plate, but do not always know that they may suffer from onychomycosis.
It is not proper to be treated by yourself if you find that the toenails or your fingernails are fragile, muddy, with ribs, split easily, and sometimes yellow or turning brown. Sometimes it may not be the type of fungus you suspect. It is necessary to make consultation with a doctor.