Really, we cannot be exact to predict who would get nail fungus or not because anyone can simply get infected. Although it is more common in senior citizens than in younger persons, those people who have circulation problems and diabetes are also prone to getting infected. The only people who hardly get infections are children.
Why Did I Get A Fungal Nail Infection?
You need to know the conditions that are conducive for the growth of fungus. They prefer and do mighty well in situations where there is warmth and moisture especially if there is some darkness as well.
People who wear heavy boots and closed shoes are more likely to have their feet sweaty and wet and this makes fungus grow around their toenails. You may also need to be vigilant not to walk barefoot in public lockers and showers. The other groups of people who are vulnerable are those whose hands are always submerged in water.
Sometimes, several people in a family will get fungal infections in their nails at the same time. This can happen because their immune systems aren’t able to fight off the infection very well or because the infection is being passed when they use the same towels.
How Do I Find Out If I Have A Fungal Nail Infection?
The fool proof way of knowing if you have an infection is to book an appointment with your doctor. He or she may simply look at your fingers and toes and know if you have the fungus.
The doctor may as well scrape some little debris from your finger or toe and send it to a lab to check out what type of fungus you are hosting. With a test such as this you will be able to know if you really are suffering from nail fungus or it could be any other infection.
How Is A Fungal Nail Infection Treated?
There are several medications available for the treatment of fungal infections. However, it is good to take note of the fact that some of the prescription medicines have undesirable side effects. This is especially true for those people who have heart and liver problems. So, you need to be upfront and inform your doctor what else you are suffering from. And of course, depending on the severity of your infection, you may take the medicine for anywhere between six weeks and six months.
There are also topical creams and ointments that can be used although they may not be too effective because it is hard for them to penetrate the nail to cure the infection.