The nails are one of the most important parts of our body. Aside from protecting the sensitive skin at these terminal parts, they are also important from a cosmetology point of view. You already know how women take extra care of their nails! But, what would happen if these nails get infected? The nails that were once stylish and long will turn ugly.
Healthy nails are transparent and have a pinkish appearance due to the highly vascular skin underneath that gets excessive blood supply. Nail fungus symptoms become apparent when fungus attacks the nails and starts digesting "keratin", a substance that protects nails from any damage. It provides protective coating to the nail, and keratin is important for maintaining the structure and shape of finger and toenails.
Nail fungus symptoms arise from wound, poor hygiene (moist or wet nails and surrounding areas) and cuts. It appears by the sides of the nails like cuticles and then feeds further. Once it starts growing, it covers the surrounding areas within a short time.
Some of the most prominent and important nail fungus symptoms are:
The nails become flaky, chipped and brittle losing their healthiness and firmness.
Brownish, purple, or yellow discoloration that starts just at the end of finger and works its way back underneath.
In worst cases, fungal infection may grow excessively, and may set deep inside the nail and skin tissues. In such cases, nail fungus symptoms may appear in the form of pus with an offensive smell.
There is an increased tenderness under skin, which affects daily activities such as wearing socks, walking, and wearing shoes.
Fingernails exhibiting nail fungus symptoms may start losing their original shape. They may get curved or bulged on a side (mostly side-wards or upwards).
In its advanced stages, fingernail fungus may turn nails into a powdery form, where they become very brittle and appear as yellowish powder just below the nails.
Treatment
There are several types of nail treatments available to all those who suffer from nail fungus. If trauma has caused the nail fungus symptoms, you should take steps to protect the affected area.
Soaking affected nails in salt solution, or treating them using the products meant for controlling toenail fungus can help in removing this problem to a great extent.
If you are suffering from toenail fungus, you should avoid wearing socks made using synthetic material. Instead, woolen and cotton socks are the best socks to wear. Aside from that, keep the area clean and dry and use moisturizers as they can minimize the alkaline environment created by toenail fungus. You should also eat a nutritious diet and supplements to boost your health as this will help in containing nail fungus symptoms.
Healthy nails are transparent and have a pinkish appearance due to the highly vascular skin underneath that gets excessive blood supply. Nail fungus symptoms become apparent when fungus attacks the nails and starts digesting "keratin", a substance that protects nails from any damage. It provides protective coating to the nail, and keratin is important for maintaining the structure and shape of finger and toenails.
Nail fungus symptoms arise from wound, poor hygiene (moist or wet nails and surrounding areas) and cuts. It appears by the sides of the nails like cuticles and then feeds further. Once it starts growing, it covers the surrounding areas within a short time.
Some of the most prominent and important nail fungus symptoms are:
The nails become flaky, chipped and brittle losing their healthiness and firmness.
Brownish, purple, or yellow discoloration that starts just at the end of finger and works its way back underneath.
In worst cases, fungal infection may grow excessively, and may set deep inside the nail and skin tissues. In such cases, nail fungus symptoms may appear in the form of pus with an offensive smell.
There is an increased tenderness under skin, which affects daily activities such as wearing socks, walking, and wearing shoes.
Fingernails exhibiting nail fungus symptoms may start losing their original shape. They may get curved or bulged on a side (mostly side-wards or upwards).
In its advanced stages, fingernail fungus may turn nails into a powdery form, where they become very brittle and appear as yellowish powder just below the nails.
Treatment
There are several types of nail treatments available to all those who suffer from nail fungus. If trauma has caused the nail fungus symptoms, you should take steps to protect the affected area.
Soaking affected nails in salt solution, or treating them using the products meant for controlling toenail fungus can help in removing this problem to a great extent.
If you are suffering from toenail fungus, you should avoid wearing socks made using synthetic material. Instead, woolen and cotton socks are the best socks to wear. Aside from that, keep the area clean and dry and use moisturizers as they can minimize the alkaline environment created by toenail fungus. You should also eat a nutritious diet and supplements to boost your health as this will help in containing nail fungus symptoms.
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