Nail fungus ruins the appearance of fingernails and toenails, making them brittle, jagged and in some cases yellow. If the fungus is not treated, it will surely spread. It is easy to stop toenail fungus spreading to other areas but people need to learn how to treat the condition effectively.
Popular Misconceptions About Treat Nail Fungus
Some people assume that nail fungus occurs because a person is dirty. This is not the case. Even the cleanest person in the world can contract nail fungus. People cannot scrub the fungus away with soap and water they need to use a product that is designed to kill the stubborn fungus. Those who have a weak immune system are more likely to develop nail fungus so it is important for people to boost their immune system by eating healthy foods and taking vitamin supplements.
Another common misconception is that people catch toenail fungus by walking around in bare feet while at the public swimming pool or locker room. If this were the case then everyone who visited these locations would have fingernail or toenail fungus. The fungus is not highly contagious and people who have strong immune systems are unlikely to get nail fungus when exposed to it.
The Importance of Strengthening the Immune System
In most cases, the immune system is able to protect the body from fungus particles, fighting off the intruder before it manages to infect nail beds. When fungus develops, it means that the immune system is too weak to fight off the infection. Studies reveal that individuals who have a compromised immune system due to sickness or poor eating habits are more likely to develop nail fungus than healthy individuals are. This is why it is so important for people to eat plenty of vitamin rich fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruits and orange juice are a great source of vitamin C, which can strengthen the immune system.
Treatment Options
People who do develop fingernail fungus can visit their local drug store to find effective over-the-counter fungus creams. Since these products are expensive, some people prefer to use home remedies. Some people claim that white vinegar kills nail fungus but no scientific research has been conducted on the subject.
Applying a topical nail fungus solution may not work if the fungus has spread to the white portion of the nails. In this case, people need to visit their doctor for a prescription antifungal medication that is taken orally. People can develop long lasting health problems from toenail fungus spreading to other parts of the body. People who notice brittle, flaky or discolored nails need to discuss treatment options with their physician as soon as possible.
