Symptoms of fingernail fungus

A fingernail fungus is almost always accompanied by thick, discolored, or flaky nails. You might be interested to know that if you do have this condition then an actual living fungus, or dermatophytes, is eating your nails, and the skin under your nails, and will continue doing so until you make it stop!

Fortunately, getting this fungus to cease and desist isn't all that hard a thing to do. Like any medical condition, your first step should be a trip to the doctor. Even though people that play doctors on T.V. are all too happy to sell you something that you can buy over the counter at your local drug store, you will be much better off letting your doctor decide what the best treatment is for you. Some advanced conditions may require that you take an oral medication while other times a cream or ointment will do the trick.

Your body is subject to many types of fungus infections and most of them start with a break in the skin that allow the fungus to penetrate and take hold. A fingernail fungus may be caused by some physical trauma that cracked or damaged a nail, cuts in your cuticle that allowed the fungus to invade, or even using unclean nail files, emory boards, or poor hygiene at your nail parlor.

Fungus infections are contagious so you want to make sure that you don't place an infected finger into any of your body opening, or your close and intimate partner's body openings (especially THOSE body openings) until the condition is cured. Fungi aren't too choosey where they live and all of those warm and dark places are perfect feeding grounds.

Not all infections are caused by fingernail fungus. There are also bacterial infections which will not respond to anti-fungal treatment at all. This is just one more reason why you should see your doctor if you have any abnormal fingernail symptoms.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.