Identify Your Nail Fungus

1. Know the Risk Factors
Certain conditions and practices tend to make you more prone to nail fungus. Research shows that individuals 60 years old and above are more likely to have nail fungus. Similarly, those who suffer from circulatory ailments, diabetes and those who take strong medication which weakens the immune system are equally at risk. Be mindful of the places you go to like gyms, swimming pools, etcetera where you are more likely to get fungus. Never walk barefooted on dirty surfaces such as the shower floors and gym floors. Keep your foot dry and perspiration free since moist attracts fungus. Exposing your feet to a moderate amount of sunshine is also recommended to prevent fungus from thriving into your feet.

2. Initial Examination
If you have nail fungus, it is better to seek medical help. The doctor may initially asses your nail through looking at any signs of brittleness, distortion, color change, thickening, nail detachment from bed and debris underneath the nail. From there, your doctor will decide if your nails simply need anti-fungal creams or if it is severe, the nail may require further tests.

3. More Advanced Treatments
If the doctor thinks your nail needs to be examined further he or she may take nail samples by scraping off a part of the infected nail. The sample will undergo laboratory examination, thus identifying what grew in your nail. This will then be your doctor’s basis of providing the necessary toenail fungus treatment – either prescribing a drug or requiring a minor surgery where your nail will be removed. This will promote the growth of a new, healthy nail. It should take months for the new nail to grow, leaving the nail bed exposed. Therefore, you will have to give your toes extra care for it not to be infected or wounded.