Spend Some Time Outdoors: It will Help Clear Up Those Fungal Nails

If you are suffering from a nail fungus infection [onychomycosis] you’re probably too embarrassed to walk around barefoot or in open toed footwear.  You may even be turing down invitations to the beach or the swimming pool.  In fact you’ll do anything to keep those ugly nails covered up.

Unfortunately this is only making matters worse.  One of the best things you can do is let your toenails breathe and expose them to sunlight for at least a few hours each day.  In other words: Head outdoors.

It’s important to get as much information about the condition as possible. I certainly did when I first noticed the ugly yellowish discoloration appearing under my nails. I investigated a wide range of research reports, discussed my condition with a number of health professionals and did a great deal of online research.

Here is a shortcut to some of the things that I discovered.

• Approximately 10% of the population has a nail fungus infection.
• In most people it’s the big toenail that is most at risk.
• The most common causative agent is a fungus belonging to the dermatophyte group.
• Dermatophytes feed off the keratinized tissue of the nail.
• The specific species of dermatophyte most commonly linked to a fungal nails is called Trichophyton rubrum.  Some estimates indicate that this organism is responsible for around 90% of all infections.
• It is normally diagnosed on the basis of its appearance but other tests such as taking a scraping and applying potassium hydroxide to it are also commonly used.
• Although a wide range of oral prescription antifungals have been shown to be effective against the condition, they also are thought to cause adverse side effects.
• That’s why most people use topical antifungal drugs to treat the condition.
• Success rates vary depending on how well the antifungal drug is able to penetrate the nail to reach the fungus.
• Exposing the affected fungal nails to sunlight for a few hours each day will help speed up clearance rates. 

Tags: health

Category: outdoor sports