Treating Fungus
The more you know about fungal infections, the better you'll be able to treat them. You may also view our informational video on how to get rid of fungus
 How do I know I have a fungal infection?
Because there are so many types of fungal infections, there are a variety of signs that will lead you to believe you have been infected by fungi.
If you have a nail fungal infection, your nails may:
- Become thickened
- Become brittle, crumbly, or ragged
- Distort in shape
- Become flat or dull, having lost luster and shine
- Display white spots
- Turn yellow, green, black in color, caused by debris building up under your nail
- Possibly separate from nail bed
If you have a fungal infection such as jock itch, ringworm or athletes foot, some common signs or symptoms are:
- Itchiness or redness of the affected area
- Flaking peeling and cracking of the skin
- A circle of rash that may be inflamed
- Burning sensation
If you are uncertain which type of fungal infection you have, it is recommended that you see a doctor so he can properly diagnose your condition.
- What are fungal infections?
A fungal infection, clinically known as mycosis, occurs when certain types of fungi outgrow the normal amounts of fungus one has on the skin and in the body, causing fungal infections. Fungal infections most commonly affect the skin because they live off of keratin, which is a protein that makes up the skin, hair, and nails. The most dominant types of fungus that affect the body include Athletes foot (tinea pedis), nail fungus (onychomycosis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis).
- What is the difference between a nail fungal infection and athlete's foot?
Although athlete's foot and nail fungus may coexist, they are two different types of fungal infections. Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus and usually occurs between the toes. It is commonly characterized by persistent itching and burning of the skin on the feet or scaling and peeling between the toes. The infection may also involve the soles of the feet where redness, blistering, and scaling can be present.
Nail fungus is a fungal infection that affects your finger and/or toenails. The classic symptoms of nail fungus infection are:
- Thickened nails
- Nails that become brittle, crumbly, or ragged
- Nails that seem to be distorted in shape
- Nails that seem to have become flat or dull, having lost luster and shine
- White spots on the nail
- Discolored nails; yellow, green, black in color, caused by debris building up under the nail.
- The nail may also separate from nail bed
- Are fungal infections contagious?
YES, fungal infections are contagious. The tiny organisms that infect your body can spread from one person to another. They can spread from coming in contact with or from sharing objects that have come in contact with the fungus such as socks, shoes, towels, nail care sets, and even shower floors.
Since fungi live in environments where the air is moist and humid, such as shower stalls, bathrooms or locker rooms, it is recommended to wear shoes when present in these environments to decrease the likelihood of contacting a fungal infection.
- What causes fungal infections?
There are several circumstances that will increase your chances of developing a fungal infection because of all the different types. Fungal infections are most common during warm weather months. People are more at jeopardy of getting a fungal infection if they have just recently taken antibiotics, have a weak immune system, have been taking oral steroids, or have diabetes.
Moist skin, such as skin that is not properly dried after heavily sweating or bathing, can greatly increase the development of a fungal infection. This can also be caused by occupations or hobbies that may cause the hands and/or feet to remain wet or damp for prolonged periods of time.
Fungal infections such as nail fungus or athletes foot can also be caused by wearing the same shoes everyday, especially if they are closed and do not allow for easy ventilation. Since fungi are commonly found in damp and moist areas, places such as public showers, locker rooms, and gyms can be breeding grounds for fungal infections; therefore walking barefoot in any of these places increases the likelihood of a fungal infection.
- How can I treat a fungal infection?
The best treatment is prevention. Make sure to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily. But if you already have a fungal infection, there are over-the-counter treatments that are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription medications, such as Fungi Nail® Brand antifungal solution and the Fungi-Nail® Antifungal Pen.
- How can I prevent fungal infections?
In order to prevent fungal infections, first make sure you maintain proper hygiene on your hands and feet. In addition, you should follow these tips:
- Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Dry your hands and feet carefully, including areas between the toes and after bathing. Make sure you don't over trim nails because it may cause small cuts and tears which can allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed.
- Wear appropriate socks. Change socks often and do not wear for more than 24 hours. Alternate between wearing closed and open toed shoes so that your feet can "breathe"
- It is recommended to use an anti-fungal spray or powder on feet and inside of shoes in order to prevent the spread of fungi.
- Select a well-known manicure and pedicure salon. Make sure the salon uses the most sanitary procedures for sterilizing its instruments, but it is always better if you can bring your own instruments.
- Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails; this may give access to germs on your skin or the nail.
- Don't walk barefoot in public places. Make sure to wear shoes in public areas such as pools, lockers, and/or showers.
- Wash your hands if you come in contact with someone who has a fungal infection. Remember, fungal infections can spread from one person to another.
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