What are fungal infections?
Fungal infections are very common and there are quite a few different kinds. The most dominant types of fungus that affect the body include athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis). For our purposes, we'll focus on fungal infections of the hands and feet.

Fungal infections can reside beneath the finger or toe nail surface and can affect the areas on or around your fingers and toes such as the cuticles and the skin under and around the nail edges and tips. Fungus can spread to healthy skin or nails, so quick treatment to kill the fungus is important.

Fungal infections such as athlete's foot and toe fungus are contagious. The tiny organisms that infect your body can spread from one person to another. They can spread when one comes in contact with or shares objects that have come in contact with the fungus such as; socks, shoes, towels, nail care sets and even shower floors.

How fungal infections develop
Because of all the different types of fungi, there are several circumstances that will increase your chances of developing an infection. 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 chances of developing a fungal infection. Certain occupations or hobbies that may cause the hands and/or feet to remain wet or damp for prolonged periods of time can also increase the chances of developing an infection.

Fungal infections such as toe fungus or athlete's foot can also be caused by wearing the same shoes every day, 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 contracting a fungal infection.

Athlete's Foot
There are at least four different types of microscopic fungus that cause athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot that causes peeling, redness, itching, burning and sometimes blisters and sores. It is an extremely common type of fungal infection. The athlete's foot fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment (like shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms and the floors of public showers) in the summer and in warm, humid climates.

Since fungi thrive in environments where the air is moist and humid, such as shower stalls, bathrooms or locker rooms, it is recommended that you wear shoes when present in these environments to decrease the likelihood of contracting a fungal infection.

Treating finger, toe and athlete's foot fungus
The best treatment is prevention. Make sure to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily. However, if you already have a fungal infection, there are over-the-counter treatments that are affordable alternatives to prescription medications, such as: Fungi Nail^® Brand Anti-Fungal Solution, Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Pen and Fungi-Nail Toe & Foot™ Ointment.

Preventing fungal infections
In order to prevent fungal infections, maintain proper hygiene and follow these steps:

• Keep your nails short, dry and clean.
• Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas.
• Wear appropriate socks. Change socks often and do not wear for more than 24 hours so that your feet can "breathe".
• Use an anti-fungal product as soon as you notice an infection to prevent the spread of fungi.
• Select a well-known manicure and pedicure salon, and bring your own instruments.
• Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails.
• Don't walk barefoot in public places such as pools, locker rooms and/or showers.
• Wash your hands. Remember, fungal infections can spread from one person to another.