Fungal infections are a common phenomenon affecting the skin and nail surfaces. A warm and humid environment is particularly favorable for them, so it is not surprising that our feet are the ones that are under attack. Almost every fourth resident has this problem, and if you are one of them and what to do if you get nail fungus, read below. What is nail fungus? Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is caused by dermatophytes in 90 percent of cases. They develop gradually, are easily transmitted and very often go unnoticed in the initial phase. People usually turn to a doctor for help when the infection spreads over the entire nail surface and the nail significantly changes its appearance. So how do you initially recognize if you also have this problem? Here are some common symptoms to watch out for: Changes in the color of the nail - the nail becomes yellow, greenish or brown Thickening of the nail - the nail affected by the infection becomes thicker and brittle Texture – the nail may appear uneven or the surface becomes rough Brittleness - the nail breaks and leaves easily Discomfort - some may experience pain and discomfort in the nail area Skin changes - the surrounding skin may be sensitive, red and painful to the touch Why do toenail fungus occur? Fungi are microorganisms that favor warm, dark and moist environments for growth and development. Therefore, it is not surprising that long-term wearing of closed shoes is one of the most common causes of this phenomenon. In addition, nail fungus is caused by: Wearing synthetic socks that prevent proper ventilation of the feet When you spend time (at work, for example) in wet conditions Walking barefoot on a wet surface (public bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools) Share towels, clothes or shoes with someone who has this problem Use nail care hygiene items that have been used by an infected person. This can be a problem in beauty salons that do not regularly sterilize the equipment they work with. The development of infection contributes to the application of nail polish or artificial nails and similar extensions to the nail that is affected by the infection. Factors that contribute to the development of infection Not everyone is equally susceptible to yeast infections. Contributing factors are: Weakened immunity Poor circulation Psoriasis, athlete's foot, diabetes Frequent visits to manicure and pedicure salons Frequent trips to the gym, swimming pool, saunas Nail trauma (there is a greater susceptibility to infection if there is damage to the nail) Frequent and prolonged wearing of tight shoes and socks, especially if they are made of synthetic materials Hereditary factor Toenail fungus Fingernail fungus Toenail fungus will occur more often precisely because of the conditions in which our feet are located, but this does not mean that hands are not exposed to this infection. Fungi are most often transmitted to the hands and nails by touching another part of the body that is already affected by a dermatophyte infection. You are especially susceptible if you often keep your hands in water, bite your nails or have an injury to your fingernails. How to prevent nail fungus? Here's how you can prevent a yeast infection: Fungi are easily transmitted, so be aware that people around you may have them. They are more common in elderly people, diabetics, people with weakened immunity, so act preventively and strengthen your immunity Be careful in places where fungi breed easily. Protect your feet and hands in swimming pools, in saunas, in the gym. When choosing a beauty salon, opt for those with a proven reputation and make sure on the spot if they use equipment that has been sterilized beforehand. Be careful when cutting your nails so as not to cause physical damage. Use only your personal tools (scissors, nibbler, file) and regularly wash and disinfect them with alcohol. Clean and dry your nails carefully – wash your hands often and thoroughly clean and dry your hands and feet each time. Wear gloves when you do housework, and you know you're going to get your hands wet. Choose socks made of natural materials. Protect the nail from injury, because the damaged surface of the nail becomes more susceptible to infection. When choosing shoes, choose those made of natural materials that allow the foot to breathe. Avoid tight shoes. What is the natural remedy for nail fungus? When the first signs of a fungal infection appear, many will prefer to resort to some of the natural remedies. The good news is that nature has provided us with some great solutions for preventing and alleviating the symptoms of infection. Lemon juice – squeeze a lemon and apply the juice directly to the infected nail with a cotton ball Apple cider vinegar - make a solution of apple cider vinegar (dilute the vinegar with water) and soak the nail in it Oregano oil is considered a natural anti-fungal agent. Use it by diluting a few drops of this oil with olive oil and then applying this mixture to the nail surface Tea tree oil - this oil is known as a powerful tool to fight many surface infections, including this one. It is intensive in composition, so it needs to be diluted with olive oil and only then used. Garlic - enough