How Does a Finger Nail Develop Fungus?
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What Fungus Looks Like
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If your fingernail is oddly colored, (not pink) and thickened, breaks easily or is misshapen, and sometimes even gives you pain, it is likely that you have a nail fungus known as Onychomycosis. If you have your hands in water a lot you are most likely to get this condition because this fungus likes warm, moist environments. While anyone can get Onychomycosis, it is more common in the elderly over the age of 60, particularly if the elderly person is diabetic or has circulatory disease. This condition is extremely rare in children however.
Do Not Share Towels
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If you spend a lot of time with your hands in water you are more likely to develop fungal fingernail infections. Also, If a person's immune system is weakened by illness he is probably not going to be able to fight off fungus infections so he needs to be protected. Do not share washcloths or towels as this is a perfect way to pass on the fungus from one person to the next.
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A Few Hints for Prevention
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Cutting your fingernails short and keeping them that way is helpful as well as making sure you file down any thick areas that you see on the nail. Do not use someone else's nail file or emery board and similarly, if you have a nail with fungus, don't use the same tools on your other nails that you used on that one. Another idea is to bring your own manicure tools from home when you have your fingernails professionally manicured, so you are not being worked on with the same tools as the others that came before you. Always wear rubber gloves when you wash the dishes by hand, or for any other type of wet work.
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