In recent years, beautifully sculpted and decorated fingernails have appeared on the social scene and spread like wild fire. Just look around you, more women than not are now expressing themselves by having unique finger and even toenail creations. Whether you like acrylic, fiber, gel, linen, silk, oval shaped or square, french manicure, long, short, designs painted to match your outfit, you name it, now it can all be yours!

To no surprise, nail salons have spread like wildfire across the country, creating a whole new segment within the beauty industry. And as it is with all industries that have lots of competition, the price of a nail make-over has become so affordable, it is literally available to anyone, even men.  Although I have noted a marked increase in men getting mani/pedi’s, I have to admit that I have yet to see one getting artificial nails or a custom paint job   But who knows? Maybe some brave souls will eventually feel the need to express themselves.  Don’t think that this could happen? Just look back in history and see how ornately men liked to decorate themselves.

For most of my female friends, a weekly trip to a nail salon has become part of their regular beauty regime. Unfortunately, dealing with Nail Fungus seems to have become another for many. I personally know of several female friends that are hiding their toes in closed shoes all year long, and their fingernail under a layer of acrylic. Artificial nails are glued on and don’t allow for the nail to breathe, and if separated from the natural nails, moisture can get under the tip, creating a cozy place for fungus to grow. When a fungal infection occurs, it may initially cause no symptoms. However, if an associated secondary bacterial infection occurs, pain, swelling and throbbing may be the result. If this condition occurs, antibiotics are needed to clear the secondary bacterial infection.

Men using nail spas also carry the risk of contracting a fungal infection, predominately through unsterilized grooming tools and equipment. I do recall the media reporting nail salon closures due to unhygienic conditions, which were linked to spreading fungal diseases a few years back.  Since then many States have imposed hygiene and safety regulations. You can do a Google search or go to your State’s website for more information. We now have the dubious distinction of the acknowledgment of a new term “artificial nail fungus”.

Fungus, as everyone knows, likes to invade and grow in dark, warm and moist places. Covering up an infected nail does neither cure nor solve the problem. Instead, it worsens it because now you are creating the perfect environment for fungus to grow. It is understandable that when a nails look yellowed, brittle and malformed as a result of an infection, the natural inclination is that one wants to hide the condition for fear of embarrassing stares and comments.  So, while the fungus is hidden, the nail(s) will gradually deteriorate to the point where it will become virtually impossible to apply artificial nails to.

It is far better to nip the “monster” in the bud than risk loosing a nail or nails after dealing with it for month on end.  If you are a frequent patron of a nail salon, pay attention to their sterilization procedures and overall hygiene protocols.  Also, give your nails a rest ever so often. Let them breathe for a while before you indulge in more nail art. Especially in the cold month when wearing closed toed shoes for extended periods of time. Examine your nails for signs of infection at least once a week.  Educate yourself on what to look out for and never ignore just the smallest hint of infection.  But most of all, if you already have a raging fungal infection, and yes you know who you are, go see your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

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I came across this video on YouTube recently about Toenail removal and like most of you, I was thinking “why would someone willingly do this to themselves?”  Well, I have a few thoughts that come to mind, but one of the answers is because the toe nail became detached from the nail bed and has become a major nuisance.

The 2 main reasons why a nail could dislodge from the nail bed are  trauma and infection.  With trauma this might happen rather quickly.  On the other hand, for a nail to separate due to infection or other disease would take quite some time. Nail infections generally progress at a very slow pace as does the regrowth of a nail.  Finger nails tend to grow a bit faster than toenails, but on average it takes around six months for a nail to grow fully from the base to the tip.

This fact to me is a compelling reason to catch an infection as early as possible and start treating as soon as you see signs.

It always surprises me how many people ignore their unhealthy looking nails. As if the problem might go away on its own?

Case in point: I have two female friends demonstrating nail fungus denial at this very moment.  One has just spent her entire summer in closed-toed shoes due to her unsightly toenail, and the other will not sacrifice her beautiful acrylic nails, no matter what goes on underneath.  I happen to know that she has a serious case of fungal infection under her right thumb nail.  It is so bad, the lady at the nail salon she usually goes to asked her politely not to come back.  Heck, I would be too embarrassed to go there in the first place.

Nail fungus may not be a medically speaking a serious disease, but it most certainly does compromise one’s quality of life.  I for one prefer not to have to deal with this affliction and take these precautions:

* I will not go barefoot in any public pool, spa, sauna, gym, shower, locker, bathing house facility – EVER

* If I happen to bump my nail(s) I make sure I disinfect and keep a close eye on the injury to prevent parasites from invading

* I keep my toes as dry as possible and use foot powder when needed

* I disinfect my shoes on a regular basis

* I only wear socks made of natural fibers and prefer shoes made of leather

* During sandal season I like to wear toenail polish, but will go “naked” during the winter month to allow my toenails to “breathe”

* I make a point of inspecting my nails at least once a month

* I never share grooming tools, towels and socks

* I do not frequent nail salons and spas that do not uphold a stringent sterilization regime

* I made a point of educating myself what to look out for.

I always say, awareness is the first step to prevention.  I hope this post has helped my readers become more aware of might be lurking under your nail(s).  Gross or not, fungal infections are a fact of life.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, where we will look at various treatment option, till then…