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…