7 Factors That Can Increase Your Risk For Developing Fungal Infection of the Feet and Nails

By Lorinne Yen

Fungal infection of the feet and nails may start as yellow or white spots. Without treatment, the nail fungus can spread and may lead to nail thickening and discoloration.

Typically, foot and nail fungus is caused by fungi called dermatophytes such as Candida. The fungal infection enters the skin though tiny cuts in the skin or nail bed. In a warm and moist environment, the fungi can thrive and easily spread to adjacent areas.

Below are 7 risk factors that increase your risk for fungal infection of the feet and nails:

1. Unfortunately, it was observed that people with a family history of fungal nail infections are more prone to have the infection. Therefore, genetics plays a major role in the risk of developing the condition.

2. It is estimated that around 30 percent of people with diabetes have fungal nail infections. Thus, diabetes increases the risk of having feet fungus. Likewise, people with a weak immune system are more at risk.

3. People with psoriasis are also more at risk of having fungus nails. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by having thick, red skin, and scaly patches. Psoriasis and fungal infection can affect the feet at the same time.

4. If you wear tight shoes or footwear that crowds your toes, then this increases your chances of having fungal feet. Tight fitting shoes trap moisture or sweat and encourage the growth of fungi. Closed shoes do not let in any airflow. Wearing socks that do not absorb perspiration well also puts you at risk of having nail fungus.

5. Having damaged nails or cut in the skin can also increase the chances of contacting fungal infection of the feet and nails.

6. Walking barefoot in public places particularly gyms, shower rooms, and swimming pools puts you at risk of getting the infection.

7. If you perspire heavily or have hyperhidrosis, then you have increased risk for fungus feet. Fungi flourish in wet and warm environments.

It can be a challenge to treat foot and nail fungus. Treatment includes antifungal creams, ointments and oral antifungal medications. However, it can still take many weeks to months before improvement can be noted.

To help prevent infections, practice good hygiene. Wear good fitting footwear with adequate ventilation, keep your feet dry, use antifungal powder, and wash your feet regularly.

Terpenoids from plant extracts have been used widely for their aromatic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. One of the well known plant terpenoids is tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the tea tree. It is used in many products and may be used as an adjunct in feet and nail fungus treatment.

Neutrea soap has an organic proprietary blend of tea tree oil and other essential oils to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of fungal feet and nails at http://www.drlamlabs.com/neutrea-soap.php

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