Lime nails

Fungal nails suddenly mar your ever so fluffy feet. Not so nice in your peeptoe pumps, but be comforted: you are not the only one bothered by this! But what is a fungal nail and how do you get rid of it as quickly as possible? We explain it.

What is a fungal nail?

Lime nails (also called fungal nails) are a fungal infection of the nail. Bacteria and fungi live on your skin, which in themselves do not harm at all. But in some situations fungi get the chance to penetrate your skin or nails, after which a fungal nail may develop. About ten percent of the Dutch suffer from fungal infections on the feet. Men are slightly more affected than women.

How does a fungal nail develop?

A fungal nail usually develops on damp or damaged skin or nail. Fungi love warm, damp places and therefore find sweat socks and shoes an ideal breeding ground. The drier the environment, the less mold will grow. Factors that increase the appearance of a fungal nail are hereditary predisposition and a reduced immune system due to illness or medication.

What are the symptoms of fungal nails?

You can recognize a fungal nail by the following symptoms:

  • Thickening of the nail
  • Brittleness or brittleness of the nail
  • White-yellow, green or brown discoloration
  • Flakes on and under the nail
  • Slow growing nails

Are fungal nails contagious?

Since you transfer fungi easily, fungal nails are contagious. For example, flakes can peel off your skin and nails and then infect another. The opposite also applies to you! Therefore, always wear slippers in public places where people walk barefoot, such as the swimming pool, sauna or gym.

Are fungal nails dangerous?

In healthy people, fungal nails are not dangerous. In people with a weakened immune system or people with diabetes, the infection can become more severe and spread faster. Do you have a fungal nail and also a reduced immune system or diabetes? Then visit your doctor.

How do you treat a fungal nail?

Do you want to get rid of your fungal nail? First make sure that you don’t give foot fungi a chance. Also, you can treat a fungal nail with:

  • Vinegar
  • Laser treatment
  • Anti-fungal nail products

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural remedy that can help against fungal nails because it is very acidic. The fungus that causes fungal nails cannot withstand high acidity. What should you do? Soak the affected nail every day in a container of pure vinegar. Do this for fifteen minutes, so that the vinegar can penetrate well under your nail. Then rinse your feet with water.

Laser treatment

Are you curious about other ways to get rid of a fungal nail? Then you can also have a laser treatment against fungal nails. The laser heats your nail and kills the fungus. The surrounding tissue remains undamaged. This treatment is painless and must be repeated several times. Be patient as it can take a few months to a year for a completely healthy nail to grow!

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