John's Research Blog UCC

Nail fungus is better prevented than treated. Here's some advice on how to prevent fungal infections: Keep your toenails trimmed short, smooth edges and file down thickened areas. Sanitize your nail clippers. If you must wear socks, choose ones that wick moisture away from your skin. Choose shoes made of materials that breathe. Alternate your shoes regularly. Never wear someone else’s shoes or share nail clippers. Avoid going barefoot in public facilities. If you go to a nail salon for a pedicure, look around to make sure that staff are sanitizing tools.  If you notice a problem with your nails, consult your doctor . Figure 1: Fungal infections of the Nail and Skin. Image created with Biorender.com. 

Ringworm of the nail occurs when the fungi penetrates through the skin or nail. Figure 1: Healthy nail vs fungal infected nail. Image created using Biorender.com. With a fungal nail Infection, the nails are often thickened, discolored and may crumble when cut. The infection can cause pain and swelling in the skin around the nail. A fungal nail infection is usually caused by the same fungus as Athlete’s foot and can be contracted the same way through locker rooms, communal showers and pool areas or in similar damp environments.  Figure 2: Fungal nail infection also known as onychomycosis. Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that can cause the nail to become discolored, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails. Image created using Biorender.com. Wearing artificial nails has a greater risk of infection because the surface of the nail is often scraped and prepped. The infection spreads quite