Fungus fingernails

We’ve focused our last two posts on fingernail problems because, even though toenail fungal infections are more common than fingernail infections, it’s easier to hide the problem away in shoes and socks.

Finger nails are, of course, much more visible than toenails. And apart from covering up with nail polish or artificial nails (not a good idea as we’ll explain in a moment) it’s hard to hide unsightly fingernail fungus. The yellow discoloration and thickened, brittle appearance commonly associated with fungus fingernails is right there for everyone to see.

When reading about nail fungus infections you’ll find general information on the symptoms and what to do about them, but rarely do you see discussion about the emotional or psychological impacts of the disorder, or information specifically on fingernails. We think this is an important omission as people who suffer from fungus fingernails often report loss of self-esteem, acute embarrassment and lack of social interaction.  They are less likely to go swimming in public places, go to the beach, attend the gym or even summer time events that would require them to wear open-toed shoes.

Making matters worse

The natural inclination is to apply artificial nails and cover up the problem. But actually, this can make the fingernail infection worse. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, damp environments and by restricting air flow around the nail, that’s exactly the kind of environment that artificial nails help to create.  Nail polish also can make matters worse by trapping moisture within the nail itself.

So artificial nails and nail polish can cause the fungus fingernail infection to grow faster and spread more. It’s a progressive disorder, and the more severe your fingernail fungus infection, the harder it will be to cure. To see what we mean by this have a look at our nail fungus treatment review chart to show you how different treatments are effective depending on the severity of the fingernail fungus infection.

Getting rid of fungus fingernails

Far better than covering up your fungus fingernails, is to seek treatment right away. There are a number of options available to you including natural remedies, toenail fungus home remedies and topical treatments. Some focus on removing the fungus while others work to boost your immune system and encourage healthy nails to grow. A good place to start your research is by comparing the different toenail fungus treatment options available to you.

Your fingernails are an important barometer of overall health. Healthy looking nails have healthy skin underneath them and this is what gives them an attractive pinkish hue.

When you lose that color, or the nail appearance itself changes, this could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency or a specific health problems.

Some of the most common fingernail problems:

• Yellow fingernails
• Thick fingernails
• White spots
• Soft fingernails
• Brittle nails that break easily
• Nails that look as if they are spooned out
• Fingernails that separate from the nail bed

First things first: check your diet

Many of these fingernail problems could be caused by a nutritional deficiency. So the first thing to do is take a good quality, high-potency multivitamin/mineral supplement (which includes Zinc, Iron and B vitamins).  Make sure you also beef up your diet with protein (which is what fingernails are made of) and fatty acids.

A good diet that ensures you get all the nutrients you need is a great safeguard against fingernail problems. But don’t expect results over night - what you’re doing is building a foundation for long term nail health.

Specific symptoms may be a sign of fungal fingernails

Fungus infections are a very common fingernail problem.  In fact it has been estimated that over 35 million people in the US suffer from nail fungus infections (of the fingernail and toenails).

If you have yellow fingernails, thick fingernails or it looks like your fingernails are separating from he nail bed, then you could have fingernail fungus.  The condition is known as onychomychosis.   If you suspect that you may have this condition, read our longer list of nail fungus symptoms and head on over to our toenail fungus treatment page to research the remedies available to you.

If you’re worried about your fingernail problems, seek medical advice

Some experts say that fingernails are a ’signpost’ to other conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems or diabetes.  These can be serious, so it is important to seek medical advice to rule out some of these other causes before you start self-treatment with nutritional supplements or begin an anti-fungal remedy.