There are people who have struggled with toenail fungus for twenty years or longer-and most of them consistently lose the battle. They won’t wear sandals, won’t show their feet and many have developed such an aversion to letting people see their toes it has seriously affected their quality of life. Imagine, no pool parties, no open-toed shoes, no beaches and no fun.
So what is this scourge that causes so much suffering? Common toenail fungus. Also known as tinea of the nails, this condition is made up of living organisms that thrive in the damp and completely dark environment existing inside shoes and socks. Affected nails usually turn yellow or brown. They can be thick. They can be brittle. At times some nails shed several layers or crumble around the edges. Almost all toenail fungus is ugly, painful and embarrassing. Sometimes it even emits an odor. And guess what? For all those folks who refuse to go barefoot, there is more bad news. The damp and dark environment created by heavy shoes and socks only makes the situation worse.
There are dozens of solutions, old wives’ tales and traditions addressing this topic. Problem is…most of them don’t work. Almost every family has a time honored cure they will willingly share with you. We have heard stories about vinegar, potatoes, salt water, and all manner of food and mineral treatments. But often the very people promoting these ideas suffer from toenail fungus and have given up treating it.
There is no shame in having toenail fungus. Anyone can be affected. Sadly, once you have it on one nail there is a possibility it will spread to all the others. Hundreds of Vietnam veterans, people who had to wear heavy combat boots for days on end, exposing their feet to heat, moisture and sweat have struggled with unhealthy toenails ever since.
Athletes, military personnel, gymnasts and ballet dancers are just a few of the individuals at high risk for this persistent condition. Also, people who come in contact with affected individuals are at risk. Toenail fungus spreads, from foot to foot, toenail to toenail, and person to person. This means locker rooms, pool areas and even motel rooms pose a threat.
Once you discover yellowed or discolored nails, thickening nail beds and the odor and blight that can accompany them, do not go into hiding. There are remedies available. But be careful. Some prescription products pose a greater health risk than the fungus ever thought of causing. Research this condition. The Internet has exhausting amounts of information. Most of all…don’t give up. There is hope and by next summer you might find yourself wearing sandals or even running barefoot on a sun-drenched beach.
