Distal Subungual Onychomycosis is one of the most common nail fungi infecting people today. It infects both the nail and the nail bed and has symptoms ranging from yellow stripes in the nail bed and on the underside of the nail, dry and brittle nails, a buildup of debris (skin and nail fragments) underneath the nail and the nails are often are easily broken, crumbly and ragged.

Toenail fungus can be incredibly unpleasant, causing an unpleasant odor and is often accompanied by athletes foot. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis is caused by Dermatophytes, which is the cause for 90% of toenail fungus.

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis sounds complicated, but it is a medical term meaning nail fungus infection. The fungus starts under the nail at the tip of the finger or toe. Other types of subungual nail fungus include lateral subungual, which means the fungus spreads from along the side of the nail, and proximal subungual, which means the fungus starts near the cuticle and root of the nail. All of the above listed fungi usually involve Dermatophytes, which grows in the skin, nails and hair.

There are many over-the-counter treatments as well as home remedies, however, as with all infectious medical conditions, it’s highly recommended that the afflicted individual seek medical advice and treatment from a certified physician.

Because fungus of all types tends to thrive in warm, moist places, it’s recommended that you keep your hands and feet as dry as possible, washing regularly and drying thoroughly after each wash. Avoid tight fitting shoes and wear open-toed shoes or sandals as often as permitted. Use gloves if moisture is an issue with your hands and change your socks regularly if necessary. It is definitely not recommended that anyone wear the same socks more than once.

You can also prevent fungi outbreaks by wearing sandals or slippers when using public locker rooms, bathrooms and showers. Wash your body (especially your feet and hands) down immediately after using the pool and exercise equipment. Remember to thoroughly dry everything before putting on gloves or shoes.

Replace your footwear regularly and if possible, be sure to wash with a scent-free or delicate detergent once or twice a month. Be sure your shoes are dried thoroughly before you continue to wear them.

The above suggestions may sound like common sense, but utilizing these tips will help you prevent nail infections. Always seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional if you think you may be suffering from a fungus infection and follow their treatment plan diligently and fully. Fungus infections can sometimes take months to clear up, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see immediate results. Getting rid of a nail infection takes every day applications and sometimes requires oral medication.

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