Fungus (onycomycosis) is one of the most common and unpleasant problems observed in nails. It begins as a white or yellow spot under your nail tip. It is an occurrence both for fingernails and toenails. As the infection progresses the nail gradually turns yellowish or white-ish. The natural colour is lost and the nail plate thickens and crumbles at the edges. It becomes difficult to cut the nail and it does not look aesthetic.

If your nails are showing symptoms such as thickening, discoloration, become brittle and distorted in shape and smell foul then you can be suffering from fungus. Usually the toenails fall victims more often but fingernails can suffer, too.

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Naturally, you ask yourself how and where you can treat the unpleasant infection. Will nail salons do nails with fungus? Yes, they will. Technicians have seen nail issues and it does not surprise them. Most salons do not refuse to give a shiny manicure despite the fungus. However, this does not mean that they should. Fungus is spreadable and it is better to inform them from the beginning that you are experiencing fungus nails. The best thing to do is to visit a medical specialist. Another way to cure is also to purchase a nail polish created especially for fungus and apply it as per instructions. Even if technicians are used to seeing fungus they will not cure it and they are not trained to do so. Sometimes even when you go to a new salon and ask for a pedicure, they may say that they do not provide medical manicure; hence they do not treat nail health issues. Neither have they the equipment.

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HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

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Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common type is called dermatophyte. Yeast and mould also cause the infections. It is very persistent and the treatment is long. Some of the risk factors are walking barefoot in communal areas such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas and shower rooms. Other factors include:

• Being older – the nails become drier with age and lack of balanced and healthy environment below the nail plate can attract more bacteria

• Sweating heavily

• Having an athlete’s foot history – a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. Signs and symptoms include a rash with itching, burning and stinging.

• Having a minor skin or nail injury

• Suffering from diabetes of weakened immune system – additional conditions naturally reduce the body’s ability to fight outside invaders and it becomes more susceptible to infections.

• Acrylic nails left for three months or more – if you leave the nail extensions for too long, they become too damp and the natural nail cannot ‘breathe’ freely. Therefore, bacteria start to develop.
   

SINGS OF TOENAIL FUNGUS

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• Discolouring

• Turning yellow

• Thick and stiff nail plate

• Disintegration of the nail and cracking if the infection is left untreated for a long time

• Damaged skin and cuticles around the nails

 

WILL NAIL SALONS DO FINGERNAILS WITH FUNGUS?

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Yes. Most nail salons do fingernails despite the infection you bring with you. That does not mean they should. Fungus is infectious and can spread to other customers. Before you go you can ask the beauticians if you should bring your own nail kit and what tools should be included.

If you develop fungus infection while wearing the acrylic nails, you should get removed at a salon immediately and begin treatment.

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CAN YOU PUT ACRYLIC NAILS ON NAILS WITH FUNGUS?

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It is not advised to put acrylic nails with fungus. It is considered that the problem appears when too much moisture collects under acrylic nails. Putting acrylics on fungus can further worsen the infection and cause permanent damage to the natural nails.

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HOW DO I GET RID OF NAIL FUNGUS ON MY NAILS?

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However possible, over-the-counter bought medicine is not recommended as their effectiveness is questionable. If you go to a medical professional they might describe you the following medicine:

• terbinafine (Lamisil)

• itraconazole (Sporanox)

• fluconazole (Diflucan)

• griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)
   

Other antifungal treatments are also possible such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions. Both treatments are applied the same way as you apply regular nail polish. The infection is typically stubborn and it can take up to several months to get rid of it. Once cured the infection might return and in some cases to cause permanent damage to your nail.

If not too severe, you can try some home medical treatments. Here are some examples:

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1. Vicks VapoRub

This is a topical ointment. Its active ingredients camphor and eucalyptus oil help treat nail fungus. Apply a small amount of the affected area at least once a day.

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2. Snakeroot extract

This is an antifungal remedy made from plants from the sunflower family. At the start of the treatment it is applied every third day of the first month, twice a week during the second month and once a week for the third month. You can buy the extract online.

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3. Tea three oil

It i also called melaleuca. It is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic qualities. Paint your nail with it twice a day with a cotton swab.

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4. Oregano oil

This oil contains thymol. The substance has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

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 5. Olive leaf extract

Oleuropein is contained in olive oil extract and is believed to have antifungal, antimicrobic and immune-boosting abilities 

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6. Ozonized oils

Ozonized oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil are filled with ozone gas. It is found in sunflowers.

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7. Vinegar

There is no scientific evidence that vinegar helps but it is completely safe to try. Same goes for iodine. Be careful with iodine, though because it colours the nails and leaves stains on the skin. Not the best sight for rocking those summer days and nights with sandals!

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8. Listerine

Listerine contains methol, tymol, and eucalyptus. All have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Soak the affected foot for 30 minutes daily.

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9. Garlic

Place chopped and crushed garlic cloves on the infected are every day for 30 minutes.

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10.  Take a look at your diet

The health of your nails largely depends on your diet. Give your body all healthy nutrients by eating probiotic rich yogurt; proteins for nail growth; enough iron to prevent brittleness; enough fish and meat.

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PREVENTION

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Instead of risking getting, it is better to be aware of some ways that can help you not get infected at all:

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• Avoid stepping barefoot at damp communal areas

• Always dry your feet, between the toes including, after shower or pool.

• Get manicures and pedicures from trusted salons

• Avoid constant usage of nail polish and artificial enhancements
   

WHAT HAPPENS IF NAIL FUNGUS IS LEFT UNTREATED?

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If left untreated, nail fungus can lead to complications. It can become painful and cause permanent damage to your nail. If you have a suppressed immune system or diabetes it can lead to other complications in your body. A bacterial skin infection cellulites can also occur. Also, the nails become thick, rough and unpleasant to look at.

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IN SHORT

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To conclude, nail salons will do your nails, if you have nail fungus infections. The technicians are usually very experienced and have seen all kinds of problems. However, they are not going to treat the problem, neither have they the training or the equipment. At some salons they ever tell you if they treat medical conditions or not. The only manicure that is not recommended is acrylic nails. They are considered as a one of the causes of the infection, especially if left for three months or longer. Too much moist gathers because of the glue, which causes a favourable environment for bacteria.

It is best to see a medical professional if you notice signs of infection. Avid buying over the counter remedies as their effectiveness is questionable. You can also try home treatment with some natural remedies such as oils and plant extracts.

Do not leave fungus untreated for too long. Once the first symptoms appear, start searching for treatment. If left for too long, the stubborn infection can lead to permanent damage of your nails and eventual disintegration of the nail place. Arm yourself with patience. The infection can take several months to get rid of.

Prevent yourself from contracting fungus in the first place. Always wear slippers at swimming pools and communal showers. Keep your feet dry and remove the water between your feet with a towel. Avoid stepping on unclean surfaces and go only to well-respected nail salons.