 |
|
|
The Fungal Facts
|
|
|
Certain types of fungus cause athlete’s foot and “onychomycosis” (toenail fungus). Worried that fungus might find its way onto you? Keep in mind that many kinds of fungus and bacteria live on our bodies without hurting us!
|
- Athlete’s Foot
-
- This condition is caused by fungus that gets onto the feet and starts reproducing like crazy. The fungus thrives in dark and damp places, so if you’re wearing tennis shoes all day and sweating, your feet are the ideal place to live. This condition causes symptoms like itchiness and scaly skin.
- Fungus
- You might think of a fungus as a type of plant. Fungi aren’t like most plants, though, since they need to feed off of other living or dead animals. Some types of fungus are useful to us, while others cause infections. Mildew, mold, yeast, and even mushrooms are types of fungus.
- Onychomycosis
- This is the scientific name for toenail fungus. It is caused by certain kinds of fungus that like to feed on keratin, the protein that is found in our nails and hair. Usually the fungus stays on the toenails, because fungi like to live in dark and moist places. Your feet are often in damp socks or tennis shoes – just the sort of environment fungus need to thrive in. Since you (hopefully) wash your hands often and do not constantly wear gloves, the fungus doesn’t tend to take hold there.
- Keratin
- This is one type of protein. Your hair and nails contain keratin. Unfortunately some types of fungus feed on it; when this happens, and the fungus multiplies, it becomes the condition we call toenail fungus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is estimated that 35 million Americans have onychomycosis (commonly called toenail fungus).
90% of people with onychomycosis do not even know the name of their infection.
70% of people with onychomycosis said that their doctor has never talked about taking care of feet properly.
You could easily catch a fungal infection, as 76% of people with onychomycosis walk around their homes barefoot and 51% walk barefoot when in public showers at swimming pools, gyms, clubs, etc.
(Data gathered in a survey sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation in May of 2004.)
|
|
|
|
|
|