Nail Infections Affect 52% of Americans

More than 52% of respondents reported nail fungus or infection symptoms, according to a survey of 830 Americans by TNS/NFO Research for Alva-Amco, Niles, IL. Also, half of the respondents share their nail-grooming tools with others, including spouses, children, roommates, co-workers and pets.

Chicago-area dermatologist Andrew Scheman, MD said nail infections are often spread from the initially infected nail to healthy nails with nail clippers that have not been properly cleaned. Some sufferers of severe nail infections require medical procedures.

Nail infections can be avoided by grooming both fingernails and toenails often and clipping toenails straight across, cleaning nail tools thoroughly after use with a product that eliminates bacteria and fungus, not sharing nail tools with others, questioning cleaning procedures at salons, drying feet thoroughly after showers, changing socks several times a day if feet perspire heavily and wearing shower shoes or flip-flops in communal showers, pools, locker rooms and on hotel carpets. More info: www.alva-amco.com.