Nail fungus is unsightly, difficult to treat and difficult to prevent.

This frustrates many people and leads them to taking the toxic drug Lamisil.

Learn what causes nail fungus:

* Trauma: when a nail is hit against something, the nail lifts from the nail bed allowing fungus to creep under the nail and set in. If the nail is protected immediately after, fungus may be prevented. Ask your doctor how to prevent bacteria and fungus from getting under your nail bed. Salt water soaks, hydrogen peroxide, betadine, gentian violet all may help. However, be careful as these can be contraindicated with certain types of trauma - especially severe trauma. Ask your doctor.

* Environment: when a nail is exposed to wet areas, high humidity, warm temperatures, or alkaline environment [high pH], this sets up the opportune spot for fungus to set in. Create a dry, breathable and acidic environment. Vegetarians are more prone to fungus as their diet is highly alkaline. Soap is alklaine forming but it is also anti-bacterial so what to do there? Skin is supposed to be slightly acidic so use moisturizers that promote that. Moor mud moisturizers provide an acidic pH. Use all cotton or all wool socks as these breathe well. Avoid synthetic socks which do not wick water away from your feet.

* Weak immune function: if the immune system is not functioning strongly, it cannot fight local infections such as fungus. Support the immune system with proper diet, rest, exercise and supplements.

* Poor blood circulation: without proper blood flow to an area, the immune system cannot get there. Then fungus can set it. Also poor blood flow leads to poor nail nutrition allowing the nail bed to be traumatized more easily - trauma may lead to nail fungus. Exercise, dress appropriately and consider contrast showers. They warm you up and increase circulation.

These are some of the major causes of nail fungus. Read our other articles explaining how to treat nail fungus naturally.