If you have fungal infections in your nails, you've probably wondered whether or not you're at risk for this problem. There are three primary types of nail fungus, each with different symptoms and treatments. In addition, a fungal infection can be triggered by injuries to the nail. Some common causes include blunt trauma and diabetes. Symptoms of a nail fungus infection include thickening, odor, and brittleness.
Symptoms
You've likely seen your nails grow dark and yellow, and you may also smell a foul odor. Without treatment, onychomycosis can turn into dermatophytids, a disease caused by a fungus that can spread from nail to nail. Without treatment, it can become more serious and lead to an allergic reaction, similar to a rash. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for nail fungus, including self-care and mechanical treatment.
Home remedies can help treat your fungal infection, but they often don't work. If you try home remedies, you're likely to have other health issues besides nail fungus. In that case, you should visit a doctor to rule out any other causes. Topical medications can treat the infection, but they aren't a permanent solution. Depending on the severity, you might have to remove the affected nail altogether.
Fungal infections can spread to other nails, skin, and toes. Athletes, dancers, and construction workers are more likely to contract a nail fungus infection. In addition, having another person with the condition may increase your risk of getting it. A common symptom of nail fungus is an odor. Besides odor, the infection may also cause your nail to thicken and become brittle.
The symptoms of nail fungus include discoloration and even detachment. Some sufferers notice small white or yellow streaks or lines on their nails. Secondary bacterial infections can also develop. If you experience these symptoms, seek treatment as soon as possible. There are a variety of ways to treat nail fungus, including removing the fungus. If you have a fungal infection, you'll want to consult with a medical professional to ensure it isn't something worse than nail psoriasis.
In severe cases, nail fungus can spread to other areas of the body, so contact a medical professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take antifungal medication over-the-counter. Antifungal medications may take six to twelve weeks to eliminate the fungus, and full results won't be seen until your nail grows back. For best results, follow the instructions carefully and don't wear old shoes.
The first symptoms of nail fungus include a yellowish discoloration. In severe cases, the nail may begin to crumble. It can also change in color, become painful, and separate from the nail bed. Symptoms of nail fungus can be permanent. If you don't treat the disease, you may be left with a permanently discolored nail that is difficult to remove. For some people, it's necessary to remove the affected nail to avoid further damage.
Depending on your age, you may experience some or all of the symptoms of nail fungus. This condition is more common in older adults, and the aging process makes the nails dry and brittle. Fungi can enter the nail through these cracks, which are then infected with a fungus. It can also be contracted from other people, though this is rare. It's important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience nail fungus symptoms.
Treatment
To prevent recurrence of infection, nail fungus can be prevented and treated. First of all, make sure your feet are clean and dry at all times. Remove flakes from skin beneath the toes with dry tissues. Wearing light socks will help absorb moisture and improve air circulation. Also, stay away from wearing tight or synthetic materials, such as leather. In public places, wear sandals or shoes with a porous sole.
Other methods of treatment include laser therapy and oral medications. Laser treatments are effective in eliminating nail fungus and are FDA approved. Laser treatments produce monochromatic light, as opposed to polychromatic light which contains a wide spectrum of wavelengths. These wavelengths are highly focused and parallel. Humans can only see wavelengths between 390 and 700 nm. Nevertheless, these treatments can have negative effects. You should also consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure if a certain treatment will work.
Oral antifungal medications can be effective in curing nail fungus. Itraconazole and beterbinafine, two of the most popular antifungal drugs on the market, are a highly effective solution. Both medicines help the new nail grow free of infection, while relieving the pain caused by the fungus. Treatment takes up to four months to complete, and results may take up to nine months. However, this treatment can be effective for the first six months, after which recurrences are unlikely.
Topical treatments for nail fungus are available over the counter. While these creams are inexpensive and widely available, they are ineffective. Because they cannot penetrate the nail bed, these creams cannot cure the infection. Oral antifungal medications, including Lamisil, Sporanox, and Reliquid, are more effective. While topical treatments may be effective, they cannot completely cure the infection and may require additional visits to a healthcare professional to make sure they are working.
Other treatments for nail fungus include home remedies and topical medications. Home remedies, like garlic oil ointment, can be very effective. You can use fresh garlic cloves or coconut or olive oil to make the ointment, which can be applied to the affected nail. For severe infections or if medicine is not effective, surgery may be necessary. If you have a severe infection or your toenail is resistant to treatment, permanent removal may be the only way to get rid of it.
While the effects of fungal infections can vary from person to person, they are usually uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Symptoms of the infection are not always obvious, but they can include discolouration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail. In some extreme cases, the nail can even separate from the nail bed. The best way to treat nail fungus is to find a treatment that will work for you and your toenails.
Prevention
Among the most important steps in preventing nail fungus is to protect yourself from contact with infected items. You should never touch the affected area with contaminated items, and you should avoid wearing shoes with holes. If you do have fungus on your fingernails, make sure you wear sandals while going to the bathroom. Likewise, don't share your toothbrush, toothpaste, and nail clippers with others. In addition, don't share your towels, and don't wear socks in public bathrooms. The fungus can be transferred even after you have cleared it up.
Prescription topical treatments can kill the fungus. Some of these drugs are available online and cost very little. Miconazole nitrate, an Azole antifungal, can be applied to the infected skin or toenail. Follow the instructions on the bottle or your doctor. These medications are often very effective in eradicating nail fungus but may cause other side effects. Nevertheless, there are a number of home remedies for nail fungus.
Keeping your toenails short is an effective method for preventing of nail fungus. Also, remember to use disinfectant-treated clippers. It is essential to avoid sharing your clippers, as a small laceration can allow fungi to invade your foot. Lastly, try to wear moist-wicking socks. If possible, wear sandals or flip-flops when visiting public places. And if you must wear shoes, keep them dry before putting them on.
Symptoms of nail fungus include white or yellow spots on the nail, and even crumbling of the nail. If the nail becomes thick and brittle, the infection may have spread underneath. You may also notice pain and swelling around the nail. Fungal infections of the nail are particularly common in older people, as their blood circulation is lessened and their nails grow slower. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to see a doctor to determine the cause.
Changing shoes and socks regularly is another important step to preventing toenail fungus. It's also important to change socks and shoes daily. Also, if possible, clip your toenails straight across. You should wear synthetic socks instead of cotton ones, as they wick away moisture faster. Avoid wearing your shoes without socks in the shower or when you're in the shower. If you do find a fungal infection on your feet, toss them away.
A good diet will help you to avoid the growth of fungi on your nails. You should also consult your doctor if you have diabetes, since it can impair blood circulation and nerve supply to your feet. Diabetes can also increase your risk of getting cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection. Even a minor injury to the foot or toenail can turn serious if not treated promptly. For people who already have diabetes, prevention is key in preventing recurrent infections. In addition to good foot hygiene, make sure to dry your hands after bathing to reduce your risk of getting infected with nail fungus.