Fungus Treatments

Early Stage Toenail Fungus

If you notice your toenails are becoming thick and yellow, they may be an indication of toenail fungus. You may also notice cracked or thickened nails. Thankfully, there is an FDA-approved treatment for toenail fungus. The sooner you recognize and treat fungus, the easier it will be to stop it in its tracks. Here are the symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques you can use to fight the problem.

Table of Contents

Symptoms

A person who has toenail fungus will see yellow, white, or brown patches on their toenail. The fungus can also cause the nail to become thick and crumble. If left untreated, the fungal infection will likely worsen, resulting in painful and unsightly nails. In severe cases, the infection can even lead to permanent damage to the toenail.

A visit to the doctor will determine if the infection is present in the early stages. In the latter stage, the fungus will be more difficult to remove. As a result, early detection is vital for a person to avoid any complications. To prevent toenail fungus from spreading to other areas of the body, patients should visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist will examine the affected foot and take a sample of a nail to be tested for the presence of fungus. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the podiatrist will develop a treatment plan that addresses the fungus.

The symptoms of early stage toenail fungus vary depending on the type of fungus. The most common form of the infection is called distal subungual, and can affect both the toenail and fingernails. It can cause white or chalky patches on the nail plate, and the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the scalp. Aside from toenail fungus, you may also notice the appearance of ringworm on the scalp.

Fungal infections of the toenail can affect any age, but it's more common in older adults. The reason for this is that toenails become brittle and dry and crack, which is the perfect habitat for fungi. Some conditions in the body can make a person susceptible to fungal infections, including weakened immune system. Another factor is wearing tight-toed shoes, which make the toenail fungus environment perfect.

Surgical removal of infected nails is one option. An invasive procedure can eliminate the infection entirely, or the nail can be treated with a chemical. If left untreated, the nail can grow back, although there is a 50% chance that the fungus will return after the toenail is treated with a topical treatment. If you're having persistent toenail fungus, you'll likely need to undergo toenail fungus treatment.

Causes

One of the most common foot health problems is toenail fungus, or onychomycosis. Most sufferers don't seek treatment for the disease, and the symptoms can go unnoticed for years. As a result, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated, leading to thick, discolored toenails. Some symptoms of this condition are mild or inconsequential, and you might not even notice them until they start to spread.

One of the most important symptoms of a toenail fungus infection is that the nails turn white or yellow. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin and cause an abscess. An abscess is a swelling of the toenail and is easily visible and filled with pus, debris, and bacteria. You should see a doctor for this symptom right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Toenail fungus can occur because of a variety of reasons, including prolonged exposure to damp, warm environments. Your toenails are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections in wet areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools. In addition to these, chronic diseases such as diabetes and athlete's foot can increase the risk of fungal infections. When left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other parts of your body and can lead to other health problems.

Another cause of toenail fungus is the wearing of socks. If you're constantly wearing sweaty socks, it may be the perfect place for fungi to spread. You're likely to pick up fungal nail fungi from shoes, shower floors, and locker rooms. If you have this type of infection, try not to walk barefoot in locker rooms and public places. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, and it can spread from foot to foot.

A fungal infection usually doesn't cause pain until it has spread to the toenail and nail bed. Some people develop a fungal infection of the skin on the foot as well. These are commonly referred to as “athlete's foot.” Many types of fungi cause toenail fungus, including psoriasis, diabetes, and HIV.

Treatments

Toenail fungus treatment is important if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the disease. It can become difficult to eliminate once it reaches a severe stage. There are various types of medications to treat the fungus. These treatments can be very effective but may leave you with side effects or not work as well as you hoped. Aside from oral medications, other options include topical medicines and laser treatment.

A medical practitioner can prescribe you a topical fungus treatment if you're experiencing pain or discomfort. Oral medication is also an option if you have more than one nail. Topical treatments are more effective than oral medication and have fewer side effects. But they're not effective for treating the problem permanently. Moreover, topical solutions may not be effective for severe cases. Toenail fungus treatments may not work for people with diabetes or other medical conditions.

Distal subungual onychomycosis is a common type of toenail fungus. It starts on the end of the nail and spreads to the cuticle, making the nail look thick and flaky. Oftentimes, the infection is caused by athlete's foot. If left untreated, toenail fungus can spread to other areas of the body.

Antifungal medication can be applied to the infected nails and may work better if the nail is thin. Some doctors use urea-containing lotion to thin the surface of the nail. Some doctors use targeted lasers to treat toenail fungus, but this has mixed results and is not covered by insurance. These treatments can cost a considerable amount of money. If you're still having problems, you can consult a podiatrist or dermatologist to find a treatment plan for toenail fungus.

Prescription oral antifungals are also available. Some of the most popular are Lamisil and Sporanox. These are usually taken in capsule form and should be taken once daily with a full meal. However, these medications have significant side effects and may take a year or longer to show results. For early-stage toenail fungus, these treatments may take several months. You may also have to file your nails down to allow deeper penetration.

Prevention

Prevention of toenail fungus is a must if you want to avoid it from progressing into a more serious condition. Although toenail fungus is usually painless, it can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to minimize the chances of getting infected. By following these tips, you will be able to protect yourself from the occurrence of toenail fungus.

To prevent the fungus from progressing to the advanced stages, you should change your socks and shoes frequently. If you can, try to avoid wearing fake nails and nail polish, as they can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for fungus to grow. Choose a clean, sanitary, licensed nail salon. Antifungal creams can be used to prevent recurrences and can be applied once or twice a week.

Getting an exam is important, because it can help you avoid toenail fungus. A doctor can also rule out other conditions that may be causing your toenails to change color and shape. If you're worried that toenail fungus is affecting your feet, you should seek medical attention right away. If you're diabetic, it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toenail fungus usually starts as a white or yellow spot on the nail's tip. As it continues to spread, it will spread into the nail bed, resulting in thick, crumbling and discolored nails. If left untreated, toenail fungus can spread to other parts of the nail, making it difficult to walk and uncomfortable to move. If you're not aware of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

In some severe cases, the fungus can even lead to surgical removal. However, if you're lucky, the nail can grow back healthy and fungus-free. In these cases, a doctor can remove the infected nail, but this requires consistent adherence to the treatment plan. If you don't see a doctor, consider bringing your own nail polish. If the nail salon doesn't use new polish, it may harbor harmful bacteria.

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