|
What exactly is toenail fungus and fingernail fungus?
Onychomycosis is the medical name that almost all people call toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is a living thing that feeds off the keratin that is found in your fingernails and toenails. It is generally brownish or yellow in color. Your fingernails are designed to be difficult to penetrate naturally so diseases, fungus and other infections can’t enter your body through your fingers and toes. This is fine in the majority of cases, but somewhat backfires in the case of toenail fungus. While the nail holds things out, it also holds things in once they penetrate. This is what happens with toenail fungus. It is difficult to eliminate after it penetrates the natural barrier of your nail.
How common is nail fungus?
Close to 11% of the population of the world is infected with nail fungus.
What are the symptoms?
Toenail fungus is simple to detect because the outward signs are obvious to even the untrained eye. The look of the nails makes it somewhat obvious. Discoloration, generally yellow or brown and sometimes green, is a common indication of nail fungus. The nail may appear flaky and be thick. It will look as though something is accumulating under the nail. There is likely to be smell associated with toenail fungus too. Usually, there is no pain present with nail fungus but in some cases, it can get painful to wear shoes and it might even be painful to walk. It depends upon the severity of the infection and how it is being treated.
Is there a cure for nail fungus?
There are several treatment options if you have nail fungus. If you see a Dr., he/she is likely to prescribe a drug where you will need a prescription. The most severe cases of nail fungus nearly all require a prescription medication. Drugs taken internally are capable of treating nail fungus from inside your body due to being circulated throughout your body. Over the counter treatments generally are applied to the surface of the nail. Topical creams and oils aren’t near as effective because of the barrier of your nail protecting the bed of the nail. The creams and oils are acid based and create a hostile environment for the fungus that kills it. Home remedies include acid based substances and soaking your nails in vinegar. Most home remedies do not work well. You absolutely should not be soaking your toenails in any substance that is harmful. Keep in mind, chemicals penetrate the skin when you soak your feet and you could receive harmful doses of a chemical if you try a radical home remedy.
Can nail fungus be prevented?
Nail fungus can be avoided in many ways. The easiest method is to keep your hands and feet dry after getting out of a shower, swimming pool, or engaging in other things getting your feet or hands moist. Like all things living, toenail fungus needs moisture to thrive. If you are working out often or involving yourself in activity where your feet perspire to a great extent, be sure to wear moisture wicking socks and change your socks often.
Another critical step is basic nail care. Nails should be trimmed but not too short exposing the nail bed. Small cuts to the skin around your nail can provide the passage way to your nail bed and fungus and other organisms can infiltrate. To prevent toenail fungal problems, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible all the time. Be careful of sharing nail clippers. If you go to nail salons, double check that the tools they use are cleaned after every use. It is easy to contract nail fungus from nail clippers and nail salons must follow specific protocol for cleaning their equipment.
If you think that you have a toenail fungus infection, you definitely should see your dermatologist or doctor. An easy test can identify an infection of nail fungus. At that point, you can discuss suggested treatment.
John P is the writer for a site dedicated to information concerning tonail fungus, The site covers all topics related to nail fungus. www.toenailfungus1.com can help you with choosing treatment options and discusses many other areas related to toenail fungus.
|
|
SIGN
UP FOR FREE
