Toenail Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection in the toenail. It happens when a fungus anything from mold to yeast to other types of fungus gets in the nail bed from a cut or break in the nail or repetitive trauma to the nail, and penetrates the nail itself, says Dr. Sundling. The nail then continues to grow with the fungus. Once a nail plate is infected with fungus, it will never not be infected, and you must wait to see how it grows out and whether the new nail growing behind it is healthy. The new nail rarely grows in healthy without treatment, says Sundling.
Toenail fungus is very common 14 percent of people have it in North America, according to an article published in the journal PLoS Pathogens and its more common the older you get, adds Sundling. Wearing shoes that are too small can damage the nail and make it more vulnerable to fungus, as can having a fungal infection on the skin of the foot and not treating it, which could expose the nail to fungus. You may be more at risk to toenail fungus if you have diabetes, or a weaker immune system.
How To Get Nail Polish Out Of A Carpet Using Baking Soda And Ginger Ale
Is there anything that baking soda cant do? For this method, first pour the powder over the stain to absorb the polish and then add ginger ale to it to create a chemical reaction. Per the experts at Certified Clean Care, you should then let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, reach for that old toothbrush and gently scrub in a circular motion. Dip a cloth in some cold soapy water to remove the mixture. Rinse the area with a clean wet cloth afterwards and let it dry.
How To Get Nail Polish Off Of Floors
To get dry nail polish off of wood, laminate, vinyl, and linoleum flooring, wipe it with rubbing alcohol. Once the mess is gone, clean the area with soapy water to remove any residue and wipe it dry. For nail polish spilled on ceramic, porcelain, or cement floors, use a clean, lint-free cloth and clear acetone-based nail polish. Rotate the cloth so youre always working with a clean spot and not transferring the polish back onto your floor. Clean the area with soap and water when youre done.
If you find nail polish on grout, spot test the stain with clear acetone-based nail polish remover for colorfastness. As long as there is no color change, you can use a paper towel dampened with polish remover to lift the stain. After youre done, wipe the area with a clean, soapy cloth to remove any residue. If acetone affects the grouts color, use rubbing alcohol instead. With either method, you may need to reseal the grout after cleaning.
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How To Remove Nail Polish With Perfume
Perfume can also work to remove nail polish as most perfumes have an alcohol base, says Boyce. But you might need to use a bit more as the percentage of alcohol is lower, she adds.
To try this method, simply take a cotton ball and spray it generously with the perfume and, with a little gentle scrubbing, the polish should melt away. Magic!
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How To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus
This article was co-authored by . Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA .There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 96% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,481,677 times.
What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails
Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:
Trichophyton
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Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication
One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
Although some people may refer to these alternative treatments as quack science, there appears to be a little more to these homemade remedies since many individuals have used them to cure their conditions. However, more research still needs to be conducted on the success rate of home remedies for nail fungus.
Some common and supposedly effective alternative treatments include:
According to Dr. Josh Axe of the Exodus Health Center, apple cidar vinegar not only helps to soothe sunburns, balance pH in the body, manage blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss, its also an ingredient that contains anti-fungal properties. As such, many sufferers of fungal nail infection have now turned to this healthy food to cure their conditions.
The acidic properties of apple cidar vinegar prevent nail fungus from spreading. At the same time, apple cidar vinegar helps to get rid of dead skin cells while killing bacteria and fungi.
Simply mix it with water in equal parts then soak the infected nails for up to 30 minutes in the solution. Repeat this process daily and pat dry the infected nails after soaking.
Another study conducted by Russian researchers showed that a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide had been instrumental in killing off fungus at the radioactive Chernobyl site.
For this remedy, one should simply apply lemon juice on the infected nail for about 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
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How To Treat Fungal Nail Effectively
Owing to the high recurrence rate of fungal nail infections, pharmacy professionals should be able to advise patients on effective treatment and preventative and appropriate self-care strategies to avoid re-infection.
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Fungal nail infection is a mycotic infection caused by fungal invasion of the nail structure and is one of the most common nail disorders, representing half of nail abnormalities in adults. Its prevalence in Europe is around 4.3% over all age groups and 15.5% of all nail dystrophies in children. OM is more commonly diagnosed in men and older people, affecting 2050% of people aged over 60 years. An increased incidence among older people may be attributed to multiple factors, including reduced peripheral circulation, diabetes, inactivity, relative immunosuppression, and reduced nail growth and quality. Toenails are affected more commonly than fingernails.
This article will cover the causes, types and treatment of OM, practical information to help guide patient consultations and when to refer to podiatry.
What Are The Dangers Of Using Bleach
Bleach could be chlorine and non-chlorine. There are many bleach solutions available in the market but theyre all highly concentrated as theyre mainly used to remove stains, disinfect surfaces or clothes.
While following this remedy, you must take care of your feet very well. Never soak your feet in an undiluted bleach solution or you may be at risk of severe skin or nail damage.
Some dangers of the wrong usage of bleach solutions include:
- Itching
- Dry and patchy skin
- Burning sensation
In case, you inhale the solution while applying it, you may experience nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath or coughing too. So be very careful.
A step-by-step method to Remove Toenail Fungus Using Bleach Water:
- 1. Buy a Bleach Powder or Solution
Most houses have bleach powders as they use them to do the laundry. Some people even use it to clean their bathroom floorings.
Preferably bleach powder should be bought as it can be diluted easily. A tablespoon of bleach is enough to get your toenail fungus treated.
- 2. Warm Water
It is always better to soak your legs in warm water to remove dirt and mud. It helps soften the nail bed too. When you want to dilute bleach faster, you may warm a gallon of water in the basin or foot bath, or even a bucket is good.
- 3. Add other anti-fungal ingredients
These can prevent your skin discolouration and also take care of your nail cuticles. Essential oils can penetrate in the nail bed and kill the fungi too. Note that this is an optional step.
- 4. Soak
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What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.
References
How To Make A Paste
In order to use baking soda for toenail fungus, you will have to create a paste.
Luckily, it is something you can easily do at your own home. This is precisely why people love home remedies. You already have these ingredients you have to mix them and apply them in the comfort of your own home. There is no need to visit a doctor or deal with long queues at pharmacies.
Just take a little bit of baking soda and mix it with lukewarm water until it becomes applicable. Then, put it on top of your nail as well as under it. The treatment has to be performed each day, several times a day. Make sure to leave the paste for at least 10 to 15 minutes. It might seem a bit overbearing, but there is no other way to treat the condition .
According to several studies, baking soda provides excellent results for toenail fungus, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t help you as well.
After 10, 15 minutes, it is essential to rinse baking soda thoroughly. Wash your feet, and dry them well. Keep in mind that high humidity is perhaps the biggest issue, so you will have to remember that at all times. It is also common for a toenail to fall completely off. This is very normal, and you shouldn’t be scared if it happens health, a new nail will appear in its stead!
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The Importance Of Hygiene
When treating a fungal nail, always wash your hands after applying a treatment and remember to use a separate towel for your feet when youre drying them. Its a good idea to tell those close to you about your fungal nail infection so they can take precautions too. Dont share shoes or socks with them as it can be contagious.
What Is The Outlook For Someone With Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus is common, its usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail.
Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.
Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it doesnt always work. Even then, toenail fungus often returns. Discuss the pros and cons of treating toenail fungus with your provider to determine whats best for you.
Practicing good hygiene and foot care reduces the chance toenail fungus will come back. If you have diabetes, getting regular foot exams may help you address foot problems before they get serious.
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Waitdid You Say Hairspray
You heard right, but bear in mind this solution works best on already-dried stains. Wet the area with cold water, then spray about 10 to 15 pumps of hairspray on the stain. Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol . Use a brush or cleaning tool to scrub the area while adding more splashes of cold water as you scrub.
How To Avoid Spreading Nail Fungus
Fungal toenails are not as contagious as flu or cold, but it is transmitted from person to person using things.
It is critical not to share things with your friends or even with your family.
- Antifungal powders or spray. Use these antifungals to your shoes regardless if you have the infection or not.
- No sharing of clothes. Fungi thrive in damp clothing. Whether you have fungi or not, do not share clothes with other people.
- Do not reuse towels. Microbes cling to fabric and transfer to other nails or other parts of your skin with or without an open wound.
- Disinfect bathroom after every use. Aside from clothing, fungi can also stick on hard surfaces. For extra safety, use shower shoes.
These steps can help protect you or the people around you from fungi transmission.
Practicing overall hygiene is the best way to avoid and prevent all kinds of infections.
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How Fungi Infect The Nail
Onchomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and a new nail won’t grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.
How Is Toenail Fungus Treated
Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.
A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.
Toenail fungus treatment options include:
- Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
- Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
- Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first-line treatments for nail fungus.
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