Using Nail Polish When Having Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can cause an inferiority complex, that is why many people try to hide their bad looking toenails. However, the method of applying these nail polishes should be very careful, and beneficial. Many people do not care much about it, and they end up destroying the toenail fungus.
You need to take care of your toenails, and follow these steps.
- You should clean the toenails first.
- Use rubbing alcohol to clean the toenails.
- Clean your hands before applying.
- Always use medicated and anti-fungal nail polish.
What Else Can Fingernails Tell A Dermatologist About Your Health
Nails say a lot about your health. Your dermatologist can look for changes in the nail texture, brittleness, lunula , overall shape and color of your nails.
Seeing changes in the shape and color of nails can mean chronic lung or heart diseases. Sometimes whitening might indicate kidney or heart disease. Brittleness alerts us to consider if the thyroid is working properly or if the person may have anemia. If theres clubbing of the tip of the nail and texture changes, there could be an underlying lung problem. If I see concerning nail symptoms, I will look into it further. Often dermatologists are the first doctors to notice not-yet-diagnosed health problems.
Also, if you notice a new brown or black stripe, theres a risk of melanoma under the nailor it may just be a freckle or due to a nail infection or inflammation. Its important to understand that most melanomas under the nail are not caused by sun damage, but by random mutationsif you have one, you just got unlucky.
New stripes going down the nail need to be checked out by a dermatologist. A red stripe or lifting of nail from the nail bed could indicate another type of skin cancer.
Yale Medicine is unique in that our staff includes highly trained dermatologists also trained in pathology, called dermatopathologists, who look under the microscope to confirm whether the problem is a nail fungus or another skin disease such as melanoma or another skin cancer. And if so, they help us make the right diagnosis.
Dani Pro Doctor Formulated Nail Polish
This one is a unique formulae having undecylenic acid, it is an anti-fungal acid that is commonly used to treat the toenail fungus. Unlike the regular nail polishes, it does not contain any toxic chemicals. So that you should not get any type of severe infection.
How is it?
Its formula is quite simple. All the ingredients are toxicity free, and cruelty free. you can safely use it even when you have some nail injury. The undecylenic acid is good for the health of your toenail as it is antifungal and antibacterial.
These are available in different metallic shades too, mostly the hotter colors.
Pros
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S To Give Yourself A Pedicure With Toenail Fungus
Best For Toenails: Fungi
This is one of my favorites because it relieves symptoms such as burning and itching, and also restores the skin under the nail and around the cuticle, says Dr. Chen. Its also very easy to use and wont break the bank, she adds. It touts Tolnaftate 1%, a clinically proven anti-fungal active ingredient, to cure and prevent infection, as well as five essential oils tea tree oil, aloe vera, eucalyptol, olive oil, and lavender to restore skin health.
My nail was cut in a pedicure, causing my nail to get fungus, shared a customer. This stuff cleared it right up. My nail fell off and grew back healthy. Worked and quickly in about a week.
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How Are Nail Infections Treated
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a dermatologist. He or she will need to take a clipping of the nail to send out to the lab to be evaluated so dont trim the nail very short.
Once diagnosed with a fungal infection, youll need to apply a prescription-strength antifungal liquid, or take an oral antifungal pill. Topical over-the-counter antifungal creams usually dont penetrate deeply enough into the nail. Patience is key because nails grow slowly. It can take months to clear up these infections. If you get a nail fungal infection, you may still be able to wear nail polish, but you should not wear artificial nails because it will be hard for your doctor to monitor your improvement. Artificial nails also can create an environment that allows fungi and bacteria to grow more easily.
If youre treated for a toenail fungus, try not to wear shoes without socks. Also, buy an over-the-counter antifungal powder or spray at the drugstore to treat your shoes, so you dont re-infect yourself.
For bacterial infections, your dermatologist may need to drain the infected area and might also recommend warm soaks and an antibiotic ointment.
Prevention And Treatment Of Toenail Fungus
Once its taken hold, toenail fungus can be hard to kick. Here are some techniques for the prevention and treatment of toenail fungus.
Anyone who enjoys wearing open-toed sandals in the summer knows how good it feels to have healthy-looking toenails. But good looks arent the only reason to keep your toenails in top shape. Fungal infections of the toenails also known as onychomycosis don’t go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.
If you have comprised blood flow, theres even more reason to safeguard your toenails, since youll have trouble healing, says Ami Sheth, a doctor of podiatric medicine in Los Gatos, California, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. And once you have a wound, you can get fungal skin infections, which can lead to a subsequent bacterial infection if the skin breaks down, notes Dr. Sheth.
However, because toenail fungal infections are typically painless, people are often unaware that they have a problem unless they are inspecting their feet regularly.
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Can You Really Pick Up Infections Or Nail Fungus At Salons
You can. Anytime your nails are getting wet, cut or filedor your cuticles are being trimmedit is an opportunity for bacteria and fungi to get in under the nail.
Both bacteria and fungi can cause nail infections and are very common in the environment. You can easily pick up a nail fungus, for example, at a swimming pool, from the gym floor, the dirt outside or even from a family member.
How Should I Use Fungi
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Use only the Fungi-Nail formulation made for the specific body area you are treating . This medicine will not be effective if you do not use the correct formulation.
Do not allow a young child to use Fungi-Nail without help from an adult.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
If you are using Fungi-Nail on your feet, apply the medicine to all areas including between your toes.
Do not cover treated skin with a bandage. You may cover the skin with a cotton gauze dressing to protect your clothing.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesnt allow air circulation. Wear loose clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Change your shoes and socks at least once daily while treating athletes foot.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
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What Causes Split Nails
The most common split nail causes include nail fungal infections, overexposure to water or moisture, nails that are too dry, exposure to harsh chemicals, repeatedly polishing the nails, and in some cases, a vitamin deficiency or malnutrition. Even ordinary bathing, swimming, and washing the dishes can all wreak havoc on split nails especially when the hands and feet are not taken care of properly afterward.
Fingernails grow rather slowly as it is and a split nail never has the chance to grow to the usual two to three millimeters a month due to the breaking, cracking, flaking, and peeling that occurs from fungus or damage to the nail bed. It can take six months or more to re-grow an entire nail from the cuticle to the tip so its important to treat your affected nails before symptoms worsen.
Does A Pedicure Help Ingrown Toenails
You can still get a pedicure with an ingrown toenail but there are limited things your nail tech can do for you. Accordingly to Kimberly, the lead nail tech, stated, The State Board limits and prohibits us in treating these types of conditions.
If you are looking for relieve of an ingrown toenail, do not be persistent with your nail tech because their hands are tied when it comes to this. Instead, go to a podiatrist so they can effectively fix your ingrown nail.
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Why Must One Use Antifungal Nail Polish
Most of the anti-fungal nail polishes are made up of safe ingredients that will not cause any harm to the skin or the nail. It is advisable for all those people suffering from any kind of chronic disease as it can get quite tough to treat the toenail when infected.
As there are several types of nail polishes available in the market, one might not be able to differentiate between the safe ones. Moreover, not many vendors care about it, unless the buyers are interested in buying the safest nail polishes. Chemicals used in the nail polishes generally are not very safe for the skin.
Dermatologists Explain The Cause Of Nail Fungus
Do you or someone you love suffer from nail fungus? Its a common problem that can happen to anyone, but there are a few individuals who are at a higher risk than others. Did you know that your age, health, and lifestyle can all play a part in whether you will develop those unsightly, thickened surface, yellow nailbeds?
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Can You Get A Pedicure If You Have Gross Feet
First thing’s first: you don’t have gross feet. At least, no grosser than those of the general population. And certainly not as gross as the grossest feet your local nail tech has seen.
Don’t believe us? You don’t have to. We spoke to three nail-salon professionals all about nail-salon etiquette: Katie Grays, owner of Bella Donna Day Spa in San Jose Irene from Fifi Nail Salon in New York City and Barb Shea from Team Blonde outside Chicago. All three assured us that, as far as pedicures go, you have nothing to worry about. They’ve seen it all,”from the beautiful feet to the warted feet,” says Irene.
If you’re still concerned that your feet are too gross for a pedicure, or you’re wondering how to address your foot issues with your nail tech, read on. Then, ditch those worries and get ready to sport those summer nail trends without fear.
Why Does Nail Fungus Develop
Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms . The most common type is called dermatophyte. Yeast and mould also cause the infections.
It is very persistent and the treatment is long. Some of the risk factors are through exposure in communal areas such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas and shower rooms.
Other factors include:
- Being older the nails become drier with age and lack of balanced and healthy environment below the nail plate can attract more bacteria.
- Sweating heavily
- Having a minor skin or nail injury
- Suffering from diabetes of weakened immune system additional conditions naturally reduce the bodys ability to fight outside invaders and it becomes more susceptible to infections.
- Acrylic nails left for three months or more if you leave the nail extensions for too long, they become too damp and the natural nail cannot breathe freely. Therefore, bacteria start to develop.
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What Happens If Nail Fungus Is Left Untreated
If left untreated, nail fungus can lead to complications. It can become painful and cause permanent damage to your nail. Also, the nails can become thick, rough and unpleasant to look at, or brittle and weak where they crumble and stop growing.
If you have a suppressed immune system or diabetes it can lead to other complications in your body.
In extreme cases, a bacterial skin infection called Cellulitis can also develop.
Nail Removal Home Remedies And Laser Treatment
In the most serious instances of toenail fungus infection, the toenail may be removed surgically or dissolved with acid. This can be done to just a portion of the nail in the hope that the remaining nail will grow back healthy. In cases where the entire toenail has to be removed, artificial nails and products using light-cured resins to form a temporary covering can be used to protect the underlying tissue until the nail grows back.
If you prefer to go the home-remedy route, such as applying tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub to your nails, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these products for treating toenail fungus hasn’t been well studied, and they are not recommended by podiatrists.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several laser devices for temporary increase in clear nails in patients with onychomycosis. But while laser treatments are vigorously marketed, clinical trials of lasers have reported mixed results, and the treatments may not be covered by health insurance. If you wish to try laser treatment of toenail fungus, speak to your doctor about what to expect from the treatment, and call your insurance carrier to find out whether the treatment will be covered.
Additional reporting by Susan Jara.
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Be Aware Of The Signs
Toenail fungus can start off small and go unnoticed at first until eventually, its a large problem you struggle to be rid of.
As soon as you notice that your nails are looking a little discolored, too soft, too thick, or have white, yellow, or black flakes, go to a doctor.
The quicker you catch toenail fungus, the easier it is to get rid of.
Acrylic Nail Fungus Home Remedies
Now, as you have learned about the conventional medical treatments for nail fungus, let us talk about other treatments i.e. home remedies for nail fungus from acrylic nails.
To treat the fungus you need to be very consistent when it comes to the home remedies. These are very slow, and are a test for patience.
However, all the home remedies when followed regularly can do wonders to treat the nail fungus caused by acrylics.
Below are such home made remedies & also includes some natural remedies including essential oils.
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Are They Going To Say Something About My Feet
If they are professionals, they will not say anything negative. After speaking with the nail techs at my work, they said the most they might do is ask their clients about their nails. For example, if a client has a nail that looks like it has fungus, the nail tech might ask the client if they have noticed any changes in their nails.
One of the three nail techs named Kimberly spoke up and said Were here for the customer. Were not trying to make them feel uncomfortable. She continued, If anything, I want to educate my clients on how to fix their problems with their nails and provide them with the means to do so.
As aforementioned, your nail tech may recommend a podiatrist to you if they feel like you need this type of thing. In fact, you could even ask your nail tech if they have any recommendations for you.
Do Certain Sports Put Your Nails At Risk For Injury
We definitely see a lot of nail problems with sports that require a lot of running, dancing or kicking. Chronic rubbing of the toe on the toe-box of shoes can cause lifting and bruising of the nail.
If you do a lot of running, keep nails short, and choose shoes with a wider toe box. And at the gym, be sure to wear flip-flops in the locker room and by the pool, so you dont pick up a fungus.
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