How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat.
In order to be rid of the fungus, youâll need the nail to fully grow out while treating it. And, nails grow slowly, so change can take time.
A fungus is not like a bacteria that can be washed away with some soap and water, or treated with antibiotics. A fungus infection will require an antifungal treatment and the growth of new healthy toenails.
What Are Fungal Toenails
Fungal toenails develop from infection with fungal microorganisms. The fungus attacks the toenail where the cuticle grows, and as the infection spreads, it makes the nail look thickened and yellow, and can also be painful. Fungal infections are often picked up at public places where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Feet are prone to infection with fungus because the warm, moist, dark environment in your shoes provide the ideal breeding ground for fungal growth.
Time To See A Podiatrist
If you have tried over-the-counter antifungal products such as cream, spray, powder, or ointment and your athletes foot is not improving after two weeks, consult with a podiatrist. Athletes foot should not be left untreated since the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Those with a condition such as diabetes or poor circulation should consult with their doctor at first signs of an infection. These conditions put you at a higher risk of developing a severe bacterial infection of the leg or foot and can lead to further complications.
A podiatrist will examine your feet to diagnose athletes foot and determine if the infection has spread. In addition to an examination, a skin sample test may be done to rule out other causes of the infection. If at-home treatment has not worked, your podiatrist may prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a stronger cream, spray, ointment, or powder. A prescription medication will attack the fungus and prevent it from spreading. Your podiatrist will recommend treatment based on your personal case and needs.
Depending on your specific case, athletes foot typically can clear up in two to four weeks. To prevent reinfection, you will need to take the prescription as long as it was prescribed by your doctor even if the athletes foot has cleared up.
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How And Why Do You Get This Fungal Infection In The First Place
Were all exposed to plenty of fungi and often nothing happens. Thats thanks to our immune systems. But if something weakens our immune systems or gives them an extra run for their money, the fungi may win.
So, a compromised or weakened immune system of any kind is often the culprit and increases your risk of getting a fungal toenail infection. A diabetic or someone whose blood flow to the feet is compromised, for example, weakens your bodys ability to do its thing in your toenails. An injury to the toenail can also make it tougher for your body to fight off fungi.
Men tend to get toenail fungus more than women. Its also seen more in older people if their immune system weakens. If you smoke, youre at a higher risk.
If someone in your family has it or someone you come into contact with a lot does, youre usually at a higher risk too.
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Can I Have My Toenails Cut By A Pedicurist Instead
If you are looking to save on your bill or just avoid going to a clinic, you might consider seeing a pedicurist for your toenail care. While this is a sure option for some, its not advisable for people who might have serious health conditions and medical needs such as those listed above or even older individuals.
This is because you cant know that a pedicurist will follow the proper sanitization practices and caution that doctors are trained to follow. There is no guarantee that your toenail issues will be properly treated by a pedicurist, leading to small issues becoming major because they werent diagnosed and treated in ways only a medical health professional could know. Just one bad visit can get you stuck with long-term nail issues.
How Will Your Podiatrist Use Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus
We do provide on-site laser therapy for toenail fungus.
- LASER toenail fungus treatment will use 1064nm wavelength LASER.
- According to the type of LASER used, whether light or carbon dioxide heats your nail bed while killing the fungi and any present spores.
- Research has shown good and safe success rates with little treatment risk with laser therapy.
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Laser Therapy For You
Now that you know the basics on toenail fungus and how laser therapy can help you get rid of it, youre ready to give it a go. Does that sound like a good plan? We hope so. Your toes will look and feel better and thank you for it.
Go ahead and give us a call to give it a go. And to ask questions. Located in Clifton, NJ and Wayne, NJ, we really are here to help you get relief after these issues with your toenails.
Q: Does Medicare Pay For Diabetic Shoes And Custom Orthotics
A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts with some patients.
- Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions that must be verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
- If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if you are eligible for this benefit through Medicare and other insurance carriers.
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Deciding on having infected toenail fungus surgery is one thing but deciding on the right toenail fungus specialist or best the infected toenail fungus surgeon Philippines for the best infected toenail fungus surgery foot pain or foot infection treatment results could be a costly gamble. Get the absolute best infected toenail fungus results from the feet specialist or foot specialist at the best Philippines price.
When Do Podiatrists Help With Toenails
So when might it be a time to get professional podiatry help for your toenails? If your toenails are healthy and in good condition but you dont like cutting them on your own, then you might be better off asking a friend or relative for help, or visiting a pedicurist.
However, if you have any condition making it difficult to deal with your nails, then a visit to your nearest podiatry clinic is definitely recommended. Here are some common nail conditions that require podiatry care:
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Signs You Need To See A Podiatrist
Now that the warmer weather is officially coming to an end, were putting our sandals and flip flops away and putting on thick socks and boots. With that, patients tend to start neglecting certain symptoms or signs that something is wrong with their feet.
The truth is many people do this because they either dont understand what the symptoms mean, or theyre afraid of finding out whats really wrong. But, there is nothing to be afraid of when seeing a Podiatrist. Our job is to help you and your feet.
Here are 10 signs that its time you come in and see a Podiatrist. And keep in mind that each of these signs will range in their severity.
Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus
There are various symptoms to watch out for when you are trying to self-diagnose toenail fungus. These symptoms can include:
- The toenail becoming brittle and ragged with edges that seem to be crumbling.
- A thickening of the toenail that is more than normal.
- The toenail growing into a distorted shape and thickening as it grows.
- When the nail turns a darker shade because of trapped dirt.
- There is a foul smell coming from the nail itself.
- The toenail is turning a different colorlike a yellow-brown or a white-yellow.
If you are experiencing any or more of these symptoms, it might be time to try some home remedies or treatments. You can either deal with them at home, by using over-the-counter medications like nail creams or ointments. Or you can alter the nail yourself and then add the medication. Altering the nail may include thinning it down with a file or trimming it down with a clipper or nail scissors. Being able to get to the infected parts of the nail is important when applying medicine.
Dont get to this point if you can. There are a few preventative care measures you can take right now of your nail:
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Know Not To Be Afraid
Surgery can be nerve-wracking and scary. Nobody likes pain, hospitals, scalpels, cuts, and anesthesia. The whole idea can be very unpleasanteven reading about it can turn the stomach!
But, it is very important to remember that thousands of people have experienced nail removal and have lived to tell about it! While there may be some discomfort and pain following the procedure, if a qualified doctor or other medical professional has concluded this is the best treatment for your specific problem, let that give all the comfort it should. We are very blessed to live in a world where so many health problems can be easily corrected!
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Possible Risks And Complications
A podiatry laser has no effect on healthy tissue. It targets only the infected areas. Happily, patients who undergo laser nail treatment for fungus removal should experience no discomfort during or after the treatment.
In some cases, patients have reported feeling a warming sensation or a slight pinprick.
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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Here are some tips to help prevent infection or a recurrence of an infection:
- Wash your feet daily with soap.
- After showering, always carefully dry your feet, making sure to dry between your toes.
- Check your feet and toenails regularly. Look for signs of a toenail infection or any changes in your feet or nails.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. When cutting your nails, be sure to cut them straight across and short.
- Choose socks that can wick away moisture to keep your feet dry even if they sweat. Change out your socks if they become damp.
- Do not go barefoot in public. If you are in a wet public area such as a locker room, shower, or pool area, wear shower shoes or flip flops to protect your feet.
- Choose breathable styles of footwear that have mesh or ventilation and are made from a material such as canvas. Alternate footwear, so you are not wearing the same shoes every day. This gives the shoes time to breathe and dry out between wears.
- Do not share personal items with other people. Items such as socks, towels, nail clippers, or nail files should only be used by one individual.
- After using an item such as a nail clipper, disinfect it with rubbing alcohol.
- Use caution when getting a pedicure and choose a salon that disinfects the equipment used on your feet and has sanitary measures in place.
Foot Infection After Surgery
A foot infection is a rare but possible complication of surgery, such as the fix of a fractured foot or ankle. The risk for developing a foot infection after surgery is less than 1 percent in healthy people, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Antibiotics are routinely given before surgery to reduce the risk for infection. Having diabetes or other condition causing a weakened immune system increases your risk for postsurgical infection. Smoking also significantly increases your risk.
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When To See A Doctor
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
Do Podiatrists Treat Fungal Nail Infections
Do podiatrists really treat fungal nail infections? Fungus of any kind can be a very embarrassing condition. In many cases, individuals tend to hide this by covering up with clothing and footwear. Others, try to treat their fungal infections with over the counter creams and washes. However, it is very important to consult a podiatrist at the first signs of fungus on the feet or toenails. A simple fungus can develop into a much more painful and permanent condition if it is left untreated.
When Do I Call My Podiatrist?
There are variety of different ways which toenail fungus can develop. People of all ages can develop this based on their choice of footwear, hygiene, genetics and even medications they are taking or their underlying medical conditions. Often, it begins with an itch on the foot or hardening and discoloration of the skin or nails, chafing is common as well. It may become very painful and bothersome to wear certain shoes, or even to walk normally or take part in normal physical activities.
It is important to call your podiatrist as soon as these signs appear. If left untreated, the nail bed can become permanently damaged, which can be both unattractive and painful. Additionally, the fungus consists of bacteria, so it can easily spread throughout the nails, feet and within the body. Fungal infections rarely go away on their own.
How Will My Fungus Be Treated?
How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus?
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How To Check Your Feet
Not sure how to check your feet? Heres how:
- Sit down and remove your shoes and socks.
- Check the tops, bottoms and sides of your feet also check between your toes.
- If you have trouble reaching or seeing your feet, have your spouse or partner check for you, or use a mirror to help you see the bottoms of your feet.
- Look for blisters, cuts or sores.
- Check for dry or cracked skin, corns and calluses, a rash or athletes foot.
- Feel your feet: Are they hot or cold? Do they look red, blue or pale? Is there a loss of hair on your feet, toes and lower legs?
- Notice if there is any pain, tingling, burning or swelling in your feet, or if the shape of your foot has changed.
If anything doesnt look or feel right, let your provider know right away. Depending on the issue, your provider may refer you to a podiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
All treatments can take up to a year to work, so you need to be consistent and commit to following the treatment plan for the long haul.
These infections are hard to treat because its difficult for medications to get into the keratin that makes up nails and the blood vessels dont connect to the nail. Many people find it hard to continue to use the medications for as long as is needed and may give up after months or even weeks.
Sometimes the nail will start to look better, but the fungus is still there. Your toenail fungus isnt cured until your doctor cant detect the fungus in your toenail clippings.
Pro Tip
There are a lot of folk remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments, but if you really want to get rid of this infection, youre probably going to need to take oral medication. Dr. Jacobsen
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Cover The Affected Area In Oregano Oil
Believe it or not, the tasty herb can also work wonders for treating toenail fungus at home. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Skin Appendage Disorders, researchers found that oreganos antibacterial properties are able to inhibit fungal growth in nails when included in an essential oil blend.
While the effectiveness of oregano oil has only been known anecdotally, thymola common component of oregano oilhas been reviewed to be an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent, Hayag says. People with toenail fungus can apply the product to affected areas twice daily and can expect no improvement, partial improvement, or complete improvement of their toenail fungus after using oregano oil. That said, she mentioned that oregano oil is quite potent and can cause an adverse reaction if you have particularly sensitive skin. For this reason, she recommends starting with a patch test. Additionally, to prevent an adverse reaction, consider mixing oregano oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or avocado oils, to dilute its potency.
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