How Did I Get Nail Fungus

A Pharmacist Can Help With Fungal Nail Infections

Speak to a pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it’s painful.

They may suggest:

• antifungal nail cream it can take up to 12 months to cure the infection and does not always work
• nail-softening cream it’s used for 2 weeks to soften the nail so the infected part can be scraped off

The infection is cured when you see healthy nail growing back at the base.

Toenail Fungus Prescription Medications

Sometimes prescription medications are needed to treat a toenail infection that just wont go away with natural remedies or over-the-counter medication in a few months. In this case, prescription-strength antifungal medication can eradicate stubborn onychomycosis.

Topical medications often are effective in treating mild to moderate toenail fungus. Topical solutions may include medicated nail polishes or liquid medications. Loprox , Penlac , Kerydin , and Jublia are among the top prescription drugs for toenail fungus.

Oral medications can come in capsules, tablets, or liquid. Some common prescriptions are Diflucan , Lamisil , Onmel , and Sporanox .

Is The Distortion Of Your Nails Due To Underactive Thyroid

Fungus nail infection can be caused by thyroid issues. In a small percentage of people this common foot condition is related to sub par or over working of thyroid gland in the body. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Its main function is to keep the body warm, keep the immune response at optimum levels and maintain metabolism.

Thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may cause abnormality in nail shape, brittle nails or splitting of the nail bed from the nail plate and dry cuticles.

The reason this nail fungus like symptoms occur is that the thyroid hormone controls the strength with which our heart pumps blood. So stronger the contractions, the greater the amount of blood that will be supplied to body parts, such as the toes. Thus, when pumping are weaker they provide sluggish blood flow, the toes receive decreased amounts of oxygen, get cold and allow for an environment conducive for nail fungus.

Iodine is an important mineral for proper thyroid functioning. Your body uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. Deficiencies of Iodine are commonly found in Europe and Third World countries, where the soil and food supply dont have sufficient iodine levels.

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You Can Get Nail Fungus From Visits To The Salon What It Is What To Do And Where To Complain

October 22, 2013 by The Ashley Law Firm

BEWARE OF PERMANENT NAIL INJURY FROM YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD NAIL PARLORIts can be unsightly. It can be painful. It can cause a serious infection and permanent damage. It can become a serious health risk. It can persist indefinitely and be difficult to treat. It can recur. It effects more men than women, but it can still be a serious health problem for a woman. And, one of the ways you can get it might shock you.

Its called: Onychomycosis . But most people know it by its street name: NAIL FUNGUS an infection of one or more of the nails that if left untreated can spread beyond the feet, especially in people with a weak immune system, diabetes or other medical conditions.

There are many ways in which a person can contract a fungal infection. But the least expected culprit, according to health experts, are the clipping, buffing and cutting tools used by your friendly, neighborhood manicurist in your friendly, neighborhood beauty salon or nail parlor. Contact with unclean equipment is how most patrons of nail salons get painful fungal infections on their fingers and toes infections that sometimes require antibiotics and even surgery to correct.

• Thickened

• Having a minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail, or another infection
• Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system.

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What Does Fungal Nail Look Like

Usually, it first appears on the edge of your nail, under the tip, as a white or yellow streak. This streak gradually spreads down the side of your nail to the base.

Eventually, your nail becomes brittle, discoloured, thickened and distorted. It can become so thick that it hurts when pressed against the side of a shoe.

The nail may end up crumbling and splitting, and separating from the skin. It often turns yellow or brown.

The surrounding skin may also become infected and may itch, crack, form a blister, or appear white especially between the toes. Its important to act quickly if you notice any of these symptoms. If you donât treat the infection, thereâs a chance it will worsen and spread to other nails.

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Causes Of Nail Fungus

The most common types of fungus that causes nail infections are called dermatophytes. They do not require sunlight to survive thereby making the nail bed an ideal place for them to live where they can hide and be safe.

These dermatophytes enter the skin through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail bed. Once they have entered, the fungi grow as the nail provides a suitable warm and moist environment for them to thrive.

Risk Factors Of Toenail Fungal Infection:

Anthropophilic fungi are the leading cause of toenail fungal infection called dermatophytes. Yeast and mold can also cause a toenail infection. The genera may include Trichophyton and Microsporum, specifically T rubrum and E floccosum, etc. T rubrum is considered the common cause of onychomycosis worldwide.

The increased rate of mycotic nail infections over the past few years has been contributed by the use of systemic antibiotics, more advanced surgical techniques, immunosuppressive treatment, and HIV infection.

A survey has reported people with diabetes accounts for 26% of onychomycosis. Comorbidities like peripheral vascular disease and immunosuppression also increase the risk of infection.

Environmental exposures such as humidity, occlusive footwear, or damp conditions are also cited as risk factors.

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How Effective Are Topical Treatments

So far, only a few studies have looked into topical nail fungus treatments with nail polishes or creams. Because these studies had weaknesses, the results should be interpreted with caution. Amorolfine has not yet been well studied. Ciclopirox polish and treatment sets with urea and bifonazole cream were tested in a few studies.

Research on the effectiveness of nail polish containing ciclopirox showed that, after one year:

• About 10 out of 100 people who did not use ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
• About 32 out of 100 people who used ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.

In other words, treatment with ciclopirox got rid of the fungal infection in about 22 out of 100 people. But even if the fungus had gone away, the cosmetic result wasnt always satisfying. The nails only looked healthy after treatment in 7 out of 100 people.

Treatment with sets containing urea and bifonazole cream was tested in one study. It was compared with a treatment in which only urea cream was applied and the nail was removed, but without applying bifonazole cream afterwards. Three months after treatment was completed, it was found that:

• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 41 out of 100 people who only used urea cream.
• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 51 out of 100 people who used both urea and bifonazole cream.

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What Does A Fungal Infection Look Like On A Dog

There is a sign that this fungus may be associated with flaky or crusty skin along with intense itching, which can result in ear infections as well. Antibiotics and topical treatments of fungal dermatitis such as shampoos and ear ointments can be helpful, which in conjunction with topical antifungal drugs may act as an effective treatment for fungus infections.

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Nail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Are you also worried about the Acrylic nails to be the cause for your nails fungus? Or you already having that, be easy & relax, this article is here to help you in all the ways.

For women wearing the new fashion like anything is a life goal for a majority of women. It is somehow related to their self-esteem, and nobody can deny it. Acrylic nails are one of those trends, and every other woman wishes to have their nails made.

This is mainly because the real nails are quite brittle, and you cannot grow them to that extent. But the acrylic nails require a lot of care. Otherwise, you may make fungus grow under the fine looking nails.

Lets dive deeper in this..!

Contents

Stop This Skin Infection In Its Tracks With These Over

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Verywell Health / Sabrina Jiang

Toenail fungus is a common fungal condition that often starts after a rash on the foot spreads to the nails. When mild, it looks like white and yellow spots growing under the nail beds. But if left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes.

The fungus often begins in the form of athlete’s foot between the toes or on the soles of the feet. At this stage, the fungal infection is easier to treat with over-the-counter medication. But Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, told Verywell Health toenail fungus can be difficult to treat because of how slow the nails grow. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies, she says.

Diagnosing the fungal infection early is key to make treatments effective. Dr. Lipner recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist to properly treat the infection if it grows to be too severe.

Here are a few of the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatments on the market.

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How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Take To Cure Toenail Fungus

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

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What Is The Best Thing To Soak An Infected Finger In

A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in: A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day. Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief. Apple cider vinegar because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

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How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus

To find out if a patient has nail fungus, a dermatologist examines your nails and nearby skin. Its important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. You may already have a skin infection caused by fungus like athletes foot.

To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas.

Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful. In a lab, these samples can be examined under a microscope to find out whats causing the problem.

Are you hiding an infected nail with nail polish?

Be sure to ask your dermatologist if you can wear nail polish while treating nail fungus.

Hosiery And Toenail Fungus

Wearing pantyhose can lead to sweaty feet and the potential for a toenail fungal infection. “Nylon hosiery doesn’t absorb sweat, so when wearing hosiery inside a shoe, there’s an increased chance of fungal growth,” Zinkin says. If you must wear hosiery, put some antiperspirant or baby powder on your feet before slipping into your stockings. This will help reduce sweating and the chance of fungus growing.

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/6toenail Infection Is A Contagious Disease

Toenail fungus also known as onychomycosis is a common infection of the toenail. This contagious disease can be very painful and can even spread to other parts of the body, if not treated immediately.

The most common symptom of the toenail infection is a white, brown or yellow discoloration of one or more toenails. It may spread and even cause the nails to thicken and crack.

Traditionally, anti-fungal treatments such as terbinafine or fluconazole are used to cure toenail fungus, but these treatments have some serious side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, and jaundice. Most people opt for home remedies to cure this disease.

You can also try these popular home remedies, if your toenail is troubling you.

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Are Oral Medications For Nail Fungus Toxic

The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once-weekly treatment with fluconazole however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then retested during the course of treatment. It is important to notify the doctor of all side effects while on the medication. You should tell your doctor of all current medications to prevent potential serious drug interactions.

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Treatments For Nail Fungus

Over-the-counter topical creams are widely available for treating fungus, but they tend to be pretty ineffective. Prescription creams which offer higher dosages of medication are slightly better, but they still tend to work very slowly, and the possibility of experiencing another infection is very high. In recent years, laser therapy has become a popular method when it comes to killing the fungi that causes infection. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove a damaged nail, but doing so will not kill the fungus. Instead, it is still necessary to undergo some other type of treatment as well. In most cases, the results are typically the best when surgery is combined with an effective method of eliminating the fungus.

Home Treatment For Nail Fungus From Fake Acrylic Nails

• Remove the nail and do not put on another one if you suspect an allergic reaction to the nails.
• Clean any excess nail glue using warm water and nail sponge.
• Get rid of infesting fungus using home remedies, such as tea tree oil, baking soda solution, apple cider vinegar, or mouthwash.

Using tea tree oilMix a few drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of olive oil. After removing the artificial nails and any excess glue, rub the mixture onto the natural nail. Repeat the treatment twice a day until the nail condition improves.

Using baking soda solutionDilute a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Drench a cotton ball into the mixture and dab it onto the affected nail that has been cleansed. Let it sit for 5 minutes and repeat the treatment regularly.

Using apple cider vinegarDilute a cup of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Soak your finger in the solution for 5 minutes and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Repeat the treatment daily.

Using mouthwashSoak the affected nails into the bacteria-killing mouthwash for 10 minutes. Do the treatment daily. You can also drench a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected finger or toenails.

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There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates

Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.

Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.

Causes of toenail fungus

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athletes foot, the infection can spread to the nails.

Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.

People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:

Toenail fungus treatments

When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Preventing toenail fungus

What Is The White Hard Stuff Under My Toenails

Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

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