What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Nail Fungus
A podiatrist is your best ally when it comes to determining the best and most effective treatment for toenail fungus. By seeking a podiatrists professional help, youre much more likely to get rid of toenail fungus and avoid possible irritation and infection to the area. Before providing a recommended treatment plan, your doctor will first evaluate the infected area. Treatment options include:
- Topical or oral antifungal medications and removal of debris from the infected nail. Common oral medications for toenail fungus treatment are Lamisil and Sporanox. A common topical medication is Penlac.
- Temporary removal of the infected nail.
- Permanent removal of the infected nail. In more severe casesand if the infection is resisting topical and/or oral medicationsyour podiatrist may recommend laser toenail fungus removal. Laser toenail fungus removal is a safe and painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Preventative Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus
Although there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid developing toenail fungus, your body might not make it so easy. Often, toenail fungus can develop as a result of the fungi that are naturally in your body. If you have a weakened immune system or poor circulation, you may also be more prone to fungal infections. However, when taking the proper preventative steps, you may be able to avoid contracting toenail fungus. Here are some ways to avoid toenail fungus:
- Maintain proper foot hygiene by washing your feet with water and mild soap, then completely drying your feet afterwards.
- Avoid showering barefoot in communal showers, such as those in gyms, dorms, or pools.
- Avoid frequently swimming in public pools.
- Change your socks regularly.
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How To Make A Vinegar Foot Soak
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Overview
We demand a lot from our feet. They carry our bodies around all day, often from within uncomfortable shoes. Its no wonder many of us end up with blisters, pain, odor, and fungus, like athletes foot.
Fortunately, theres a simple solution to your woes, and it can be found in your kitchen.
Wash Your Socks Regularly
Wearing the same socks every day is also a major cause of fungus, so wash your socks daily as much as possible. Although we wear socks because they absorb moisture, but if you wear the same pair of socks frequently, they can cause problems for you and can be a major cause of the fungus.
If your shoes have already been infected with the fungus, you will need to be more careful. For this, you will have to wash your socks with disinfected soap and dry them in sunlight and after drying, store it in a dry place so that the fungus does not multiply after wearing the socks.
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Do You Have A Toenail Fungus Clinic In Montclare Chicago Il
Advanced Foot and Ankle has a toenail fungus clinic near you at 3115 N Harlem Ave #200 Chicago, IL 60634. You can reach us for any reason at 673-9898. Call us today for more information about us, our podiatrists, or our services, or to book a consultation with us. Alternatively, you can book your appointment with us online. During your appointment, well take a look at your case of infection, and well make sure the treatment we recommend will take care of the problem for you. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
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How To Prevent Both Foot And Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus and foot fungus arent the same condition, the following tips can help you prevent both, says Sundling:
- Practice good hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean.
- Alternate your shoes during the week. Your feet sweat all day long. Alternating your shoes allows them to dry out, so the fungus cant survive.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks that help dry out shoes and kill fungus. You can find these at running stores and athletic stores. If your socks are exceptionally sweaty, changing them more than once per day can help.
- Wear shoes in public places like locker rooms, pools, and gyms to limit exposure to fungus.
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What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is usually an infection of the toenail caused by opportunistic fungi, explains Oliva. It may cause your nail to turn a yellow or white hue, thicken, or crumble at the outer edges.
While toenail fungus can occur in people of all ages, board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, says that its most common in older folks. As the nail ages, it is prone to becoming brittle and dry, which can result in cracks in the nails that make it susceptible to fungal infections, she explains, noting that all of the aforementioned causes can be even more of a concern as a result.
Meet the Expert
- , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Manhattan. She is an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital and also teaches in the Dermatology Departments surgery clinic.
- Francisco Oliva, DPM, is a Miami-based podiatrist who has been in private practice for 25+ years.
Nevertheless, because developing a toenail fungus can occur at all ages, we reveal the best ways to treat toenail fungus at home, below.
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
One of the most dreaded and, lets face it, a disgusting ailment is toenail fungus . As most who read my blogs know, I usually write about topics that I have experienced personally and/or observed in patients. Well, for this one, it is both. For years, one of my toes would become afflicted, Id treat it, and then a year or two later, it would return.
The truth is that fungus is among us! You may view yourself as one with good hygiene, but even you are loaded with fungus on your skin. Fungus does not need much to overgrow and is exceedingly difficult to get rid of when it does. The three changes in our local skin environment that cause it to grow are 1. A decrease in good bacteria , since bacteria can suppress its growth 2. Excessive water/moisture 3. Sugar.
But to get fungus on your nail, a few things must happen. Diabetics, because of elevated sugar, are at higher risk. However, many, like myself, who dont have diabetes, are still prime targets. Thats because of what I call the blotter effect. To understand this effect, imagine the following scenario. You are sitting behind a wooden desk with a glass blotter on top to protect the surface. You place a cup of water on the blotter and turn to work on your computer. As you turn, your elbow knocks over youre cup, and the water spills over the edge of the desk. You then see some water track itself under the blotter.
The following natural approaches will work whether you have taken a medication or not .
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Complications Regarding Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungal infections are typically painless or at least start off that way. But without proper self-care and treatment, the condition can spiral into a more severe case of nail fungus, which can be painful and may cause irretrievable damage to your nails.
Moreover, the toenail infection can sprout other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet, particularly if you have a suppressed immune system due to certain medications, diabetes, or other conditions.
Because people with diabetes are already predisposed to reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in their feet, their odds for catching toenail infections as well as bacterial skin infection are quite high.
Thus, it is imperative for people with diabetes to seek professional medical help for any seemingly minor foot injury including a nail fungal infection to avoid any future complications.
Making The Vinegar Foot Soak
Vinegar will not hurt your feet, but you should still dilute it for a foot soak. Generally, using 1-part vinegar to 2-parts water is a good ratio. If youre tolerating the diluted vinegar soaks, and not noticing any difference, you can use a stronger soak.
While the soak will smell strong, the odor will dissipate after the vinegar dries from your feet. You can also use essential oils to change the scent slightly.
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Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus
The high content of caprylic acid in coconut oil is one of the medium-chain fatty acids. It has the ability to go through the tough cell wall of toenail fungus . When the protective coating of the cells is ruptured the fungus dissolve, removing the infection fast. Apply some coconut oil thin layer to toenail fungus and let it absorb the oil in for at least 10-15 minutes. Coconut oil is highly beneficial for skin health, so there is no limit to how often you can follow this treatment. Make sure you arent allergic to coconuts, before using coconut oil to sensitive tissue. Read article on uses and benefits of coconut oil for skin.
Have Topical Antifungal Prescriptions Medications
You cannot take the topical medication alone, but it can be with oral therapy to decrease the duration of your treatment. However, if you are hesitant to start oral therapy or have reservation about oral therapy then try topical medication which is one of the best options.
You can go with Ciclopirox, which is an 8% of solution commonly applied daily for 48 weeks. Alternatively, you can try Jublia, which is a 10% of solution applied daily on the affected area for 48 weeks. These prescriptions are effective, if the infection does not spread into matrix, it is a layers of cells at the base. Visit to your doctor and your doctor will let you know if your infection has expanded to include the nail matrix.
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White Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar is slightly acidic, so natural remedies like apple cider vinegar work to balance the pH of the skin. It also helps to prevent the fungus from spreading and kills bacteria and fungi. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and soak the infected area for 30 minutes daily. Make sure to thoroughly dry your foot after.
Treating Toenail Fungus Medically
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How Are Thick Toenails Treated
Although not all cases of toenail fungus need to be treated, thick toenails may be a sign that the fungus has gotten worse. Several methods are available to treat your toenails. You can try some home-based treatments first and then talk to your doctor about prescription-based options. Topical and oral medications are the mainstays of therapy.
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 dont treat the infection, theres a chance it will worsen and spread to other nails.
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Know About Surgical Treatment
If you are serious case of toenail fungus infection then you need to fix it with surgical treatment. In this case, the options include partial or complete nail removal. When the nail gets removed, then antifungal creams are applied to ward off the infection on the affected area for reinfection of new nails. Total nail removal is not usually needed.
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
Isvaiyah has been a licensed pharmacist at Gadjah Mada University for nine years. She earned her M.Sc. from the same university.
Read on for 10 ways to beat nail fungus the natural way!
Nail fungus can attack any one of us, but theres no need to worry because there are a number of effective natural remedies out there. This condition normally affects toenails, but fingernails can also become infected. The infected nails often change color, becoming yellow, green, or black. They can also become painful. If left untreated, the fungus may gradually inflict serious damage to the nails, and eventually, have to be removed by a physician.
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What Are Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Do you need to treat your nail fungus? Maybe it doesn’t hurt, and the yellow, thick nails don’t bother you.
But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.
There are a number of ways to take care of it, including:
Nonprescription options. You can buy antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish at the store and online without a prescription. You might want to try one of them first if the infection doesn’t look bad. Some people also swear by home remedies like menthol rub, tea tree oil, mouthwash, or snakeroot extract — but studies show mixed results.
Prescription polish and creams. Your foot doctor will likely trim your nail and file away its dead layers. They may also take a piece of your nail and send it to the lab to make sure itâs really a fungus and to find out what type it is.
The doctor might suggest an antifungal drug that you paint on your nails. This may work on its own, or they may suggest you take it with antifungal pills.
Prescription medications. One of several antifungal pills may help. They work, but it may take many months to do the job. They also come with side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. They may cause liver damage too, so your doctor will watch you closely while you take them. Be sure to tell them about any other meds youâre taking — some antifungal pills might not work well with them.
Natural Cures For Fungal Nails
Do you have a fungal infection, a particularly bad one perhaps? Has your nail turned yellow and brown and is it flaking and chipping easily? Turn to the World Wide Web and you will find a multitude of natural cures for your fungal toenails. But do they work? Today I will give you the low down on what actually works, and absolutely does not work for your fungal toenails!
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Go For Oral Medication
Oral medication is one of the effective ways to get rid of toenail fungus. If you are looking for the best treatment to prevent toenail fungus then go for systemic treatment like oral prescriptions antifungal. But these treatments can take 2-3 months or longer. This oral antifungal medication has Lamisil, which is commonly prescribed with a dose of 250 mg a day for weeks. But it also has some side effects which include rash, diarrhea or liver enzymes abnormities. In case of liver or kidney issue, avoid these medications.
You can also try itraconazole which is normally prescribed with dose of 200 mg a day for 12 weeks. It also have some side effects like rash, nausea or liver enzymes abnormities. If you have liver issue, then do not consume this medicine. Best way is to consult your doctor and tell about the medication you are taking to get rid toenail fungus.