How Do You Prevent Toenail Fungus

How You Can Stop Toenail Fungus From Spreading

Stopping toenail fungi from spreading to your other nails is an exercise in dealing with a contagious situation. Yes, the fungus is contagious and if allowed it will take hold and infect other nails on your feet and hands. The fungus, like any living thing proliferate and take as much room as you permit it.

What you want to do is lower the risk or potential risk of the fungus moving to new nails on your hands and feet. This isnt to say that you are definitely going to have the fungus problem on every nail but its important to be aware of the risks and take precautions.

A safety precaution to avoid the spread of toenail fungus to your other foot nails is to sterilize and sanitize the nail clippers or scissors used for nail care, to cut the infected toenail. A good solution is to soak them in alcohol or in a water solution with bleach at a ratio of 1 part bleach in 10 parts boiling water for 10 minutes.

The first thing you should do is get yourself a box of latex gloves. Most drug stores and many supermarkets carry these disposable gloves in 100 count boxes. Whenever you handle the infected area like administering treatment, applying medications etc, wear gloves. This will lower the risk the infection getting a hold of another nail.

There are many home remedies and medical cures or treatments for Onychomycosis that claim to work. Some are based on age old remedies while others such as Listerine® for toenail fungus are tried more out of exasperation.

Protect Your Feet In Public

You can lock down your home against fungus rather easily, but the world is another matter. Fungus thrives in warm, damp, moist environments, and there are plenty of them out there with a lot of foot traffic.

If you are going to high risk areas such as gyms, locker rooms, and public pools, you need to keep your feet protected. A pair of sandals oreven bettershower shoes will provide a good amount of cover in the worst of it.

Of course, wash your feet well after your time in a shower room or pool, and make sure they are fully dry before you put socks and shoes back on.

How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Naturally And Fast At Home

Toenail fungus, aka onychomycosis, is a very popular problem. The symptoms of toenail fungus include swelling, inflammation, yellowing, crumbling and thickening of the nail. This condition is often not painful, if the infection does not spread.

In fact, the fungus tends to thrive under some certain conditions, like a weakened immune system, skins unbalanced pH level, continuous exposure to a moist environment containing poor hygiene, sweaty shoes and socks, and diabetes.

When left untreated, this condition could result in splitting, cracking and even whole loss of toenails. However, luckily, there are some ways on how to get rid of toenail fungus naturally and fast without too much cost. The following at-home remedies resorting natural ingredients available in any local grocery store. Take a look from VKool.com!

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Toenail Fungus Can Spread From One Person To Another

Its completely true that toenail fungus can spread from one person to another. This may happen to your family members who usually share your items. Toenail fungus is contagious via skin contact with the affected skin and objects. So, avoid touching or sharing personal items with infected people.

Sharing infected items can cause toenail fungus to spread to other people

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What Causes Toenail Fungus And How To Prevent It

Unfortunately, the warm and moist environment inside your shoe can make you vulnerable to fungal infections. When these occur on the toenail, doctors call the condition onychomycosis. Fungal skin infections commonly called athletes foot can often affect the foot as well.

One of the you get a fungal toenail infection is when fungus invades small cracks in your toenail. Some people are at greater risk for this occurring, including those with:

• circulation problems, especially related to the feet
• diabetes
• history of injury, surgery, or damage to the nail
• impacted immune system function

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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 .

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Six Ways To Prevent Toenail Fungus

SIX WAYS TO PREVENT TOENAIL FUNGUS

Newswise SCHAUMBURG, Ill. Although fungal nail infections are usually painless, the condition can be unsightly. If you get nail fungus more common on the toenails than the fingernails your symptoms could include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, nail fungus can worsen and make it painful to wear shoes.

Fungal nail infections are common and tend to run in families because of an inherited tendency, although not everyone is susceptible, said board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Since fungal nail infections are contagious, its important to take precautions to reduce your risk of getting an infection.

To help prevent nail fungus, Dr. Zeichner recommends the following tips:

Nail fungus is better prevented than treated, said Dr. Zeichner. However, if you notice a problem with your nails, see a board-certified dermatologist right away. Nail fungus can take up to a year to clear, so its important to begin treatment as soon as its diagnosed.

If caught early, nail fungus may clear with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, lotion, gel or lacquer. However, most fungal nail infections require prescription antifungal medications. Laser treatments may also be used.

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What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus

The most effective toenail fungus treatment for you will largely depend on your symptoms and situation. Your provider will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan thats customized to you.

Overall, oral antifungal medications may offer the most treatment potential. Pairing oral drugs with topical antifungal medication may make treatment more effective.

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Trying Simple Hygiene Measures

/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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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus

The following are tips and tricks to both prevent an initial infection with toenail fungus AND to prevent re-infection after treatment and cure of toenail fungus.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching or coming into contact with an infected nail.
• Use lukewarm water, wet your hands and then apply soap.
• Create a lather of soap by rubbing your hands together. Be sure to address any dirt under the nails at this time.
• Rub your palms together and intertwine your fingers to ensure you are reaching the area of your hands between your fingers.
• Lastly, ensure to rub the backs of your hands.
• You should scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds to achieve desired results.
• Rinse your hands with running water from the wrists down and then utilize a clean paper towel to fully dry your hands and to turn the water off.

• Examine your hands, feet and nails daily. Keep your Purely Northwest Foot and Toenail System, Cure Ex Laser OR Zeta Clear Nail Solution on hand! If you see ANY change in color or texture within any nail or toenail begin a quick treatment immediately. Do not give the fungus a chance to take root!!!

• Wear shower shoes in shared public spaces such as swimming pools and locker rooms!

• Dont forget after bathing to dry your feet, toes and the area in-between your toes thoroughly. These areas are often forgotten! Remember fungus likes a warm, moist environment. Keep the feet and toes dry!

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Ways To Prevent Toenail Fungus

Toenail infections are a common problem that occurs when a fungus begins to grow under the nail. Upon infection, the toenail can turn yellow, become crumbly, thicken, and separate from the nail bed. Because the fungi that cause these infections thrive in warm and moist environments, there are a few key ways to prevent a fungal nail infection. These methods include ensuring that the feet are properly dried, keeping the toenails short, wearing clean socks, wearing footwear in public pools and showers, not sharing footwear with others, and using an antifungal spray in your shoes. If you still get an infection, there are a variety of treatment options that a podiatrist can provide. A podiatrist can prescribe antifungal medicines, remove the infected nail, or use an antifungal nail polish. If you believe that you have a fungal nail infection, visiting a podiatrist is recommended.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails

Tips To Prevent Fungal Nail Infections

Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.

Also avoid injuring the skin around your nails. If youre going to have damp or wet hands for an extended amount of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.

Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:

• washing your hands after touching infected nails
• drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
• getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons
• avoiding being barefoot in public places
• reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish

Products to help you avoid nail fungus

If youre prone to excessive moisture around your fingernails or toenails, consider buying:

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How To Prevent Infections Or Reinfections

Fungus grows in warm, moist, dark environments, so the tight, dark, sweaty confines of your shoe present a perfect setting for fungus to flourish. In order to fight infection, you must work to keep your feet dry and away from any spores.

Here are some tips to avoid getting infected or having the infection get worse.

What Is Toenail Fungus & Its Causes

Toenail fungus is a localized infection of one or more toenails caused by fungal organisms. The most common of these is called dermatophyte. Yeast and mold can also cause infection. Most of these infections begin when the agents that cause athletes foot spread into the nail. It is unusual to get an infection from someone else, but damp areas such as locker rooms can spread them.

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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.

Dont Go Barefoot In Public Areas

Since toenail fungus is so contagious and thrives in moist, warm places, dont go barefoot in public places like pools, showers, and locker rooms. These areas are full of microscopic fungal organisms that can take root in your nails and cause you a summer of trouble.

When in public areas, protect your nail health by wearing sandals, flip-flops, or shower shoes to minimize your exposure.

For more information on preventing stubborn toenail fungus or to treat an existing infection, contact Dr. Hopkins and the team at South Sound Foot & Ankle!

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What Is Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a widespread fungal infection that affects the toenails. Less commonly, nail fungus infects the fingernails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.

Toenail fungus happens when fungi get between the toenail and the toenail bed . This usually happens through a crack or cut in your toe.

What Are The Treatment Options

There are three types of treatments available for nail fungus depending on the degree or severity of the infection. You can treat nail fungus orally with antifungal medicines which could take up to four months of daily medication. There are topical treatments that can easily be applied like nail polish. However, in extreme cases where the topical medication cannot reach the infection, the doctor might remove the entire nail for proper application.

There are also a lot of home remedies that you can try. Here are is a short list of the best natural ingredients for the treatment of nail fungus.

• Apple cider vinegar

• Probiotics

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Few Vetted Treatment Options

For years, its been slim pickings in terms of pharmaceuticals. There is a topical called Penlac that seems to work sometimes for very mild cases. Laser treatments sometimes make the nails look a bit better but have not been proven to kill the fungus. Then there are pills that people have to take for several months. The oral medications such as Lamisil or Nizoral are effective, but many people are afraid of them because of potential side effects, including a negative impact on kidney and liver function. Vlahovic admits the search for a cure has been a bit sluggish.

Its not something that people are jumping at doing research on, because you dont have the instant gratification as you would if you would do a clinical trial for athletes foot that only lasts for six weeks, Vlahovic said. Toenail treatment trials have to last for at least a year and that makes them costly.