Luxuriate In Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known for being incredibly calming for the senses, sure, but its also a great option for calming toenail fungal infections. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, lavender provides a powerful antifungal punch. Lavender essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi that are responsible for toenail fungus and other skin fungal infections, Hayag explains. When using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus, it is best to apply one to two drops of lavender oil to the affected nail and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. After soaking, she suggests gently scrubbing the area with a clean toothbrush and repeating the process daily until the infection has been resolved.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Fungal Nail Infection
A fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.
As it progresses, the infection can cause:
- discolouration of the nail it may turn white, black, yellow or green
- thickening and distortion of the nail it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim
- pain or discomfort particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger
- brittle or crumbly nails pieces may break off and come away completely
Sometimes the skin nearby may also become infected and be itchy and cracked or red and swollen.
Risk Factors Associated With Toenail Fungus
Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can make you increasingly vulnerable to developing nail fungus:
Health: You have a greater chance of contracting a fungal nail infection if you suffer from one or more of the following issues:
- Other fungal skin infections, such as athletes foot or ringworm
- Diabetes
- Increasingly brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail
- Nail that appears warped or distorted in shape
- Nail that appears dull without any luster
- Dark color, caused by the accumulation of debris under your nail
- Slightly foul odor in the affected area
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How To Treat Toenail Fungus
You can use simple home remedies to get rid of toenail fungus, or a podiatrist can take care of toenail fungus, particularly if it is caught early.
Topical or oral treatments can also work on toenail fungus, as well as the removal of the infected nail. A temporary removal can work to treat the area, but a permanent removal so that the bad nail wont grow back can also be performed.
How To Get Rid Of Foot Fungus Quickly
Have your toes lost their loving feeling? Instead of comfortable support, do your feet feel itchy? Is there rough or cracked skin between your toes? Or worse do your feet feel like they burn even when you arent having an awesome cardio session?
These are good indications that there may be an underlying foot fungus issue happening to the often sensitive skin of your feet.
Sometimes a foot fungus issue involves the toenails more than the skin of the foot and may not produce any bothersome symptoms but is still an issue that must be addressed so your feet can feel nice. Toenails that curl inward from the sides, are turning yellow, are becoming thicker, or may be consistently brittle could be the result of a fungus.
In most instances, a fungal infection of the feet is not a serious problem as long as you treat it. If foot fungus is left untreated, there is the possibility of an athletes foot problem moving from the toes to the entire foot. Cracks in the skin can grow deeper and cause painful, bleeding sores. Toenails can stop growing and may eventually die.
Knowing how to get rid of foot fungus quickly will help you be able to take proactive measures to make sure your feet are happy and comfortable every day.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Foot Fungus
Itchy skin is an early sign of foot fungus, or scaly, peeling skin, or tiny blisters on the skin that will pop at times, says Sundling. The skin tends to break out in the shape of a moccasin, or the area of the foot that a moccasin would cover. You dont see foot fungus on the top of the foot very often. Its common to get a fungal infection between the toes as well, she adds.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications
Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.
If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.
You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.
Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.
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Symptoms Of Athletes Foot
Athletes foot can infect one or both of your feet. Although its primarily an infection of the foot, it can spread to your hands if you scratch or pick at the infected areas on your feet. Symptoms of athletes foot include:
- A red or white scaly rash
- A rash that starts between your toes
- Itching, especially right after removing footwear
- Blisters or ulcers
- Chronic dryness and scaling on the soles of the feet, which can also extend up the side of your foot. This is caused by the moccasin variety of athletes foot.
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Best Medicated Nail Polish: Arishine Toenail Fungus Treatment
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Treats discoloration, brittleness, and cracked nails
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Easy, on-the-go treatment
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Only works on nail plates
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Treatment process can be slow
The Arishine Toenail Treatment has the design and convenience of a pencil. Perfect for storing in a bag or pocket while at work, the repair pencil allows you to use a paintable nail polish on your infected toenail three times a day with ease to treat a nail fungal issue.
The Arishine treatment uses two percent deacetylated chitin, three percent O-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Angelica dahurica as active ingredients to get rid of fungus and heal the damage. This solution can help treat discoloration, brittleness, split, rough, and cracked nails. Ultimately, this medicated nail polish can lead to stronger and healthier nails.
Arishine is made of natural ingredients and does not conduct animal testing. Treatment requires three applications a day and should be used for four to 12 weeks, although improvement may be visible in as few as two weeks. Arishine offers customers a satisfaction guarantee.
Active Ingredients: Deacetylated chitin , O-hydroxybenzoic acid , and Angelica dahurica | Dose: Applicator automatically delivers correct amount with two to three clicks. Apply around nail on cuticles and under nail bed. | Uses: Treats fungus infection on and around nails helps heal discolored, brittle nails
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Ask The Doctor: Athletes Foot That Wont Quit
Q.I have been struggling with persistent athletes foot. I have tried several over-the-counter medications for several weeks without improvement. How can I rid myself of this rash.
A. Athletes foot, a common rash on the soles of the feet and in between toes, is caused by a skin fungus . The rash usually improves with use of antifungal creams and sprays for two to four weeks. If not, you have several options.
First, you might not actually have athletes foot. Other skin conditions, especially eczema and dry skin, can mimic the symptoms of athletes foot. Your doctor can confirm athletes foot by scraping a small bit of scale off the foot and examining it under a microscope.
If you do have the fungus, changing your socks frequently to keep your feet dry will improve the chance that over-the-counter remedies will work. If the rash persists despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor.
Trying a different antifungal cream may also be helpful. Some studies have reported that products containing terbinafine were more effective than those with clotrimazole and similar medications. Prescription oral medications may be required to treat more severe cases.
William Kormos, M.D.
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Dermatophytes: A Common Cause Of Toenail Fungus
Your toenails are composed of 80% hard keratin and 20% soft keratin. Keratin is also in your skin and hair. Dermatophytes, the fungi that usually cause onychomycosis, feed on keratin to grow and multiply.
Dermatophytes love warm, moist environments, including:
- Public pools
- Saunas
- Locker rooms
Onychomycosis is highly contagious, so its easy to catch. When dermatophytes find their way to your feet as a result of exposure to sweat, public showers, or steam rooms, the dermatophytes consume the keratin in your nails by breaking it down into smaller particles. The crumbly residue on your infected toenails is actually keratin debris.
You can also get toenail fungus as a result of being more susceptible to foot problems, especially if youre diabetic, have circulation problems, or you have a weakened immune system. These other conditions, including chronic skin problems like psoriasis, often lead to toenail fungus if your feet are exposed to it, or you dont keep your feet cool and dry after swimming or going to the gym.
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Go For Laser Treatment
You can go for the laser treatment to get rid of toenail fungus. There are so many laser treatments available but it will burn your pocket as it is very costly. In this process, they use high focus beam to eradicate the fungus in the affected area. You can take it as serious treatment to cure the infection, which means that you have to pay it more even more each time you go. The treatment is also a large experimental. You should well aware about the process and consequences. Until the further studies are conducted, laser treatment is not considered for routine use.
Toenail Fungus Home Care
Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:
- Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
- Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.
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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.
Home Remedies For Nail Fungus
Treating nail fungus doesnt have to mean relying on a doctors prescription. Instead, patients can take control of their health with these easy home remedies for toenail fungus.
This pantry staple can help cure nail fungus and is also a wonderful home remedy for foot rot when applied topically or taken internally.
Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Recipe
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 1 part Epsom salts
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When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.
Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.
Cure Athletes Foot Immediately
If you allow the fungal infection to remain on your foot then it will definitely get spread and become worse. Your carelessness on your foot will increase the risk of its spreading to your nails. Stop the potential spread by curing the athletic food as soon as possible. Mild cases of athletic foot can be treated with over counter medications. Serious toenail fungus infection requires prescription strength medication. Visit to doctor and ask the option for you.
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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 .
Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus
An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.
Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. “You may want to consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured,” says Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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Trim Your Toenails Short And Straight
Keeping your toenails neatly trimmed short and straight across can prevent sharp edges that could injure your nail bed or become ingrown, making your toes more susceptible to fungal infections. Always disinfect your nail clippers after each use, since fungus spreads easily, and only receive pedicures from reputable nail salons that disinfect their tools between customers.
What Is The Treatment For Fungal Nails
Oral antifungal therapy has a high cure rate, depending on the medication. It can take nine to 12 months to see if it has worked or not, because that is how long it takes for the nail to grow out. Even when therapy works, the fungus may come back. Currently, an oral antifungal therapy is considered the best treatment for toenail fungus because of higher cure rates and shorter treatment duration compared to topical therapy.
Prescription oral medications that are effective against nail fungus include the following:
There are several innovative treatments that are still being tested:
- Laser therapy or uses application of light-activated agents onto the nail followed by shining light of a proper wavelength on the nail.
- Use of electrical current to help absorption of topical antifungal medications into the nail: This is also called iontophoresis.
- Use of a special nail lacquer that changes the micro-climate of the nail to make it inhospitable for the fungus to grow: If this works, it may be an inexpensive way to treat this problem in the future.
One way to definitively get rid of toenail fungus is by surgery. Surgical treatment of onychomycosis involves nail removal. However, this often only provides temporary relief, and recurrence is common unless additional antifungal medication is simultaneously used. However, surgical removal may be warranted when the affected nail is associated with other factors such as trauma and or infection.
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What The Experts Say
The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. 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.”Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.
Treatment For Athletes Foot
Athletes foot is unlikely to get better on its own. But you dont usually need to see a GP.
You can buy antifungal medicines for it from a pharmacy. They usually take a few weeks to work.
You can keep using some pharmacy treatments to stop athletes foot coming back.
Its also important to keep your feet clean and dry.
You dont need to stay off work or school as long as you follow this advice.
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Tips To Combat Foot Fungus
The best way to combat foot fungus is to reduce your exposure to it. There are simple things you can do to prevent from contracting foot and nail fungus.