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How To Get Rid Of Toe Nail Fungus

Who Is Most Likely To Develop Fungal Infections

How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus! | Dr. Doug Willen

Men are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections as compared to women. The reason is their poorer immunity as compared to women as the only fighting factor that prevents fungus from occurring in the immune system and women are said to have a stronger immune system than men.

Older people have more chances of developing finger and toenail infections. This is due to their poor circulation system as our antibodies are present in blood so a poorer circulation speed will result in the rate at which antibodies reach the target site to be slowed down. Besides that, our nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.

People suffering from diabetes develop foot infections more often. Because the healing power of people suffering from diabetes is affected drastically due to their abnormal blood sugar level. Risen sugar levels result in poor immunity thus more prone to bacterial infections.

Moreover, if you regularly wear artificial nails or apply nail polish that is shared with several people or have a nail injury the chances of bacteria attacking and causing an infection are more likely. Also, swimming in public swimming pools, visiting swampy, high moisture places and wearing closed shoes such as boots and tennis shoes and gloves will cause fingernails and toenails to develop a fungal infection.

Benefits Of Applying Vaseline Ointment On The Toenail Affected With Fungus

  • 1. Moisturizes the toenail

When a toenail is affected by toenail fungus, it gets exceptionally dry and you may even see yellowness and cracks. This can be cured with the help of vaseline ointment as it is said to heal and repair the skin and nails.

You can try applying vaseline twice a day for at least 15 days to see a positive result. Most people cover the toenail with a bandaid too.

  • 2. Waterproofs the area

It is very well-known how humidity can make your toenail fungus worst, so the vaseline jelly is applied to waterproof the nail.

You must have noticed when applying it your lips or skin, the water doesnt touch the skin. The same way the toenail is protected from humidity yet moisturized at the same time.

  • 3. Softens the nails and cuticles

As most people suffering from toenail fungus have a very stiff toenail, it becomes extremely difficult to even trim such nails.

Applying vaseline jelly on and around the toenail helps the cuticules to soften.

It also eases the cleaning process of the toenails and helps you get rid of the fungus faster.

  • 4. Anti-bacterial effect

Since vaseline is a sticky solution for nails, it prevents bacteria to enter the nailbed.

When you keep the toenail open for a long time, it can invite tons of bacteria to make the situation worse and you may even get additional infections.

Even when you keep wearing shoes and socks, the vaseline layer protects the humidity and bacteria from entering and damaging the nail even more.

  • 5. Promotes Healing

What About The Cost Of Oral Medications For Fungal Nails

A further consideration is cost. Because newer oral antifungal agents are very expensive, some insurance companies balk at paying for what they consider a “cosmetic issue,” unless nail fungus causes pain or other functional symptoms. Terbinafine and fluconazole are now available as generic drugs and are quite inexpensive.

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Preventing Toenail Fungus From Spreading

While you can’t avoid contact with the microscopic organisms that cause toenail fungus its present anywhere that is warm, dark, or moist keeping your feet clean and dry and clipping your nails properly can help prevent an infection.

For fungus to grow, there needs to be some type of trauma to the nail where the nail-skin junction, or natural barrier, is disrupted, says Sheth. For example, from a pedicure, ill-fitting shoes, or the repetitive trauma of running or hiking that causes the nail to lift or get pressed on from shoes or boots.

Still, some people are more vulnerable than others, she adds. Some people have it only on one toe or one foot, and some have lived with a partner who has it but they never get it,” Sheth says. “And for some you see it in their entire family. It’s not as straightforward as it seems, and it’s an annoying problem.

If you do get a toenail fungus infection, these measures can help stop it from spreading:

Getting rid of established toenail fungus can be difficult. Successfully eliminating it depends on careful adherence to a treatment plan.

“What happens over time is that the fungus breeds in the nail tissue and goes from being just a little bit on the nail, to a really discolored and thickened nail, to a nail that is totally embedded with fungus,” explains Marlene Reid, a doctor of podiatric medicine in Naperville, Illinois, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Tips For Prevention Of Fungal Nails

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Nail fungus causes only 50% of abnormal-appearing nails. It can be hard to tell the difference between the different causes of discolored nails . Onychomycosis is often not treated. Reasons to receive treatment include

  • diabetes,

    No one knows where a specific person catches the fungus, as it is everywhere. However, since the fungus does thrive in warm moist areas , there are certain areas one should avoid or use with caution. Shower floors, locker rooms, and swimming pools are suspected of being sources of the fungus, although there are no studies proving this fact. Nail polish and acrylic nails also make the nail less “breathable” and make the nail more susceptible to fungal infection. Fungi are everywhere — in the air, the dust, and the soil. Hygienic measures such as spraying socks and footgear sound sensible, and perhaps these measures can even help a little bit. However, avoiding tight, nonbreathing shoes or steering clear of athletic facility floors may very well be the best prevention available. Daily washing of the feet and drying between the toes can help to prevent nail fungus. The fungi carried on the coats of pets, like cats and dogs, don’t often cause nail fungus. Wearing white socks does not help.

    Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Candida Fungus

    How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus Infection

    For good result when using apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus treatment, you want to make sure you buy raw, unpasteurized, and organic vinegar. To use Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungi infection, all you need to do is to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water and vinegar for a between 20-30 minutes. Do this twice a day till the fungus clears from your toenail.

    Application

    • Step 1 Fill a bucket or basin or a foot tub with water enough to completely cover your feet. You could add the water using cups for measurement purpose.
    • Step 2 If for instance 4 cups of water was used in step one, use two cups of ACV here. You want to make sure the apple cider vinegar added is at least half of the water to be used.
    • Step 3 Immerse your feet in the bowl of water and leave them there for at least 20-30 minutes. Note that it is important that your feet are completely immersed in the water, if the water is not enough, you must add more water and ensure half the quantity of water added as extra is also added in form of Apple cider.

    Once done you can then wipe your feet properly and repeat the process for at least two times per day in order to see better results.

    Facts You Should Know About Fungal Nails

    Many changes in fingernails or toenails may cause people to think they have a fungal infection of the nails, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium.

    Fungal infection of the nails sometimes makes the condition sound contagious or related to poor hygiene. In fact, up to 10% of all adults in Western countries have fungal infection of the nails. This percentage increases to 20% of adults who are age 60 or older. Toenail fungus is much more common than fingernail fungus.

    In reality, abnormal-looking nails may be caused by a number of conditions including, but not limited to, fungal infection. There are many other reasons why your nails may look different.

    Also Check: Can Vinegar Kill Toe Nail Fungus

    Prevention And Treatment Of Toenail Fungus

    Once its taken hold, toenail fungus can be hard to kick. Here are some techniques for the prevention and treatment of toenail fungus.

    Anyone who enjoys wearing open-toed sandals in the summer knows how good it feels to have healthy-looking toenails. But good looks arent the only reason to keep your toenails in top shape. Fungal infections of the toenails also known as onychomycosis don’t go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.

    If you have comprised blood flow, theres even more reason to safeguard your toenails, since youll have trouble healing, says Ami Sheth, a doctor of podiatric medicine in Los Gatos, California, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. And once you have a wound, you can get fungal skin infections, which can lead to a subsequent bacterial infection if the skin breaks down, notes Dr. Sheth.

    However, because toenail fungal infections are typically painless, people are often unaware that they have a problem unless they are inspecting their feet regularly.

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    What Are Common Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication

    How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Effectively

    Topical medications often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially irritate the skin. Itchy, peeling, red flesh and blisters may also occur with many topicals. Consult your doctor if your medication is causing an unwanted skin reaction.

    Liver damage is one of the most concerning side effects of some toenail fungus medications. Due to the nature of onychomycosis, many of the medications need to be taken for long periods of time to completely resolve nail fungus. Gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and trouble breathing are also listed as potential side effects. In addition, if the individual treating the toenail fungus suffers from heart conditions, the medication could interfere with heart health.

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    Understanding Nail Infections To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

    Any one of these treatment options can offer relief for toenail fungus, but in order to effectively treat and then prevent re-infection, it is important to understand how nail infections work. Knowledge is power, and, in this case, it gives you the tools to answer the question, how to get rid of toenail fungus fast!

    Approximately 12% of the adult population suffers with a nail fungus to some degree. This problem can affect both old and young but is more common in older adults and particularly those with a compromised immune system.

    You should understand you have both good and bad bacteria in and even on your body at all times. Inside the body, the good bacteria work to keep bad bacteria in check, but when the scales get tipped in the other direction, it can leave you vulnerable to all sorts of infections, including toenail fungus.

    Of course, imbalances in your system is only one of the many ways you could acquire a toenail fungus. Here are just a few more culprits:

    • Tight, dirty footwear
    • Contact- nail salon , pool, gym or sauna that are contaminated.
    • Athletes foot
    • Poor circulation arterial disease or diabetes are common causes
    • Genetic condition
    • Contaminated nail utensils

    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.

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    Best Soak: Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Soak

    • Relaxes muscles with Epsom and sea salts

    • All-natural solution

    • Essential oils may be potential allergens

    If youre looking for an all-natural route to treat toenail fungus, then this foot soak could be for you. Not only is a foot soak a relaxing way to end your day, but the ingredients used in Purely Northwests soak include Epsom salt, sea salt, tea tree oil, and other oils. These ingredients soothe the skin while addressing foot and toenail fungus.

    The combined ingredients work to dry out the fungus to prevent it from spreading. Benefits of the soak also include healing cracked feet and soothing aches.

    This US-made product has no dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it a great all-natural solution. But results, depending on severity, might take longer to show when using the soak over prescription or over-the-counter treatments.

    Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, MSM, and Therapeutic-grade essential oils | Dose: Add 1.5 tablespoons of foot soak mix for every gallon of water. Mix with hands until the salt dissolved. Add additional salts for a more stronger or aromatic foot bath. Soak your feet for About 15-20 minutes. | Uses: Treats fungus all over feet eliminates food odor and aches

    • Great for athletes and gym goers

    • Cleanses and deodorizes

    • Also treats acne, candida, and rashes

    • Fragrant oils may be overwhelming

    • Tea tree and lavender sooth skin

    • Money back guarantee

    • Results can take several weeks

    • Only for toe and fingernail fungus

    • Expensive

    Tips To Combat Foot Fungus

    How to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach #bleach #less ...

    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.

  • Wash and dry your feet well after exercising. Be sure to get between your toes.
  • If you use a communal area such as a shower at your gym or the local pool, wear waterproof shoes such as flip-flops to ensure your feet dont come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • If you suspect a case of athletes foot is brewing, treat it right away with over-the-counter creams mentioned above.
  • Because athletes foot and toenail fungus thrives in dark, damp environments, wear shoes that breathe and dont trap sweat inside of them, and change your socks often. Invest in some socks that wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Be sure to protect your feet at home if someone has a foot infection.
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    How To Diagnose Yellow Nail Syndrome

    You shouldnt ignore a change in nail color or shape, especially if your nails turn yellow. Yellow nails can indicate a problem with your liver or kidney, diabetes mellitus, fungal infections, or psoriasis, which need to be treated by a doctor.

    If you develop yellow nails along with swelling or respiratory problems, see a doctor.

    A doctor may diagnose yellow nail syndrome if you exhibit primary symptoms of the condition. Your doctor may also order a pulmonary function test to measure how well your lungs work or take a sample of your nail to check for fungus.

    Toenail Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors

    Toenail fungus is a fungal infection in the toenail. It happens when a fungus anything from mold to yeast to other types of fungus gets in the nail bed from a cut or break in the nail or repetitive trauma to the nail, and penetrates the nail itself, says Dr. Sundling. The nail then continues to grow with the fungus. Once a nail plate is infected with fungus, it will never not be infected, and you must wait to see how it grows out and whether the new nail growing behind it is healthy. The new nail rarely grows in healthy without treatment, says Sundling.

    Toenail fungus is very common 14 percent of people have it in North America, according to an article published in the journal PLoS Pathogens and its more common the older you get, adds Sundling. Wearing shoes that are too small can damage the nail and make it more vulnerable to fungus, as can having a fungal infection on the skin of the foot and not treating it, which could expose the nail to fungus. You may be more at risk to toenail fungus if you have diabetes, or a weaker immune system.

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    Warning Signs Of Toenail Fungus

    Toenail fungus is an unsightly and embarrassing infection that is contagious and often difficult to get rid of. And while some of you may have a mild case and barely even notice the fungal growth at all, others actually suffer from intense pain as their infection grows and spreads.

    When patients visit our office looking to relieve pain caused by toenail fungus, they are usually finally doing something about the infection after months or even years! of ignoring the condition and allowing it to thrive.

    Waiting to seek treatment they soon find is a huge mistake!

    Request an Appointment

    Whenever you have an infection, you shouldnt wait to seek medical care the sooner you get the care you need, the quicker and more effective treatments will be.

    Its like the old saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. And this is true when it comes to toenail fungus looking for symptoms of this pesky condition before they become a problem will help you make the most of treatment opportunities and minimize complications.

    The bottom line is that the more you allow fungus to grow and spread under your nail, the more difficult it will be to actually get rid of it. So staying aware of symptoms and catching them early can really make a huge difference for your recovery.

    And of course, if you want to catch it early, you need to know what to exactly look for thats why we are here!

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