Causes Of Keratin Build Up Under Toenails
The matrix is a part of nail bed which is not visible as it lies beneath the nail fold.
There are several causes that may lead to excess of keratin under the toe nail. One of the main causes is fungal infection in toe nail. Nail fungus destroys the keratin present in nail. Thus debris of keratin forms under the nail. Since the process is gradual and it does not cause pain, patient may not detect it until the nail becomes discolored or get separated from the nail bed.
Trauma to the toe nail or certain health conditions such as lichen planus, thyroid disease, side effects of medicines and chemical contact all can result in nail damage and subsequently a buildup of keratin beneath the nail. Usually, keratin debris develops only in one toe nail but sometimes more than one toenail is affected.
Effective Fungus Under Toenail Treatment
How to cure fungus under toenail requires the use of prescription medications. You can be put on various oral antifungal tablets for fungus under toenail treatment. Although, these happen to be most effective, they can cause havoc on your liver, kidneys, skin and bone marrow.
Therefore, you ought to use them while under the supervision of podiatrist or doctor who will be able to conduct various tests on your organs to ensure that no damage is caused by drugs such as terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole and griseofluvin. You could also be prescribed for topical nail lacquer also known as Penlac, econazole, ketoconazole and oxiconazole among others to go alongside the oral tablets.
Another fungus under toenail treatment that could cure you completely is the surgical removal of the infected nail. The infected nail is removed under local anesthesia and a new one grows to replace it after sometime.
You can also cure fungus under toenail using the laser treatments of Pinpointe, Fox and Noveon among others. The results of lasers are not immediate until several months after treatment and the success rates are at 80%-90%. The downside of this treatment is that it is expensive and you may require more than one sessions in order to cure the fungus.
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Why Are My Toenails Yellow
You might not pay much attention to your toes until flip-flop and sandal season rolls around.
But you should because toenails that are discolored yellow could point to something more than an unsightly cosmetic issue.
Yellowish nails are the bodys way of telling you something could be amiss, so dont ignore them or just cover them up with nail polish.
For the most part, yellowish-colored nails dont pose a major health risk, but because they could be caused by a fungus or another underlying condition, a doctors visit is often in order.
Here are some reasons why nails become yellow, plus the other ways your nails can change, and how to treat it.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Fingernails And Toenails
Now were not doctors. So, if youre concerned or have any issues you should definitely see your doctor for a consultation. They will have a much better idea of your issue and will be able to prescribe stronger treatments to eliminate the yellow nails hopefully.
But regardless of your chosen course of action, it is important to act fast. If left untreated the nail bed could retract causing it to thicken and crumble. It also leaves you fingers more prone to infection, makes your hands more noticeable , and can even start to cause a very, shall we say, unpleasant odor. All of which, are definitely No Bueno!
Here are some easy at-home treatments to get your nail game back on track. Remember it can take up to a year to completely remove some causes of yellow nails, so the sooner you get started the better.
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Health Implications Of Thick Yellow Toenails
The majority of the time, people will just wear shoes and leave the infection untreated. This might be okay for a while and not have any effects on your health in the short term if you are healthy and young.
But people with a weaker immune system , are more susceptible to yellow toenails. Studies have shown that about one in 24 cases have seen the infection move to other parts of the body. It is normally limited to the feet but has been reported to spread to the back, hands and legs, especially in older patients even if they are not on any medication.
Nail fungus itself can cause cracks in the skin and nail which are an invitation for other types of bacteria to route their way into the body. This can be a serious problem for people suffering from more concerning health problems such as diabetes, diabetic neuropathy and more. It has even been blamed for amputations in diabetic patients.
Now this is starting to sound a little more troublesome than just being unsightly!
These are quite extreme examples but you can never be too careful. If you are ever in doubt about your overall health and fungal infections you should definitely consult your doctor.
The good news is that thick yellow toenails can be treated in a number of ways, some more effective than others which we will go through ahead.
Clean Socks And Shoes
Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.
Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.
Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.
Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.
A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.
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What To Do When You Have Fungus On Your Toenails
It looks like every one of us has a few wise advices to provide tips about to how to get rid of a toe nail fungus.
If you think that you are affected by bad toenail fungus, it is better for you to consult a physician as soon as possible.
Treatment of fungal toenail infection involves medications and help to remove the affected nail. In fact, in most of the cases, treating of a nail fungus starts with antifungal medicines.
Therefore, any delay and negligence on your part can increase the problem to a great extent.
If the infection is not severe and has just started, there are a few ways that can make the process of getting rid of the nail fungus, easier.
Some of them are:
1- Foot hygiene
Proper foot hygiene along with wearing proper fitting footwear is one of the best ways to stop the problem.
At times ill-fitting footwear or unclean toe nails also give birth to certain infections. Thus, it is advisable to keep the toe nails trimmed and footwear intact so as to allow proper passage of air.
2- Epsom salt
Some other ways to eliminate this trouble include dipping and soaking of foot in warm water consisting of Epsom salt.
After the foot is soaked, the affected area can be rubbed in order to turn the skin harder for avoiding further infection development.
After drying the foot one can apply anti-bacterial cream for maintaining the hygiene level of the skin.
3- Using bandage
4- Antifungal medications
5- Toe nail surgery
The bottom line
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Some Common Signs You May Have A Toenail Problem:
- Toenails are a strange color- Yellow and green are a sure sign its time for help.
- Dense, peeling toenails.
- Foul-smelling cheesy substance beneath the nail.
- Fragmented surface.
- The toenail surface is bumpy and irregular.
These symptoms can indicate yellow toenails caused by a fungus. Read how my Soleus Foot Care Collection deals with the problem and thwarts foot fungus to keep yellow toenails from coming back.
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Green Fungus Under Toenail
Sometimes a fungus infection could be accompanied by a bacterial infection. This is exactly what a green fungus under toenail means. Therefore, when you notice you have a green spot on your toes it is important that you see podiatrist to determine what whether it is truly a fungal infection or a bacterial kind. A bacterial unlike the fungal infection takes a couple of weeks to heal.
Furthermore, green discoloration on toenails could be a sign of melanoma. This requires treatment as soon as possible before it can spread to other parts of the body. You can acquire green fungus on your toenails from gardening while barefoot, cleaning without proper shoes and getting pedicures from unhygienic nail salons.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
The management of onychomycosis is interprofessional. While the fungal infection is not life-threatening, it has enormous morbidity. The key is patient education. The public should be educated about appropriate footwear when visiting community swimming pools, saunas, and health clubs. If the patient works in a wet environment like washing dishes, then they should be encouraged to wear gloves. The pharmacist should inform the patient that treatment is often required for a minimum of 12 months, and some patients may require prophylactic treatment to prevent recurrence. They should also monitor compliance, and educate patients about use and side effects. Dermatology and foot and nail care nurses are involved in screening, arranging follow up, and documenting progress and compliance for the team. For those who want a faster option, the patient should be referred to a dermatologist or a surgeon for complete nail removal.
Outcomes
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When Should I Call The Doctor
In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.
You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:
- Circulation problems.
- Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
- Weakened immune system.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Toenails
Yellow toenails are often caused by a nail fungal infection. Learn how to get rid of yellow toenails for good and achieve healthy-looking feet once more.
Once summer rolls around, ignoring your yellow toenails is no longer optional. With several beach trips and backyard pool parties in the works, the last thing you probably want is to scare everyone away with your yellow toenails.
Yellow discoloration of the toes is commonly caused by a fungal infection. Known medically as onychomycosis, nail fungus can be notoriously difficult to treat and may cause the nail to become thickened and deformed.
Sounds nasty, right? Although getting rid of yellow toenails is often easier said than done, its possible to achieve clear, healthy-looking toes once more.
Here are three things you need to know about getting rid of yellow toenails:
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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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How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails
Treatment of yellow nails will depend on the cause. Most likely, your nails have become discolored because of an infection you have or a product you used. These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. If you dont already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.
How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus
Theres no way to guarantee that you wont get toenail fungus. But you can take several steps to help prevent it:
- Avoid going barefoot in communal areas such as hotel rooms / showers, public showers, locker rooms and swimming pools. Most people pick up fungus in these situations. It helps to wear flip flops in these public areas.
- If you have a family member with foot fungus or nail fungus, try to use different shower or wear flip flops in the shower to avoid coming in contact with it.
- Trauma due to accidental or aggressive clipping of the nails can turn into portals of entry for the fungus.
- Clean your nail trimmer before using it.
- Do not tear or rip your toenails on purpose.
- If you have diabetes, follow all foot care recommendations from your healthcare provider.
- Keep your feet dry. Make sure to fully dry your feet after a shower.
- Soak toenails in warm water before cutting them. Or you can cut your nails after a shower or bath.
- Trim toenails straight across .
- Wear shoes that fit correctly. They should not be too loose or tight around the toes.
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What Is Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis, better known as toenail fungus, is a fungal infection that thickens and blemishes your nails. This condition causes cosmetic issues, and over time, it induces pain too. People spending most of their time in the water, experiencing diabetes mellitus, and athletes foot is at greater risk of toenail fungus. Before telling you how to get rid of toenail fungus, its vital to understand its symptoms.
Know The Truth About Otc Remedies
When it comes to off-the-shelf toenail fungus products, theres probably no harm in using these medications, says Dr. Lipner. But the efficacy is not very good. So youre probably wasting your time, and youre probably wasting your money.
Same with the home remedy of using Vicks VapoRub. It works okay on a not-so-common type of foot fungus, but for the one most people have, it doesnt work well, she says. I think people believe that OTC products are safer in some way, but the reality is that they havent been approved by the FDAthey havent gone through extensive testing on thousands of patients. Why would you use products that havent been very well studied?
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What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus
Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.
How Does Vicks Get Rid Of Yellow Toenails
Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Furthermore, Why do toenails get thick and yellow? Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. Its less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.
Secondly, What kills toenail fungus instantly?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
Will nail fungus grow out?
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
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