What Worked For You
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Treating An Ingrown Toenail
Treatment for an ingrown toenail can be performed at home unless there is a suspicion of an infection or if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation. Then a podiatrist should take the lead.
The first step for at-home care is to soak your foot in an Epsom salt solution using room-temperature water. Then massage the side of your nail gently to decrease inflammation.
Be sure to not cut your toenail and consider wearing open shoes like sandals until the problem resolves.
In addition, you may have to take a closer look at the fit and shape of your shoes and socks to see if they’re causing the problem. They may be too tight. The health of your feet, not fashion, should guide your shopping.
If your healthcare provider suspects an infection, you may need an antibiotic. In addition, the provider might have to remove part of or your entire toenail to ease the inflammation.
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.
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Your Feet Are A Feast
Most cases of onychomycosis are caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes need the fibrous protein keratin to grow and thrive.
Your toenails are composed of 80% hard keratin and 20% soft keratin. Keratin also makes up your skin and hair, and other mammals nails, quills, hooves, and horns.
When the dermatophytes find their way to your feet, they feast on your keratin, breaking it down into smaller particles. The crumbly residue on your infected toenails is actually keratin debris.
Why Do My Toenails Curl
Toenails curl for many reasons. It could be the result of an ingrown nail or pincer nail. Or it could be because of genetics, infection, or cutting your toenails improperly. Occasionally, it could be something more serious, such as in response to a health condition or medications, that course abnormality to the nails.
If youve noticed your nails curling, theres a good chance that youre very concerned.
After all, when things dont grow correctly, there can be pain involved.
Or you may just be worried about the way that it looks.
Its not unusual, and its something that can be concerning.
However, the causes are almost always something relatively minor.
So you can relax!
First, look at how your nails are curling. That can separate the different causes.
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Doctors Weigh Best Treatments
The best treatment for fungal nail infections is a prescription that your dermatologist can prescribe that you take every day for two-to-three months. The pill is not for everyone, since oral antifungals can interact with other medications and can affect the liver.
Fortunately if you dont want to or cant take a pill, there are topical solutions to treat nail fungus. Although topical medications are desirable because of the low risk of side effects and interaction with other medications, they have much longer treatment regimens. Generally, topical medications have a lower clearance rate compared to oral pills.
Newer topical antifungals including Efinaconazole and Tavaborole have better penetration of the nail plate and so they work better compared to older topical medications, says Dr. Ng. She says the topical medications work best if you only have partial nail involvement.
Lasers are approved by the FDA to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail. However, the cure rates are lower than oral medications and topical solutions.
How Do You Treat Toenail Fungus
Depending on the nature and severity of your infection, treatments may vary. Most over-the-counter treatments are minimally effective at best, but almost none of them have produced a permanent treatment. The main reason for these poor results is that the fungal infection resides deep within the nail or nail bed and the topical medications have great difficulty in penetrating to this depth. A fungus may work its way through the entire nail, penetrating both the nail plate and the nail bed. Podiatrist Dr. Burns at Arizona Foot Doctors offers penetrative nail fungus treatments to completely remove the fungal infection. Each patient case is unique, so consult with Dr. Burns to find the best treatment option for you. Treatment may include:
- Topical or oral medication and debridement . The newer oral antifungal medications are the most effective . Common oral medications are Lamisil and Sporanox. A common topical medication is Penlac nail lacquer.
- Temporary removal of the infected nail
- Permanent removal
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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.
Top 12 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Naturally
Commonly known to the layman as fungal nail infection, Onychomycosis is an infection that occurs when fungus forms beneath the nails. The condition can develop as a result of poor foot hygiene, continuous exposure to moist environments, wearing unbreathable synthetic socks, accumulation of sweat in shoes, imbalanced pH levels of the skin, a compromised immune system, and conditions like diabetes that constricts blood flow.Upon infection, Onychomycosis will cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and eventually crumble into pieces. If left untreated, the condition can become painful. As the infection progresses, areas around the infected toenails or fingernails may swell and begin to give off a foul smell too.
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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.
Nails That Curl Inward
But, if your nails are curled inward, then that may be a completely different problem.
These issues could be ingrown nails, pincer nails, or simply clipping your nails inappropriately!
Again, as you can see, most of these are relatively simple causes that can be easily handled. Knowing the cause is half of the battle!
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How Do You Cut A Curved Toenail
Make sure that youre using toenail clippers, not fingernail clippers. Soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes to soften nails. Dry thoroughly, then cut straight across. Use small cuts, not big ones. Dont round off the corners.
Knowing how to cut curled toenails properly can help stop them from curling any further or keep them from becoming ingrown.
Because of this, its important that you be sure that you are cutting them correctly.
Even small mistakes have the possibility of causing problems later on.
So take your time when cutting your toenails, and dont rush things.
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Treatment Of Nail Fungal Infection At Different Stages
Treatment of onychomycosis at the first stage is crucial as the infection hasnt exacerbated yet and therefore is easier to heal. Topical treatments, such as anti-fungal creams and gels or medicated nail polish are the most commonly used at this stage. However, it is ideal to use a topically-applied medication that not only can kill the fungus, but can penetrate the nail as well.
Most topical treatments dont work because they cant penetrate the nail to get to the fungi. It is therefore recommended for sufferers to use a topical medication that can penetrate the nail and kill the fungus. A solution with 10% undecylenic acid, which can effectively get rid of the infection, and a penetrating agent , is recommended.
For moderate nail fungus infection, such topical solutions can still work. However, many sufferers use that in conjunction with oral medicines. Many anti-fungal pills in the market can treat fungal nail infection, though it is still suggested to use such medicines along with topical solutions .
Unfortunately, oral medicines are also more likely to cause side effects to patients. They are also not recommended for the elderly, pregnant women, and those who have other medical conditions or ailments.
But again, fungi can come back, even without the nail itself. This is why its recommended for patients to use topical anti-fungal ointment to the nail bed and surrounding skin while waiting for the nail to grow back. Otherwise, the fungi will just return.
Why Does My Nail Fungus Keep Coming Back
A fungal infection starts out small enough usually a white or yellow spot appears on your toenail. All too soon, your entire nail is consumed by the fungus and your neighboring nails become infected, too. This leaves you with crumbling and unsightly toenails that youre forced to hide. These types of infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but not impossible, especially if you get the right treatment.
At Neuhaus Foot and Ankle, our team of foot health experts knows all too well how difficult it is to fight toenail fungus once it takes hold. Yet, with the right medical care, as well as patience on your part, we can not only prevail in your current battle against toenail fungus, we can prevent it from recurring in the future.
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How Can I Stop A Toenail From Curving Inward
The nail on one of my big toes is starting to curve in like a “C” while the other one is still normal . Does anyone know what causes that and more importantly, how to stop it? I have not changed the type of shoes I wear.
Asked by fawn 30 months ago Similar questions: stop toenail curving Health.
As in the case of skin, your fingernails say a lot about your health condition. Nail diseases … As in the case of skin, your fingernails say a lot about your health condition. Nail diseases and disorders can be easily identified because fingernails or toenails will be a different color, shape, or texture.
A nail showing deformity or thickening, usually starts peeling and it may eventually result in nail plate loss. For example, an iron deficiency, usually brought about by anemia, may cause some nail disorders, such as raised ridges. It may also make them concave and thinner.
This is called Koilonychia, and it is necessary to consult a physician and follow some treatment. Beaus lines are linear depressions, usually horizontal. This nail disease is caused by darkened cells because of the interruption in the nail plate formation.
They often appear as a result of trauma, a fingernail disease or malnutrition, chemotherapy or any metabolic problem. Sources: nailcaresalon.com/nail-diseases-disorder… .
A doctor can best advise you on what you need to do.
A doctor can best advise you on what you need to do.
” “How do I get rid of toenail fungus?
Causes And Solutions: Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections can happen to anyone and anywhere. Some people have fungal infections in their hair, organs or even toenails.
The most common fungal infection is seen in the toenails. A fungus is very common and everyone has it in their bodies, but when a fungus multiples and fungi begin to thrive, you may have a serious toenail infection.
Although it may appear to be ugly, it is harmless till it spreads to your bloodstream.
Most people treat toenail fungus because it looks bad and can be painful sometimes. It may even be a danger to your health if it reaches the bloodstream.
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A Closer Look At The Troublesome Fungus
Toenail fungus is one of the main reasons people come to her office, and Vlahovic has studied the condition for years. Viewed through a microscope, her enemy appears rather meek. It looks like thin straws with little compartments in it but its part of an aggressive fungus family. The fungus that affects the foot in general, they are called dermatophytes. They love hair, nails and skin, so actually the same organisms that cause athletes foot can cause nail fungus.
If it gets into the nail bed, the fungus eats and digests the keratin in the nail, and that causes discoloration and thickening of the nail. Its a cosmetic condition that can become painful, but even if its not, Vlahovic argues that it is an infection that should be treated.
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.
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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.
When Should You See A Doctor About A Toenail Growing Sideways
You should go to a doctor if you are diabetic, have any other serious illness that may make open wounds on the foot dangerous, cant cure your foot fungus, badly injured your foot , suspect infection, or are considering surgery.
Of course, there are times when you have to see a doctor about your sideways nails.
Particularly if theyre causing you certain issues, such as infections, because of an ingrown nail.
Diabetics and people with other illnesses and conditions that make it dangerous to have open wounds on their feet should call a doctor for advice here.
Because of the ramifications that could result from this , you need to get a medical professional involved, stat.
For most people, foot fungus is something thats treated at home.
Usually, its successful, though it might take trying a few different brands to find one that works for you.
But, sometimes, nothing seems to do the trick.
If youve tried a few different over-the-counter remedies for your fungal infection, you should see a doctor.
They can prescribe you antifungal pills and stronger creams to better fight the problem.
If youve damaged your foot, toe, or toenail in the past, you could benefit from seeing a doctor.
They may have advice for solving some issues or preventing even more issues.
This wouldnt be an emergency, but its something you should consider.
Another issue? Infection. An infected ingrown nail should be treated by a doctor.
Finally, theres the surgery.
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The Danger Of Waiting To Treat The Fungus
The greatest danger of not treating the foot or toenail fungus is that it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands and groin.
If for some reason you cant treat your toenails or your feet right away, at least use an antifungal topical cream on the surrounding skin, Dr. Ng says. That will help keep it from spreading and keep the skin intact.