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.
How Can You Prevent A Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infections often come back after treatment. It is important to take steps to prevent this.
- Before bed, wash and dry your feet carefully.
- Wear sandals or roomy shoes made of materials that allow moisture to escape. Let shoes dry for 24 hours before you wear them again.
- Wear socks. Change them if your feet get sweaty.
- Do not share nail files or clippers, socks, towels, or other personal items.
- Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in wet public areas, such as locker rooms or showers.
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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Secrets Of How To Treat Nail Fungus Naturally
It has been found that using conventional medication for any treatment has some sort of side effect. Some are mild and some are not. But to avoid such side effects many people would rather go the more natural route and use the products that are currently on the market today. If you are a person that suffers from the affects of a fungus on your toenails then you are probably looking for products that you can use for treating foot fungus naturally.
In most of these products the active ingredients are herbal products that have been in use for many years for treating foot fungus. Now they are manufactured with high quality ingredients for the masses so that everyone can easy use them on whatever area they need their fungus treated. If you have asked yourself, how to treat toenail fungus then read further to see all the great natural products that can help you to reclaim your toenails.
The Skin and Nail Energizer
This Skin & Nail Energizer product is entirely natural and comes in the form of a cream for treating toenail fungus. The active ingredients in this product are Emu Oil and Tolfanate. The Emu oil used penetrates deeper into the nail and that helps it eradicate the nail fungus. You can find this product in a handy 4-ounce bottle and it usually costs around $17.
The Nail Fungus Treatment & Toenail Fungus Treatment Cream
Anti-Fungal Treatments
Tea Tree Oil
What Causes A Fungal Nail Infection
Yeasts, moulds, and different kinds of fungi can cause fungal nail infections. Most are caused by the same type of fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
Fungi grow best in warm, moist places, and they can spread from person to person. You can get a fungal nail infection from walking barefoot in public showers or pools or by sharing personal items, such as towels and nail clippers. If you have athlete’s foot, the fungus can spread from your skin to your nails.
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How To Clean Your Foot Tools Using Hydrogen Peroxide
There is a great possibility that your foot tools could be carrying the fungi and could be the reason why your fungal infection continues to persist despite repeated treatments.
Moreover, through your foot and nail tools, the fungi could be passed on to another person using them.
If you are enjoying a hydrogen peroxide foot bath, the tools could join you. Alternatively, after you have used the tools, you can leave them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for an hour or overnight.
What Are The Clinical Features Of Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis may affect one or more toenails and fingernails and most often involves the great toenail or the little toenail. It can present in one or several different patterns.
- Lateral onychomycosis a white or yellow opaque streak appears at one side of the nail.
- Subungualhyperkeratosis scaling occurs under the nail.
- Distalonycholysis the end of the nail lifts. The free edge often crumbles.
- Superficial white onychomycosis flaky white patches and pits appear on the top of the nail plate.
- Proximal onychomycosis yellow spots appear in the half-moon .
- Onychoma or dermatophytoma a thick localised area of infection in the nail plate.
- Destruction of the nail.
Tinea unguium often results from untreated tinea pedis or tinea manuum . It may follow an injury to the nail or inflammatory disease of the nail.
Candida infection of the nail plate generally results from paronychia and starts near the nail fold . The nail fold is swollen and red, lifted off the nail plate. White, yellow, green or black marks appear on the nearby nail and spread. The nail may lift off its bed and is tender if you press on it.
Mould infections are similar in appearance to tinea unguium.
Onychomycosis must be distinguished from other nail disorders.
- Onychogryphosis , common in older people
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What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails
Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:
Trichophyton
What Is A Fungal Nail Infection
A fungal nail infection is a common condition that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on your toes.
Its formal name is onychomycosis, and itâs a lot like athleteâs foot. But instead of affecting the skin on the bottom of your feet or between your toes, it invades your nails.
Fungi are tiny organisms you can only see through a microscope. Many different types can cause a nail infection. Sometimes they live on your skin and donât make any trouble. But if you have a lot in one area, you might get infected.
Donât be embarrassed if you have toenail or fingernail fungus. Itâs way more common than you think.
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What Is The Prognosis Of Fungal Nails
Curing fungal nails can be difficult and treatment can take up to 18 months. Relapse and reinfection are common. Trying to remove or modify your risk factors, if possible, is essential to preventing reinfection. People who have medical illnesses that predispose them to fungal nails can have an even more difficult time eradicating the fungus.
When Should You Call Your Doctor
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the area.
- Discharge of pus.
- Fever of 38°C or higher with no other cause.
- A fungal infection appears to be spreading to the skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.
- The infected area is painful.
- A thickened toenail causes discomfort.
- Your nail’s appearance concerns you.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, see your doctor. Your doctor can check your nail and recommend ways to treat it.
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The Importance Of Hygiene
When treating a fungal nail, always wash your hands after applying a treatment and remember to use a separate towel for your feet when youre drying them. Its a good idea to tell those close to you about your fungal nail infection so they can take precautions too. Dont share shoes or socks with them as it can be contagious.
Natural Remedies For Fungal Nail Infections
Nail fungus remedies are sometimes used to treat fungal infections in the toenails or fingernails. Also referred to as onychomycosis, nail fungus is often difficult to treat with conventional medicine. But while natural nail fungus remedies are widely used, there is very little scientific support for their effectiveness.
To date, very few studies have tested the use of natural nail fungus remedies. Here’s a look at some natural substances often recommended in the treatment of nail fungus.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
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Fingernail Fungus Pictures: What Does Fingernail Fungus Look Like
When fungi attack the hands, nail fungus usually forms on the thumb first. However, all other fingers can also be affected.
The symptoms are the same as with toenail fungus.
First, the affected nail loses its shine and becomes dull. After that, the nail will be discolored in white, yellow, or brown.
1st phase: loss of gloss
2nd phase: discoloration
Price Disclaimer
Anyone who suffers from fingernail fungus should keep their nails as short as possible. The diseased part of the nail should be cut off as best you can with nail scissors.
On this page, you will find more information about the treatment of nail fungus:
Anyone who suffers from a pronounced nail fungus on their fingers should consult a doctor.
If more than two nails of the fingers are affected, or more than half of the nail plate is infected, a doctor must treat the disease.
How To Treat Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails
Here is how you treat fingernail fungus from acrylic nails& how to get rid of fingernail fungus from acrylic nails:
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What Is The Big Deal With Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can easily be diagnosed. In fact, you dont have to be an expert to notice discoloration on your toenails. The fungus often goes deep under your nails, which makes it nasty.
People hate this issue because of the visual effect. However, the fact it is hard to remove makes it so much more troublesome. It also quickly spreads, which means that it needs constant attention.
Unfortunately, antifungal drugs are powerful and can cause various side effects.
Perhaps the biggest issue is how these drugs impact the liver. They are very dangerous for people who have any liver issues, which is why you have to test your blood before taking drugs for toenail fungus. Even if everything looks fine, there is still a chance complications will occur.
As an alternative, doctors will often recommend topical creams. These products are much better as they dont cause severe side effects. However, they are not as strong as regular oral drugs, which prolongs the whole treatment. Patients usually have to apply topical cream for several months until they notice any progress.
Home remedies are also a popular alternative.
Besides various oils and vinegar, many people use baking soda for toenail fungus.
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Home Remedies For Fingernail Fungus Infection Best Natural Treatments:
Fingernail fungus could be downright terrifying so that people not only have to see but also experience the awful symptoms, causing uncomfort to patients. Scientifically called tinea unguium oronychomycosis, fingernail fungus is a relatively popular as far as nail infection that many people are concerning about. Some of the trigger factors that lead to fingernail fungus are included but not limited to former nail injuries, abundant perspiration, genetics, and several health diseases and problems I personally had my friend and family member who used to suffer from fingernail fungus simply because they did not wear gloves while using harsh cleaning products. Trust me, it was really terrible. The situation can turn to be painful, embarrassing, and all-around nasty rapidly. Thus, you will need to take extra care while treating this problem. I know that this is a very popular issue for individuals, so I have decided to collect information and combine the best home remedies for fingernail fungus infection in an only list that can definitely help you save a lot of money and efforts spending on a laser therapy to deal with fingernail fungus. Women should not forget that acrylic nail is also well-known to cause high risks of developing fingernail fungus. Just with a simple google image search, you will find out several pictures that will surely make you re-think about whether or not you should use artificial nails.
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Common Toenail Fungus Treatments
To combat toenail fungus, there are common at-home and prescribed treatments. Depending on the severity of the toenail fungus, treatment options will vary. For mild to moderate toenail fungus, topical and oral antifungal treatments can suppress the fungus infection and symptoms. Unfortunately, these treatments cant always promise long-lasting results. In recent years, podiatrists have been looking at laser technology as the next best thing for pesky toenail fungus.
Fungal Nail Infection Prevention
Itâs a good idea to wash your hands and feet often. Use soap, and make sure you get between your fingers and toes.
Keep your fingernails and toenails short and trimmed straight across.
Wear socks that wick away moisture. If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks once or twice a day, or take off your shoes and let your feet cool when you have the chance.
Use antifungal powder or spray on your feet as well as in your shoes. Throw away old pairs of closed-toe shoes since fungi might be living in them.
If you get manicures at nail salons, visit only the ones that disinfect tools after each client. You can also bring your own file and clippers from home. Ask them not to cut your cuticles, since this can cause tiny breaks in the skin that let germs in.
Donât share towels if someone else in your family has nail fungus. This will pass around the infection.
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Tips For Prevention Of Fungal Nails
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
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.