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How to Treat Nail Fungus Naturally

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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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Epidemiology Of Toenail Fungus

The occurrence of onychomycosis has been reported 23% across Europe and 20% in East Asia. In north America the statistics are found to be 14%, with fungal infections constituting the 50% of nail related diseases. Since this infection is contagious and can be transmitted directly or by using the belongings of an infected person, this serves as the reason for such wide spread rate of this infection.

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What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus

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.

To clear the fungus, its important to:

  • Use the treatment exactly as prescribed

  • Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed

  • Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist

Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.

Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.

ImageGetty Images

ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.

Softening And Scraping Away The Nail

How to treat toenail fungus with vicks

As it can take a long time for antifungal medication to work, some people may prefer to use a treatment that involves softening and removing infected parts of nail over a few weeks.

Treatment kits are available from pharmacies that contain a 40% urea paste, plasters and a scraping device. The paste softens the infected parts of the nail, allowing them to be scraped away so they can be gradually replaced with healthy nail.

To use the treatment:

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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.

Treatment Failure And Relapse

Rates of treatment failure can be extracted from published trials, but data on relapse are less readily available. Post-treatment follow-up is long, drop-out rates in many studies are significant or unreported, and most studies have not allowed crossover of treatment regimens. Furthermore, especially in outcomes of clinical improvement , evaluation criteria have not been standardized and often include subjective assessments that are difficult to quantify. Published studies have not specifically addressed the management of treatment failures or relapse.

Despite these difficulties, several measures may be helpful in managing unsuccessful treatment or relapse. The first step is to confirm mycology. If the initial diagnosis was based on a KOH preparation alone, culture of properly collected specimens is mandatory. Culture reports often identify multiple organisms, including possibly nonpathogenic molds, and treatment should be directed at the organism most likely to be causative. A microbiology or infectious disease consultation may be valuable in interpreting the culture report.

Of note, there has been some concern about evolving drug resistance among fungal pathogens, particularly with the widespread use of systemic fluconazole therapy to treat oropharyngeal and recurrent vaginal candidiasis.5 However, the impact of antifungal resistance on the treatment of onychomycosis is not yet clear.

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Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.

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Pills For Toenail Fungus Treatment

How to Cure Nail Fungus

Oral medications, or those that come in pill form, generally work more quickly than topical medications for toenail fungus treatment. They have higher cure rates and the overall treatment time may be shorter than topical options. Pills to treat toenail fungus, however, will require a prescription. It is also important to note that improvement will continue AFTER oral therapy is stopped, and it may take 9 to 12 months for you to see full results.

The top treatments for toenail fungus are:

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How Did I Get Fingernail Fungus

Fingernail fungus is caused by a variety of yeasts, fungi, and mold but the most common culprit is a fungus called dermatophyte. Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin to grow, and this fungus can be present in animals, people, soil, and infected materials like clothes.

Incredibly, this fungus can live in the environment for up to 15 months! So its no wonder people have such a hard time getting rid of it. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are common risk factors for developing nail fungus…1

Black Nail Fungus Due To Mold

If it is a nail fungus infestation with mold, the nail can discolor darker than in the case of a dermatophyte infestation and thus lead to black nail fungus.

Nail fungus is usually caused by thread fungi, also known medically as dermatophytes.

In rare cases, other types of fungus, such as mold, are responsible for nail disease.

Mold can discolor the nail black.

In particular, infection with Hendersonula toruloidea leads to brown-black discoloration of the nails, which is also medically called black superficial onychomycosis.

The fungus owes its name to its melanin-containing cell walls, and it is through it, the black nail fungus is ultimately formed.

However, black onychomycosis can also develop differently.

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What Are Fungal Nail Infection Treatments

Medications

In the past, medicines used to treat fungal nail infection were minimally effective. Fungal nail infection is difficult to treat because nails grow slowly and receive very little blood supply. However, recent advances in treatment options, including oral and topical medications, have been made. Newer oral medicines have improved treatment of fungal nail infection. However, the rate of recurrence is high, even with newer medicines. Treatment has certain risks, and recurrence is possible.

  • Newer oral prescription medicines are available. These antifungal medicines are more effective because they go through the body to penetrate the nail plate within days of starting therapy.
  • Newer oral antifungal drugs terbinafine , fluconazole , and itraconazole have replaced older therapies, such as griseofulvin, in the treatment of fungal nail infection. They offer shorter treatment periods , higher cure rates, and fewer side effects. These medications are fairly safe, with few contraindications , but they should not be taken by patients with liver disease or heart failure. Before prescribing one of these medications, doctors often order a blood test to make sure the liver is functioning properly. Common side effects include nausea and stomach pain.
  • Fluconazole is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of fungal nail infection, but it may be used by some clinicians as an alternative to itraconazole and terbinafine.
  • Surgery

    Prevention Of Toenail Fungus

    5 Home Remedies For Fingernail Fungus

    Adopting a few preventive measures can mitigate your chances of getting infected by nail fungus or reinfections as well as athletes foot :

    • Keep your hands and feet clean by washing them regularly. Be especially mindful of avoiding contact with an infected nail, and in case you do, wash your hands thoroughly. Moisturize your nails after washing.
    • Keep your nails properly trimmed, file the rough edges to make them smooth, and file down thickened areas. Make a habit of disinfecting your nail clippers thereafter.
    • Wear socks that absorb perspiration or change your socks throughout the day.
    • Wear shoes made of materials that breathe.
    • Let go of any old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders. Alternatively, consider using a medicated shoe spray after every use.
    • Either carry your own manicure tools when visiting a nail salon or opt for a salon that uses sterilized tools for each customer.
    • Abstain from using nail polish and artificial nails.
    • Wearing shower footwear in hotels, gyms, public pools, and showers is essential to prevent reinfection.

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    How Common Is Paronychia

    Paronychia is a common nail condition. Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but its more common among people who:

    • Are exposed to irritants: Detergents and other chemicals can irritate the skin and lead to a nail bed infection. People who work with chemicals and dont wear protective gloves have a higher risk.
    • Bite their nails or cuticles: Nail biting or picking at the cuticles can create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin. Bacteria may enter the skin through these small cuts.
    • Have certain skin conditions: People who have underlying skin conditions may be more likely develop nail infections.
    • Work with water: Bartenders, dishwashers and other people with jobs that require their hands to be wet have a higher risk of developing paronychia.

    Treatment For Toenail Infection Or Fingernail Infection

    For fungal nail infections, your GP will prescribe antifungal creams, solutions or tablets. Your GP might take a clipping of the nail before treatment starts to check that the fungus will respond to treatment.

    For mild bacterial or viral infections with no pus, clean the affected finger or toe with an antiseptic solution. If your GP has prescribed an antibiotic cream, put it on the affected area.

    When theres pus around the nail, your child will probably need oral antibiotics from your GP. The GP might also want to drain the pus from the nail area .

    Try to keep the infected area clean. Your GP might tell you to cover the area with a basic dressing, which you can get from a pharmacy.

    Putting something warm on the area might help if your child is in pain. You could try a heat pack. You can also give your child pain medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the directions on the packet.

    Children with a severe bacterial infection might need antibiotics directly into a vein through a drip and the nail might need to be removed.

    After youve touched or dressed your childs nail infection, you should always wash your hands thoroughly.

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    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 Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus

    How to prevent and treat nail fungus

    To find out if a patient has nail fungus, a dermatologist examines your nails and nearby skin. Its important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. You may already have a skin infection caused by fungus like athletes foot.

    To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas.

    Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful. In a lab, these samples can be examined under a microscope to find out whats causing the problem.

    Are you hiding an infected nail with nail polish?

    Be sure to ask your dermatologist if you can wear nail polish while treating nail fungus.

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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

  • 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.

    How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

    Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

    To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

    Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

    Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

    • Amorolfine

    • Efinaconazole

    • Tavaborole

    Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

    The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:

    • Fluconazole

    • Itraconazole

    • Terbinafine

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    How Do You Get A Fungal Nail Infection

    Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athletes foot infecting the nails.

    These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.

    Youre more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

    • dont keep your feet clean and dry
    • wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
    • walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
    • have damaged your nails
    • have a weakened immune system
    • have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease

    Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this if you have an infection.

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