How To Avoid Spreading Fungus
- Studies have shown that toenail fungus easily spreads in close quarters. Isolate your infection by using the same foot soak basin for soaks and pedicures, and cleanse the basin thoroughly with Clorox bleach or Lysol. If possible, dump the used water outside.
- Dont share nail tools with family or friends. Nail clippers and files, cuticle clippers and pushers, and buffers are magnets for fungi.
- Opt for disposal items to remove polish and dry your toes, such as cotton pads. If you use rags or towels, immediately put them in the washerbut first, make sure its empty. You dont want fungal spores from an infected toenail contaminating your undergarments!
- As you give yourself a pedicure, rest your feet on paper towels instead of your bath mat. Wearing disposable flip-flops is the better option if you dont want to scrub the bathroom floor or tub.
- Leaving your toenails unpainted allows the nail bed to breathe. But if you must embellish your toes , plan on throwing the polish away afterward.
Manicure And Pedicure Pampering
Every good manicurists toolkit includes acrylic nails, and artificial nails, clippers, nippers, nail files, orange sticks, and a deft touch with nail polish application and cuticle treatment. A nail technician will remedy ingrown toenails and calluses, and reassure you that the nail discoloration you point out is probably no more than residue from a coat of nail polish recently removed.They cannot treat or cure a fungal infection. But infections may often begin in nail salons where the same implements are used on many clients without sterilization. Be sure to ask your salon if they thoroughly sterilize tools after each manicure and pedicure.
Regular visits to your nail salon may help prevent fungal nail infections by keeping nails trimmed and clean. But pay quick attention to any injuries from clippers or other tools received during your manicure or pedicure. A small nick or break in your skin, nail bed, or cuticle could allow a nail to become infected or even allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause serious health problems or aggravate an existing health condition.
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Nail Removal Home Remedies And Laser Treatment
In the most serious instances of toenail fungus infection, the toenail may be removed surgically or dissolved with acid. This can be done to just a portion of the nail in the hope that the remaining nail will grow back healthy. In cases where the entire toenail has to be removed, artificial nails and products using light-cured resins to form a temporary covering can be used to protect the underlying tissue until the nail grows back.
If you prefer to go the home-remedy route, such as applying tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub to your nails, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these products for treating toenail fungus hasnât been well studied, and they are not recommended by podiatrists.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several laser devices for temporary increase in clear nails in patients with onychomycosis. But while laser treatments are vigorously marketed, clinical trials of lasers have reported mixed results, and the treatments may not be covered by health insurance. If you wish to try laser treatment of toenail fungus, speak to your doctor about what to expect from the treatment, and call your insurance carrier to find out whether the treatment will be covered.
Additional reporting by Susan Jara.
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Does Antifungal Cream Work Over Nail Polish
The use of over-the-counter antifungal creams such as clotrimazole is not effective for treating toenail fungus. In severe cases, prescription nail polishes may not be effective because they take longer to work and are not as effective as over-the-counter ones. This is because they do not penetrate the nail very well.
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How Long Does It Take To Recover
You need to be consistent with the treatment in order to see results. It usually takes a few months for the nail to heal completely. Healing time depends on how severe the infection is and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.
The fungal infection is cured when youve grown an entirely new nail thats free from infection.
You can continue the tea tree oil treatment after the nail has healed to ensure that the nail fungus doesnt return.
Its important that you use a high-quality tea tree oil for best results. Here are some things to look for when buying tea tree oil:
- The oil needs to be 100 percent pure.
- Buy an organic oil, if possible.
- Look for a tea tree oil that has a 10 to 40 percent concentration of terpinen. This is one of the main antiseptic and antifungal components of tea tree oil.
You can buy tea tree oil online or at a local health store. Always buy from a brand that you trust. The supplier should be able to answer any questions you have about their product.
Research your brands and manufacturers. Essential oils can have issues with purity, contamination, and strength. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate essential oils, so its important to purchase from a supplier you trust.
Candidates For Hyperblue Plus Laser Therapy
Treating toenail fungal infections isnt a one-size-fits-all approach, so the best way to learn which treatment is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with a provider at the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers location nearest you.
Your podiatrist reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and conducts a physical evaluation to determine the right therapy for your fungal infection. They may also order additional lab tests to ensure the best treatment for your specific needs.
Generally speaking, you may be a candidate for HyperBlue PLUS laser therapy if you:
- Have tried over-the-counter medications without success
- Havent had success with prescription oral or topical medications
- Dont have certain pre-existing conditions
- Are willing to commit to a series of sessions to eradicate the fungus
Learn if laser therapy is right for you by contacting the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers office of your choice. You may also request an appointment online at your convenience.
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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.
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Toenail Fungus And Wearing Nail Polish
If you decide not to treat a nail infection, a non-medicated polish is a quick cover-up that will make matters worse. Thats also the case when you use an acrylic nail to cover up a fungus. This type of fungi thrives in dark conditions and polish creates the kind of environment for it to grow. It should be avoided at all costs.
Some people have nails that get very thick and bumpy. If you were to put polish on your toenails, it would just draw more attention to them because of the color and texture. You can still see the deformity of the nail, no matter how many layers of polish that you put on.
If youre using a fungal treatment, a regular polish can be a hindrance. The treatment needs to be able to work, and the longer you go without shoes, socks, and nail polish the better. Covering your nails will only help the fungus to grow faster.
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How To Avoid Toenail Fungus From Nail Salons
Toenail fungus can be difficult to eliminate, but if youd like to prevent it from resurfacing, there are a couple of methods available to you.
While its easy to keep nail fungus at bay when youre at home, it can be much harder when you visit nail salons as youre probably not aware of how clean they keep their nail stations.
Here are some top tips for choosing a nail salon that youre unlikely to catch a toenail fungus at.
Toenail Fungus Medicated Nail Polish Treatment
Can I wear nail polish if I have toenail fungus? As mentioned above, there are nail polishes that are medicated so that you can look great and heal the condition at the same time. There are, however, things that you should do to keep your nails as healthy as possible.
If you have hard or brittle toenails, you need to make sure that you keep them as short as possible. When you have hard and brittle nails, you need to make sure that you use the best clippers for really thick toenails.
After taking a warm shower, or using a foot soak, gently file your nails. This will gradually get your nail down to its original thickness. The warm water will soften the nail. The more that you wear the polish, the more of the treatment will sink into the layers of the nail, killing the fungus.
Although other polishes claim to treat the fungus, we have found a select few that work particularly well. Finally, you can paint your toenails attractive colors while also healing your toenails.
You can also get Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer, which is only available via a medical prescription. It doesnt make the nails look more pretty, but its a convenient and effective treatment for people who may be short of time.
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On My First Visit Dr Patel Diagnosed The Problem As Plantar Fasciitis And Began Treatment
I was dealing with nearly unbearable pain in my left foot. I was barely able to get through each day. I was sure my neuropathy was the problem. I went to a local podiatrist who told me the only problem I had was the neuropathy in my feet and I needed to see a neurologist. After conferring with my family doctor he referred me to Dr. Sanjay Patel.
On my first visit, Dr. Patel diagnosed the problem as Plantar Fasciitis and began treatment. After following Dr. Patels advice I no longer have pain in my left foot.
What About Other Nail Care Tools
Its a similar scenario here. As we wrote in last months blog, nail and skin care tools like toenail clippers, nail files, and the like should never be shared from person-to-person. We also recommend you use separate clippers for toenails and fingernails, and clean and sterilize your tools after use.
Check out last months blog for more in-depth tips on preventing toenail fungus!
Bonus tip: although its tempting to try to deal with a fungal toenail by attempting to trim it as short as possible, this is usually counterproductive. Cutting your nail too short usually means more trauma to the nail bed and a greater opportunity for further infection.
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Can A Bruise On A Fingernail Be Reversed
Unfortunately, if the nail bed is damaged, any abnormalities to the nail will be permanent. No, you wont have a bruise forever. But you could have a thickened or discolored nail that cannot be reversed. Keep an eye on it. You should be able to see it slowly work its way towards the tip of your nail.
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The Best Thing To Do About Your Fungal Toenails Is Treat Them
The best way to keep fungal toenails from worsening or spreading is to treat them as early as possible. And thanks to laser treatment technology, eradicating your fungal infection is a lot safer, more convenient, and more effective than it used to be.
To learn more about how we treat fungal toenails at our office, be sure to check out our service page. And if youre ready to request an appointment with Dr. Patel or Dr. Harpaz, just give us a call at or fill out the form below today!
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Be Aware Of The Signs
Toenail fungus can start off small and go unnoticed at first until eventually, its a large problem you struggle to be rid of.
As soon as you notice that your nails are looking a little discolored, too soft, too thick, or have white, yellow, or black flakes, go to a doctor.
The quicker you catch toenail fungus, the easier it is to get rid of.
Avoid Having Damp Feet
Always ensure your feet are completely dry after youve bathed them in the foot basin and certainly before putting on shoes.
If not, the damp, enclosed space will be a perfect area for bacteria to thrive in, and fungus will start to grow between your feet and around your nails.
A good pedicurist will dry your feet completely before she paints your nail, including between the toes.
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The Best Fungal Nail Treatments
Posted 21 Apr â21
Fungal nail infections occur when a fungus has infected and penetrated your nail. It canaffect the physical appearance of your nail, however it is rarely associated with pain and wont have a major impact on your qualityof life. Nevertheless, they are a pesky, irritating nail condition to resolve.
In this article, we will highlight some of the best fungal nail treatments currently on the market.
Nail Polish And Toenail Fungus
Nail polish may make your toes look pretty, but it can also cause toenail fungus. Heavy nail polish tends to block light, creating an environment more conducive to fungal growth, Zinkin says. So give your toenails a break from polish periodically.
If you’re treating yourself to a pedicure, take note: Toenail fungus can be transferred through nail files and clippers, so make sure the salon properly sanitizes all tools after each customer. And you may want to schedule your appointment in the morning because pedicure instruments and footbaths are typically cleanest at the beginning of the day.
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