What Helps Against Nail Fungus
Pills, nail polish, or home remedies what works best with nail fungus? There are various options for treatment with otc nail fungus treatmentfrom the pharmacy or therapy with pills, but a doctor can only prescribe these. Find out more about nail fungus treatment here.
Nail fungus is not only a cosmetic problem but, above all, a medical one. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread to neighboring toenails or fingernails and infect the skin. Nail fungus promotes the development of the athletes foot and, conversely, the athletes foot encourages the growth of nail fungus. The spread of the fungal infection is based on the fact that foot and nail fungi have the same pathogen. Most often, a dermatophyte is the trigger. Our immune system is unable to fight against fungal nail infections.
In addition, an untreated fungal nail disease can hinder you in everyday life. Fungal-infected nails can become so thick over time that they are tough to cut and, due to the deformation, can even cause problems to wear the shoes. To avoid letting it get that far, a fungal nail infection should be combated as early as possible.
How Can I Cure My Nail Infection
There are two primary methods of treating nail fungus.
- 1 – Topical treatments are commonly used for to treat less severe cases. These treatments are usually acid-based liquids or anti-fungal creams.
- 2 – Oral treatments are powerful anti-fungal medications, such as Lamisil or Sporanox. Prescription oral medications are usually used in more severe or difficult cases. Nail infections can be difficult to cure, but can usually be treated effectively.
One home remedy that has been very successful in getting rid of nail fungus is the Vinegar Cure For Toe Nail Fungus method.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should see your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor will do a test to tell if you do have a fungal nail infection, and if you do, make a recommendation on treatment options.
The earlier that an infection is detected, the easier it will be to treat.
Toenail fungus can be a very painful occurrence and, if left untreated, can become a dangerous one as well. A number of risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing toenail fungus, including age, a family history of the infection, smoking, heavy perspiration, etc. In addition, a humid or moist environment may also cause bacteria to form and may be a leading cause for toenail fungus, as is uncomfortable socks or shoes, walking barefoot, etc. Anyone with diabetes, circulatory problems and a weak immune system may be at greater risk for developing toenail fungus.
How Is Paronychia Diagnosed
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Healthcare providers usually dont need to order tests to diagnose a nail infection. Occasionally, providers may take a sample of the tissue and send it to a lab to test for specific infectious causes such as bacteria or fungi. Rarely, if the infection is severe, imaging may be ordered to check for involvement of the underlying bone.
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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.
Signs Of Toenail Fungus
Pain is definitely a big indicator that you have a fungal infection. The infection can also cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, loosened, brittle and flaky. The discoloration of the nail can vary. Typically the toenail turns brown, yellow, black, green or grey. Separation from the nail bed can also occur causing the skin to become swollen, itchy or red.
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See A Dermatologist To Pinpoint The Problem
Foot fungus wont just go away on its own, Dr. Ng says. If you think you have foot or toenail fungus, see your dermatologist, she says. There are several tests that your dermatologist can perform to identify exactly whats going on.
Its important to be aware that there are other diseases which can cause nail changes, she says. For example, we do see things like squamous cell skin cancers in the nail beds and even melanomas, which have a brownish or blackish discoloration.
Green Nail Syndrome In Nail Salons
Pseudomonas can be transferred among clients in a nail salon if appropriate hygiene standards are not up kept. While the bacteria wouldnt typically survive on the nail shaping equipment, unclean conditions could allow for it to transfer from equipment to clients nails repeatedly. When technicians are presented with a client that has suspected green nail syndrome, they shouldnt continue the normal treatment of painting nails, applying acrylic nails or otherwise. This is due to the application of liquids and oils creating an environment which the bacteria be trapped and treatment will not be possible without the removal of these polishes. As chief science advisor at CND Doug Schoon states it creates a nearly oxygen free environment, which these bacteria just love. Nail technicians are not qualified to treat green nail syndrome and should educate the client on the condition and encourage them to seek medical treatment before returning to the nail salon.
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Nail Polish And Contaminated Equipment
A 2018 study found evidence that fungi may be able to live and multiply in some nail polishes. It may be a good idea to avoid sharing nail polish.
Contaminated equipment at a nail salon can also expose you to types of fungi that may lead to an infection.
Your fungal infection may not cause any symptoms in the beginning, until it progresses.
As the infection gets worse, you may experience:
Fingernail infections often clear up on their own or with home remedies. Antifungal medications are used for more serious infections.
How To Use It
Apply mentholated ointment directly to the affected nail. Do this about once a day for several weeks or until the nail shows noticeable improvements.
Vinegar is a common household product found in cooking and some home cleaning solutions. Though no clinical evidence exists to date, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that vinegar is an effective tool to help treat toenail fungus.
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Causes Of Toenail Fungus
As the name suggests, toenail fungus is caused by fungi. There are various types of fungi that can cause toenail fungus. The most common type is called dermatophyte. Other common types of fungi include yeast and molds. The risk factors of toenail fungus are discussed in a later section of this post.
Usually, fungal toenail infection starts from a fungal foot infection called athletes foot. In such cases, toenail fungus develops when the fungi causing athletes foot spreads to and attacks toenails.
However, you can also contract toenail fungus without necessarily having suffered from athletes foot. Normally fungi exist harmlessly on the skin, but under certain conditions, they can multiply and lead to infections. The fungi thrive warm, dark and regularly moist places like the feet.
Toenail fungus can spread from one infected toenail to other healthy ones. This especially happens when your feet are subjected to the conditions that encourage growth and development of the fungi that already exists on your other toes.
You can also get toenail fungus from other people who have fungal infections, whether or not they affect their toenails. Toenail fungus is contagious and hence can spread from one individual to another through direct contact or by sharing items like clothes , shoes or towels. Sometimes, this happens when your feet come into contact with fungi on the ground, especially if you walk barefoot.
Take Care Of Your Toes
Use soap and water to wash your feet, and dry well, including between toes. Trim your toenails straight across to keep them shorter than the end of your toe. Make sure the tools you use are clean, too. Wash clippers and files with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. You might be tempted to cover up discolored nails with polish, but dont. Your nail bed cant breathe, which keeps fungus from going away.
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What Else Causes Nails To Turn Green
These two conditions are the most likely culprits if your nails turn green. However, not all causes are necessarily health related. One such cause is the copper in your water.
Copper is known to cause discoloration. For example, it can turn the inside of your toilet tank blue-green. It can also give blond hair a greenish hue.
If you spend a lot of time washing dishes, it can turn your fingernails slightly green. In this context, then perhaps if you frequently use a foot spa, then the same effect could occur.
Aside from that, there are no known medical reasons why your nails should turn green.
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How Can I Prevent Nail Fungus
One of the most important steps in preventing nail infections is to keep nails well trimmed, but not over trimming them. Cutting the nail too short can cause small cuts and tears, which could allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed.
To prevent toenail fungal infections, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times. Change socks and shoes frequently. If you have athlete’s foot, treat it regularly. Athlete’s foot is a fungus which can spread to your toenails. Do not share nail clippers with anyone else, as it is possible to transmit the fungus.
Treatment Of Green Nail Syndrome
There are several underlying systemic diseases which can be responsible for the occurrence of green nail syndrome. There are certain diseases which can lead to the occurrence of green nail syndrome of the nails.
Initial therapy generally is white vinegar or acetic acid soaks.
Method of Using White Vinegar:
- Use 1 part white vinegar and 4 to 10 parts water depending on concentration of white vinegar.
- Soak your nails in this solution for 10 minutes, twice daily.
- Make sure that you thoroughly dry your nails after washing your hands in water.
- Work with this treatment method for a few weeks twice a day for good results.
Other Medicinal Recommendations Suggested For The Treatment For Green Nail Syndrome Are Mentioned Below:
Gentamicin 0.3% solution: Put 1 to 2 drops of 0.3% of gentamicinsolution to the affected nail, twice daily like white vinegar mentioned above for a few weeks for best results.Neomycin, polymyxin B and gramicidin solution: Put 1 to 2 drops of neomycin, polymyxin B and gramicidin solution to the affected nail, twice daily.
Oflaxacin 0.3% solution: Similarly put 1-2 drops of oflaxacin 0.3% solution to the affected nail, twice daily.
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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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Can Paronychia Be Prevented
Have kids follow these tips to lower their risk of paronychia:
- Don’t bite or pick nails.
- Trim fingernails and toenails with clippers or manicure scissors, and smooth the edges with an emery board or nail file. The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, when nails are softer. They shouldn’t cut their nails too short.
- Don’t push cuticles back or trim them and don’t use cuticle remover. Damaging cuticles can let bacteria get into the skin and cause an infection.
- Wear rubber gloves if there’s a chance their hands might be in contact with harsh detergents or chemicals.
- If your child has diabetes, make sure it is well-controlled.
As much as possible, have kids try to avoid injuring their nails and the skin around them. Nails grow very slowly, so any damage to them can last a long time and increase the risk of paronychia.
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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
Although some people may refer to these alternative treatments as quack science, there appears to be a little more to these homemade remedies since many individuals have used them to cure their conditions. However, more research still needs to be conducted on the success rate of home remedies for nail fungus.
Some common and supposedly effective alternative treatments include:
According to Dr. Josh Axe of the Exodus Health Center, apple cidar vinegar not only helps to soothe sunburns, balance pH in the body, manage blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss, its also an ingredient that contains anti-fungal properties. As such, many sufferers of fungal nail infection have now turned to this healthy food to cure their conditions.
The acidic properties of apple cidar vinegar prevent nail fungus from spreading. At the same time, apple cidar vinegar helps to get rid of dead skin cells while killing bacteria and fungi.
Simply mix it with water in equal parts then soak the infected nails for up to 30 minutes in the solution. Repeat this process daily and pat dry the infected nails after soaking.
Another study conducted by Russian researchers showed that a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide had been instrumental in killing off fungus at the radioactive Chernobyl site.
For this remedy, one should simply apply lemon juice on the infected nail for about 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Dangers Of Traditional Treatment Options
Fungal nail infection is treatable with oral anti-fungal drugs, topical medications, surgery, or laser treatments. The problem with these modern treatments, however, is that they can sometimes cause complications. Depending on the chosen treatment, some of the possible side effects that may occur include skin rashes, blisters, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, respiratory problems, abnormal nail growth, or liver damage.
Due to the many risks associated with modern treatments for fungal nail infection, many people are now opting for alternative remedies that are relatively safer. As an added bonus, its also possible to treat fungal nail infection using just a few basic ingredients one already has available at home.
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Acrylic Nails And Gns
There is a close relationship between acrylic nails and green nail syndrome. It is common to find someone who has artificial nails having a green nail infection. This is because of various reasons. One of them is that during the placement of the artificial nails, it is possible that the nail surface is not sanitized well before attaching the nail. Use of buffers and files that are not properly sanitized may also lead to the occurrence of the infection. In these two cases, bacteria may spread to the natural nail. Another way is when the artificial nail may be knocked off, thus leaving an opening through which bacteria may get in. With this in mind, it is crucial for hygiene to be maintained during manicures and when using artificial nails.
We should also note that if someone has artificial nails may also be affected by fungi, also known as acrylic nail fungus.