Causes Of Fingernail Fungus
By Peter KOften referred to as onychomycosis, the causes of fingernail fungus varies per person. Causes of fingernail fungus can be due to poor hygiene, overexposure of hands to damp environments, or sharing contaminated objects or manicure instruments in nail salons. Fingernail fungus is not as common as toenail fungus, however, they can both be unsightly.The causes of fingernail fungus develops and then spread to another finger if left untreated. Millions of people are affected by nail fungus infection and not all of them are so concerned about treating them unless they need to. The nail fungus infection is a treatable condition with proper use of topical treatments, such as our Nail Fungus Control. The majority of these treatments contain anti-fungal properties that will kill the microorganism at the site of infection.What Causes Fingernail Fungus?
Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil
Due to its numerous medicinal values, tea tree oil has found itself an active ingredient of many cosmetic products ranging from soaps, lotions to skin or foot care products. But still, it is essential to be aware of the possible risks that come along with the over usage of tea tree oil.
One of the most common side effects that are associated with tea tree oil is skin irritation. It may lead to redness, itchiness, or inflammation in some extreme cases. So it is always better to test the oil before applying. Some people are allergic to the components present in tea tree oil. Hence their body will react. For pregnant ladies, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before using any oils.
3 Popular Tea Tree Oil Products, According to Reviews and Rating:
As a matter of advice, we would like to make this clear that no matter how powerful an oil might seem to be, before applying them, always make sure you perform an allergy test with that oil. Nail fungal infection is a severe problem that needs to be dealt with care and patience.
Meanwhile, we would love to hear your experiences, if you had ever used tea tree oil for fungal infections. Or if you have any other possible remedial treatment method for fungal infections, please feel free to share it with us.
How Do Dermatologists Diagnose 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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Fungus Infections In General
Nail fungus infection is a condition called onychomycosis . It is fairly common, with about 12 million Americans being affected. We all have a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, growing in and on our bodies. Some of these are absolutely essential to our health . Others may cause illness whenever they invade us, or only if they multiply rapidly and out of control.
Fungal infections are caused by fungi, which are microscopic organisms. . We all have fungus growing on our skin, particularly on our feet, where the condition is called “athlete’s foot.” Fungus loves the growth conditions of damp, moist, and lots of food, and the skin of our feet is the perfect location . Other common fungal infections include mold-like fungi and yeast-like fungi . Tinea infections include jock itch, ringworm, and tinea capitis. Candida infections include diaper rash, oral thrush, cutaneous candidiasis, and some cases of genital rashes. The fungus is usually not a problem, since our immune system fights back and the fungus stays on the outside of our bodies. Fungus is a problem when there is a breakdown in our defenses.
Home Remedies For Fingernail Fungus Infection
Fingernail fungus is very itchy and irritating, and in some cases, this can lead to the feeling of pain on skin. It was also widely known as the result of sensitive and dry skin,caused by the skin water deficiency and can sometimes even cause skin redness. 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. In fact, this infection can happen on both your toenails and fingernails and can cover around 6-8% of all adult population.
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What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.
References
Preventing Fungal Nail Infection
Studies suggest that in about 1 in 4 cases where the fungal nail infection has been cleared from the nail, the infection returns within three years. One way to help prevent a further bout of nail infection is to treat athlete’s foot as early as possible to stop the infection spreading to the nail. Athlete’s foot is common and may recur from time to time. It is easy to treat with an antifungal cream which you can buy from pharmacies, or obtain on prescription. The first sign of athlete’s foot is itchy and scaling skin between the toes. See the separate leaflet called Athlete’s Foot for more details. Also:
- Try to avoid injury to nails, which may increase the risk of developing a nail infection.
- Wear footwear such as flip-flops in public places, such as communal bathing/shower places, locker rooms, etc.
- Avoid towel sharing.
- Consider replacing old footwear, as this could be contaminated with fungal spores.
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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.
Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains antifungal properties which help to combat fungus causing the infection. It also helps to speed up the healing process.
- Mix 1 part of freshly extracted aloe vera gel and 3 parts of tea tree oil.
- Apply the mixture on the infected finger or toenail.
- Gently massage for few minutes and leave it to dry completely.
- Repeat the process once in a day.
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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 The Best Way To Prevent A Toenail Infection
- Avoid going barefoot in public spaces, especially pool areas, gyms and public or hotel shower areas. Use a pair of plastic sandals, flip flops or shower shoes in pool areas and public showers or baths.
- Avoid using the same shower area with family members that have athletes foot or a toenail infections, or use shower shoes. Do not share bath towels, washcloths, nail trimmers or other pedicure tools.
- Keep your feet dry. Trim nails carefully and straight across. Clean your nail trimmer and other tools in isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes before you use them.
- Change your socks each day and do not rewear wet or sweaty socks. Wear shoes that fit correctly and do not crowd your toes. Avoid wearing older, unbreathable shoes.
Toenail fungus usually only spreads to other toes. But in some cases, it can spread to the skin between the toes , the groin area or the scalp . If you have a case of athletes foot, it is important to treat this to prevent it from spreading to your toes.
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What Causes Fungal Nails And What Are Some Of The Risk Factors
In normal, healthy people, fungal infections of the nails are most commonly caused by fungus that is caught from moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those at a gym or swimming pools, are common sources. Going to nail salons that use inadequate sanitization of instruments in addition to living with family members who have fungal nails are also risk factors. Athletes have been proven to be more susceptible to nail fungus. This is presumed to be due to the wearing of tight-fitting, sweaty shoes associated with repetitive trauma to the toenails. Having athlete’s foot makes it more likely that the fungus will infect your toenails. Repetitive trauma also weakens the nail, which makes the nail more susceptible to fungal infection.
Elderly people and people with certain underlying disease states are also at higher risk. Anything that impairs your immune system can make you prone to getting infected with the fungus. These include conditions such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, or taking any immunosuppressive medications like steroids.
Acrylic Nail Fungus Home Remedies
The first step after noticing an infection is to have the acrylic nail removed and to wash your fingernail with soap and water. Avoid putting on a new nail until the infection clears.
Anecdotally, some people claim the following home remedies have helped them clear their infection:
- Vinegar. Vinegar contains acid that can inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. Try soaking your finger in a 2:1 ratio of warm water to vinegar.
- Vicks VapoRub. An older 2011 study found Vicks VapoRub seemed to have a positive clinical effect on killing toenail fungi. You can try applying a small amount to your finger once a day.
- Tea tree oil. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , one small study found evidence that tea tree oil may help treat nail fungus, but more research is needed. Try applying oil to your nail twice per day.
- Oregano oil. The chemical thymol found in oregano oil may have antifungal properties. Try applying oregano oil to your nail twice per day with a cotton swab.
- Listerine mouthwash. Listerine contains ingredients that have antifungal properties. Some people claim soaking your finger in original Listerine for 30 minutes a day may help clear the infection.
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How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus leads to thickening discoloration, brittle and cracking nails. If it is not treated it is able to rapidly spread from nail to nail and even the skin surrounding it. Many people do not know that they can make use of tea tree oil for treating toenail fungus. There are many methods of treating fungus in the toenail, including oral treatments that usually hinder the spread of the fungus but dont completely eliminate it. Additionally, the majority of these medicines are associated with adverse effects that range from minor to severe.
So, natural remedies like tea tree oil are utilized by many. The products are able to treat the fungus, slow down the spread, and make a clean and healthy toenail, with little or no adverse effect. The natural ingredients comprise tea tree oil, lavender oil along with olive oil. They contain antifungal ingredients that aid in the effective treatment of nail fungal infections. Tea tree oil is used as a separate treatment for fungus that affects the toenails and is a major ingredient in many of the over-the-counter medicines that treat toenail fungus.
How do you make use of Tea tree oil to combat nail fungal infection
Does tea tree oil work?
Is tea tree oil used for the treatment of fungus secure?
While tea tree oil is effective for toenail fungus is effective, tea tree oil is intended to be used externally and should never be consumed internally.
Before applying this oil to children, ask a doctor to get their approval.
Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus strengthens your immune system which helps in fighting off the infection from inside.
Note: If you cant stand the taste of apple cider vinegar then you can add 1 teaspoon of manuka honey for added taste.
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Nail Fungus: Polish Cream Or Tablets
Nail fungus can be very persistent. Topical treatment with nail polish may take up to one year. Tablets for treating fungal nail infections usually have to be taken for several weeks or months. They are much more effective than topical treatments, but they have more side effects.
Brittle nails and a whitish-yellowish or brownish discoloration are typical signs of nail fungus. The nails may also become thicker and change shape. The affected part of the nail sometimes detaches from the nail bed. The treatment options for nail fungus include nail polishes and creams as well as tablets. Nail polishes and creams are available in pharmacies without a prescription.
When Are The Different Treatments Considered
Most doctors recommend treating nail fungus with nail polish or cream if
- not much more than half of the nail is affected by the fungus,
- the base of the nail is not infected, and
- only some nails are affected.
Topical treatment is also usually recommended for children. One reason for this is that most oral medications arent suitable for children. Another reason is that children have thinner nails that grow more quickly, so its assumed that treatment with nail polish or creams is more likely to work in children than in adults. White superficial onychomycosis is also often treated with a nail polish or cream.
If several nails are infected by the fungus, or if the infection has spread out more on the affected nails, its usually necessary to take oral medication. And if the infection started at the base of the nail, its highly likely that only tablets will help.
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Remedies And Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-Counter Antifungals
Antifungal remedies help to stop the growth of the fungus. Over-the-counter options do not claim to cure toenail fungus, but they can help to improve the look of the affected nail. These products do not work as well as prescription medications. To cure toenail fungus, a remedy has to penetrate the nail and nail bed. Most over-the-counter remedies for nail fungus are topical and do not penetrate deeply enough.
Trim, Buff, and Thin the Affected Nail
Keeping your nails trim, buffed, and clean helps to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails. Additionally, buffing the nail can allow topical antifungals to penetrate more deeply. Make sure to wash your hands promptly after touching the affected nail, especially before touching other nails.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a product marketed for people with coughs. However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27.8% of participants fully cured their nail fungus â and 55.6% of participants saw partial improvement. However, more study is needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.
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