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.
Have Topical Antifungal Prescriptions Medications
You cannot take the topical medication alone, but it can be with oral therapy to decrease the duration of your treatment. However, if you are hesitant to start oral therapy or have reservation about oral therapy then try topical medication which is one of the best options.
You can go with Ciclopirox, which is an 8% of solution commonly applied daily for 48 weeks. Alternatively, you can try Jublia, which is a 10% of solution applied daily on the affected area for 48 weeks. These prescriptions are effective, if the infection does not spread into matrix, it is a layers of cells at the base. Visit to your doctor and your doctor will let you know if your infection has expanded to include the nail matrix.
Doctor Prescribed Ways To Treat Nail Fungus
Fortunately, there several ways to get rid of nail fungus. Most treatments aim to eradicate the causative organism and restore the normal appearance of healthy nails. Treatment options range from self-care remedies, to medications recommended by a general practitioner, to ointments bought over-the-counter without a prescription.
Its important to note that repeat infections are common even with treatment. Whats more, remedies are not all equally effective with some even causing possible side effects.
With that in mind, here are some of the top ways to treat and get rid of nail fungus at home.
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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.
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.
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Why Do I Keep Getting Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but its more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter. Other factors such as reduced blood circulation to the feet and a weakened immune system also may play a role.
When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.
Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.
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Other Options For Toenail Fungus Infections
Removal of the toenail is only used when just one nail is infected, but it does work. Light therapy and lasers are also being studied as possible toenail fungus treatments. Laser therapy has shown promise when combined with oral or topical antifungals. A multicenter trial investigating the efficacy of a device, the Pinpointe FootLaser, is currently underway, so stay tuned to that.
Dont Go For Over The Counter Options
Infection can spread to the nails, especially if you are high risk category. A person with diabetes or impaired immune systems comes in high risk category. If the toenail function is not treated well then there is a chances that the high risk people can develop cellulitis, a skin infection.
Toenail fungus caused by the fungi such as trichophyton rubrum. It is caused by the non-dermatophyte molds and yeast which is mostly commonly is part of candida species. Nail fungus is difficult to cure and repeat infection is very common. In opposite to common belief, over the counter antifungal creams are usually for athletes foot and do not have much impact on toenail fungus. It may be because they cannot penetrate in the toenail.
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Home Remedies That May Treat Toenail Fungus
Although its best to see a podiatrist for toenail fungus treatment, you may want to try a home remedy first. Many of the following home remedies have antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the infected area:
- Vicks VapoRub: This can be applied once a day.
- Snakeroot extract: Apply every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month.
- Tea tree oil: Apply twice a day with a cotton swab. Note that this may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Olive leaf extract capsules: Take one to three capsules twice daily with food.
- Ozonated oils: Apply twice a day to the infected area.
- Vinegar: Soak the affected area for up to 20 minutes a day using one part vinegar to two parts warm water.
Lastly, another home remedy is to change your diet. Some foodssuch as those rich in calcium, vitamin D, fatty acids, probiotics, lean protein, and ironmay help prevent you from contracting toenail fungus. Talk to your doctor if youre considering a change in diet or any of the home remedies to determine if they are right for you.
What Can I Spray In My Shoes To Kill Fungus
Baking soda and vinegar Fill a spray bottle with diluted white or apple cider vinegar and spray it into your shoes whenever youre not going to wear them. It can help slow down the growth of fungal spores. Dont worry, the vinegar smell will disappear as it dries. Use both together to keep bacteria under control.
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About Fungal Nail Infection
Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. It’s not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat.
The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted.
Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails.
The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus
Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.
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Prevention Of Toenail 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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Tippytoe Laser Nail Fungus Remover
Like the other machines in our list, this laser treatment device from TippyToe uses pulse laser radiation and blue light energy to zap away those nuisance fungus spores.
It boasts 905nm infrared cold laser light therapy and 465nm blue light for disinfection.
Once again, the machine requires 7 minutes application per nail per treatment. And you will need to use it every day to see the best results. Patience over time will pay off with the machine having a good record of eliminating fungus in fingernails, toenails, nail beds and cuticles in those who stick out the treatment.
This is a tiny piece of kit that will be suitable for anybody who travels often and needs a laser treatment device that isnt going to take up too much space.
Pros
Home Remedies To Help Remove Or Stop Toenail Fungus From A Harrisburg Podiatrist
Toenail fungus is extremely unattractive and can make individuals feel self-conscious about their feet. If stopping into your local foot doctor is not a possibility, you are not entirely out of luck. There are five home remedies that work well above the rest as toenail fungus treatment options.
1. Use a Rub of Tea Tree Oil and Orange Oil
A mixture of 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, half a teaspoon of orange oil, and half a teaspoon of grapeseed or olive oil can be rubbed onto the toenails with a cotton ball to clear up toenail fungus. This treatment is not one your University Area podiatrist will provide so you will have to do this at home as part of your daily routine. The natural anti-bacterial and fungicidal properties of tea tree oil make it a very promising toenail fungus treatment option.
2. Rub Coconut Oil on Your Feet
Coconut oil is one of the most commonly used products for natural remedies. When it comes to foot fungus, this product works like magic. The fatty acids in coconut oil work as natural fungicides, causing the fungal membranes to break down and clear up. Use gloves to rub coconut oil to the infected toenail. You can even rub coconut oil over your entire foot to leave your skin soft and nourished. A thin layer applied 2 to 3 times a day works great as a toenail fungus treatment.
3. Soak Your Feet in Baking Soda and Vinegar
4. Olive Tree Extract
5. Oregano Oil
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Go For Oral Medication
Oral medication is one of the effective ways to get rid of toenail fungus. If you are looking for the best treatment to prevent toenail fungus then go for systemic treatment like oral prescriptions antifungal. But these treatments can take 2-3 months or longer. This oral antifungal medication has Lamisil, which is commonly prescribed with a dose of 250 mg a day for weeks. But it also has some side effects which include rash, diarrhea or liver enzymes abnormities. In case of liver or kidney issue, avoid these medications.
You can also try itraconazole which is normally prescribed with dose of 200 mg a day for 12 weeks. It also have some side effects like rash, nausea or liver enzymes abnormities. If you have liver issue, then do not consume this medicine. Best way is to consult your doctor and tell about the medication you are taking to get rid toenail fungus.
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How To Heal Your Toenail Fungus At Home
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HOW TO HEAL YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS AT HOME
If you have mild toenail fungus, theres a very good chance that a home remedy can help you get rid of it. Though you can definitely try these with moderate to severe toenail fungus, too, as long as youre healthy, it is recommended that you see a specialist if its a bad case of fungus.
As always, if your immune system is compromised or you have diabetes, its always best to see a podiatrist so you dont risk making things worse or needing surgery.
Without further ado, here are several home remedies you can try to heal your toenail fungus.
What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Nail Fungus
A podiatrist is your best ally when it comes to determining the best and most effective treatment for toenail fungus. By seeking a podiatrists professional help, youre much more likely to get rid of toenail fungus and avoid possible irritation and infection to the area. Before providing a recommended treatment plan, your doctor will first evaluate the infected area. Treatment options include:
- Topical or oral antifungal medications and removal of debris from the infected nail. Common oral medications for toenail fungus treatment are Lamisil and Sporanox. A common topical medication is Penlac.
- Temporary removal of the infected nail.
- Permanent removal of the infected nail. In more severe casesand if the infection is resisting topical and/or oral medicationsyour podiatrist may recommend laser toenail fungus removal. Laser toenail fungus removal is a safe and painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
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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.
Complications: What If The Infection Is Left Untreated
If the nail fungus spreads deeper into the nail bed, it will cause the nail to thicken and turn green, yellow, brown, or black. As the infection progresses, the infected nail becomes brittle and pieces of it will start to break off from the toe or finger completely. Should the condition be left untreated, it can spread to other nails or cause skin around the infected nail to become inflamed. In more advanced stages, a foul smell may develop and white or yellow patches may be seen on the exposed nail bed. Over time, severe fungal nail infections can cause permanent damage to the nail root or nail bed.
It can be quite embarrassing to have this condition since this is an infection thats hard to hide. People with Onychomycosis may also find it difficult or painful to wear shoes, walk, or stand for long periods of time if their toenails have been infected severely.
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