What Can You Do If You Have Nail Fungus

 

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Nail Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects the nails. It occurs when fungi, such as dermatophytes, invade the nails and thrive in the warm and moist environment. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures for nail fungus.

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection that primarily affects the nails on the hands and feet. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails. The infection may start as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and gradually spread deeper into the nail bed.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can be caused by various factors, including:

Fungal Infection: The most common cause of nail fungus is the invasion of fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Poor Nail Hygiene: Not maintaining proper nail hygiene, such as keeping the nails clean and dry, can increase the risk of nail fungus.

Warm and Moist Environments: Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms common sources of infection.

Weakened Immune System: Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to nail fungus.

Symptoms of Nail Fungus

The symptoms of nail fungus can vary from mild to severe and may include:

Discoloration: Infected nails may turn white, yellow, brown, or black. In some cases, the nail may become greenish due to bacterial co-infection.

Thickening: The affected nails may thicken and become distorted in shape. They may also become brittle and crumble easily.

Brittleness: Infected nails often become brittle and prone to cracking or splitting. This can cause discomfort and make daily activities challenging.

Foul Odor: In advanced cases, nail fungus can produce a foul odor, making it unpleasant for individuals and those around them.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing nail fungus:

Age: Nail fungus is more common in older adults due to reduced blood circulation and slower nail growth.

Sweating: Excessive sweating can create a moist environment, promoting fungal growth.

Nail Trauma: Injuries to the nails, such as stubbing or repetitive pressure, can make the nails more susceptible to fungal infections.

Public Areas: Walking barefoot in public areas with damp floors, such as swimming pools or gyms, increases the risk of exposure to fungi.

Prevention and Hygiene Practices

To reduce the risk of nail fungus:

Keep Nails Clean and Dry:

Regularly clean your nails with soap and water, ensuring to dry them thoroughly afterward. Pay attention to the spaces between your toes and use a clean towel to absorb any moisture.

Trim Nails Properly:

Trim your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. This helps prevent debris from getting trapped under the nails and reduces the risk of nail trauma.

Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks:

Opt for shoes made from breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, as they allow air circulation and help keep your feet dry. Additionally, choose moisture-wicking socks that draw sweat away from the skin.

Alternate Shoes:

Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. By allowing them to air out between uses, you can reduce the chances of fungi multiplying and spreading.

Protect Your Feet in Public Areas:

When using public showers, swimming pools, or locker rooms, wear protective footwear, such as shower shoes or flip-flops, to minimize direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items:

Refrain from sharing towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers with others, as this can increase the risk of fungal transmission.

Avoid Nail Trauma:

Be cautious when trimming or filing your nails, ensuring not to injure the surrounding skin. Additionally, avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes or engaging in activities that may cause repetitive trauma to the nails.

Keep Hands and Feet Moisturized:

Apply moisturizer to your hands and feet regularly to prevent dryness and cracking, which can create entry points for fungi.

Treatment Options for Nail Fungus

When it comes to treating nail fungus, several options are available depending on the severity of the infection. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable course of treatment.

Common treatment options include:

Over-the-Counter Remedies: Antifungal creams, ointments, and nail lacquers that contain ingredients like clotrimazole or undecylenic acid can be used to treat mild cases of nail fungus. These products are typically applied directly to the affected nails.

Prescription Medications: In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. These medications work systemically to eliminate the fungi from within. However, they may have side effects, so close monitoring by a healthcare professional is necessary.

Laser Treatment: Laser therapy is a non-invasive option that uses laser light to target and destroy the fungi. It can be effective in treating nail fungus and promoting healthy nail regrowth.

Home Remedies: Some individuals opt for home remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide soaks. While these remedies may show some benefit in mild cases, their effectiveness is not scientifically proven, and results may vary.

Natural Remedies: Certain natural remedies, such as essential oils (e.g., lavender oil, oregano oil) or herbal extracts, are believed to possess antifungal properties. However, more research is needed to establish their efficacy in treating nail fungus.

Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthy habits like maintaining proper nail hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding prolonged exposure to moist environments can aid in preventing the recurrence of nail fungus.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have nail fungus or if your symptoms worsen despite using over-the-counter treatments, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the severity of the infection and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In some cases, the nail fungus may lead to complications or coexist with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or immune disorders, requiring specialized care.

Conclusion

Nail fungus is a common condition that can affect the appearance and health of your nails. By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage nail fungus effectively. Maintaining good nail hygiene, avoiding prolonged exposure to moist environments, and wearing breathable shoes and socks are simple yet effective preventive measures.

If you do develop nail fungus, there are various treatment options available. Over-the-counter remedies, such as antifungal creams and nail lacquers, can be used for mild cases. For more severe infections, prescription medications or laser treatment may be recommended. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

While home remedies and natural remedies may provide temporary relief or show promise, their effectiveness varies, and it’s important to approach them with caution.

Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes, such as maintaining good overall hygiene, practicing regular nail care, and making smart footwear choices, can contribute to preventing nail fungus from recurring.

Remember, prompt intervention and consistent adherence to preventive measures are key to managing nail fungus effectively. If your symptoms worsen or persist despite self-care efforts, seeking professional medical advice is crucial.

Watch this video – 6 Effective HOME REMEDIES To CURE Toenail FUNGUS | Holistic Toenail Fungus Cures | Dr. Kim

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can nail fungus be cured completely? While nail fungus can be effectively treated and managed, complete eradication can be challenging. It requires consistent treatment adherence and preventive measures to prevent recurrence.

2. How long does it take to see improvement with treatment? The timeline for improvement varies depending on the severity of the infection, chosen treatment method, and individual response. It can take several weeks or even months to observe visible improvements.

3. Are there any side effects of oral antifungal medications? Oral antifungal medications may have side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, liver function abnormalities, or interactions with other medications. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper monitoring and guidance.

4. Can nail fungus spread to other people? Yes, nail fungus can spread from person to person. It’s advisable to avoid sharing personal items and take preventive measures to minimize the risk of transmission.

5. Are there any preventive measures for nail fungus? Maintaining good nail hygiene, keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable shoes and socks, and avoiding prolonged exposure to moist environments are key preventive measures against nail fungus.

Author Bio:

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10 Best Ways to Treat Nail Fungus

CLICK HERE to Discover How to Break Free of Ugly Nail Fungus Once and for All!

If you are fighting a nail fungus or infection, you are not alone. Medical professionals have learned that around half the people in this country will end up with a nail fungus by the time they are age 70. The U.S. National Library of Medicine has determined that half of the causes of nail disease are due to fungus.

What is Nail Fungus?

Technically, nail fungus is known as onychomycosis. It is an infection, usually of the toenails, caused by molds, ringworms, and yeasts.

It is a chronic condition that eventually breaks down the plate of the nail. It is common in areas of the country that have very warm weather and seems to flourish under warm, moist conditions.

Wearing closed-toed shoes, walking barefoot around public pools or in the shower area of your workout facility, or even getting a pedicure all may increase your chances of getting a nail fungus.

What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?

A nail fungus may start off innocently at first as a yellow or white spot beneath your toenail, but it will quickly attack your nail, making it thick and deep yellow and crumbly as it goes deeper under the surface.

What Treatments Are Available?

·         Medications – If you visit your doctor, you will be able to get a prescription to get rid of your nail fungus.

·         Dietary Changes – If you want to take matters into your own hands, you can change the way you eat and see if you can resolve your nail fungus this way. Try these suggestions to see if they work for you. The good news is that they are supposed to act fast in treating the fungus.

·         Eliminate grains and sugar – These two food groups are responsible for feeding the development of yeast and candida in your body, two conditions that contribute to nail fungus.

·         Eat foods that help good bacteria grow – Once you get the bad stuff out, you will want to replace it with things such as foods that are fermented, probiotic foods, yogurt, and kefir.

·         Eat quality fats and protein, and increase your fiber – Because fiber is not absorbed in the digestive system, it is able to safely remove waste toxins, cholesterol, and fat that could build up in your gut. Foods in these groups can help the body safely eliminate toxins.

The following are the best natural ways to treat nail fungus:

1. TeaTree Oil

This product is an effective antiseptic and is able to kill the fungus on your affected nails. Make sure that the area is clean by wiping it with rubbing alcohol. Next put the tea tree oil undiluted right on the nails. After it sets for about 10 minutes, scrub the affected nail with a soft toothbrush.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful remedy that really works. You can soak your feet in pure vinegar or mix it with Epsom salts daily. For best results, soak your feet for 30 minutes twice a day.

3. Vicks VapoRub

You may be surprised, but this antifungal has eucalyptus oil and camphor, both of which help heal nail fungus. Take a cotton swab and put a dab of Vicks VapoRub on the nail once a day. Eighty-three percent of those who used this product saw an improvement in their fungus.

4. Listerine

Combine equal parts of Listerine and white vinegar in a container, and soak the infected area for up to 60 minutes.

5. Pau d’arco tea

This tea is made from the inside bark of a tree located in South America. It has antifungal properties that are just as effective as a prescription medication. Simply soak two pau d’arco tea bags and relax your feet in the solution for about 20 minutes twice a day.

6. Oregano oil

The thymol in oregano oil has antifungal properties that are effective in treating nail fungus. All you have to do is apply a couple of drops on the nail two times a day and your fungus will begin to disappear.

7. Probiotics

When you find a toenail fungus remedy that works for you, add a probiotic supplement to your diet to make sure that you have all methods of healing covered.

8. Corn meal

The reason that corn meal works in treating nail fungus is because it does not affect the body, but it is able to kill Candida. Find a container in which you can place either your affected foot or both feet and add a cup of cornmeal with two quarts of water. The cornmeal needs to soak for about an hour before submerging your feet. You can then soak your feet for about a half hour as often as you like.

9. Baking soda

Baking soda is alkaline, which keeps toenail fungus from spreading. You can soak your feet in baking soda by itself or combine it borax to create a strong fungicide. Mix equal parts with a little water and rub it onto the affected areas. You can repeat this two times a day.

10. Coconut oil

You will see some relief from your toenail fungus if you put a thin coat of coconut oil on the area and let it set for about 15 minutes.

Once you have gotten rid of your nail fungus, what can you do to keep from getting it again? There are some precautions you can take to prevent this persistent fungus from attacking your feet again.

Keep your nails short and your feet clean and dry. Wear swim shoes near the pool or beach, cotton socks with your footwear, and don’t go barefoot in areas that are open to the public and may carry the makings of athlete’s foot.

Watch this Video -  Toe Fungus Best Tip Ever! Update

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For more ideas to treat toenail fungus, look no further than Cathy Robbins’ Nail Fungus Revealed Program. She is a leading Naturopathic Physician and Nail Fungus Expert from California, Creator of the Nail Fungus Revealed program - a comprehensive guide to beating toenail fungus for good, under 21 days. It is a guide to the best practices that boost the immune system to deliver a permanent solution to the often recurring and prolific nature of fungus infection.