Over The Counter Remedies
Antifungal creams and lotions are available without a prescription at your local drug store.
Theyre not expensive, but they dont always work to get rid of the fungus.
Its possible that a sickness treated this way will go away for a period before reappearing. Youll have to try something else if that happens.
The Dangers Of Ignoring Toenail Fungal Infections
Even a minor discoloration can be a sign of toenail fungus and worthy of a doctor visit. Find out why and how to get help for symptoms of toenail fungus.
Cactus Creative Studio/Stocksy
With all the serious health dangers out there, like cancer and diabetes, having a yellowed nail from toenail fungus can seem pretty insignificant. Since toenail fungus usually isnt painful, many people put off seeking treatment, says Peter Joseph, DPM, a podiatrist with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. While many people are otherwise healthy and may just think of it as a cosmetic problem, ignoring a toenail infected with fungus could have health consequences beyond appearances. Potential complications of a toenail fungal infection:
Foot pain. Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr. Joseph says. It can even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Treating Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
If you suspect you have a toenail fungal infection, see a doctor, Joseph says. Your doctor may take a small sample from your toenail and have it analyzed to confirm the presence of a fungus. If the test comes back positive, an oral or topical antifungal medication may be prescribed to help treat the fungus. Most medications are well tolerated with few side effects, Joseph says.
> > > Breaking: Discover The 12
If your joint pain is caused by a sports injury or a serious condition, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, joint pain is referred by other parts of the body. For example, a slipped disc in the back can cause leg pain, a condition known as sciatica. So, its important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. You can take a medication that will relieve your symptoms. Can Toenail Fungus Cause Joint Pain
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Fungal Nails On Feet
Treating Toenail Fungus Without Medications Or Surgery
Toenail fungus can be tough to eliminate. Thats why Dr. Kaplan chooses to use laser energy rather than creams, medications, or even toenail removal surgery. Thanks to the CoolTouch® laser system, Dr. Kaplan often tackles pesky infections with anywhere from 1-3 treatments. Hello beautiful, clear nails!
If you need treatment for a fungal infection or want to learn more about CoolTouch laser treatments, were just a call or click away. Call our San Mateo or Half Moon Bay, California, office or request an appointment online for toenail fungus treatment.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Toenail Fungus Symptoms And Risk Factors
Toenail fungus symptoms are not pretty. At first, you may notice small white spots and possibly a foul smell. As the condition worsens, your nail gets thicker, which makes it harder to trim or cut, and turns yellow or brown. Nail fungus can spread from nail to nail and, eventually, make your nails split and crumble.
In addition to older people, people with certain conditions like diabetes or psoriasis are at higher risk for developing fungus. Other risk factors include having a history of athletes foot, which is an infection between your toes, a propensity for sweaty feet, and those with a weakened immune system.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Nail Tech License
Types Of Fungal Nail Infections
There are four main kinds of fungal nail infection. Each looks slightly different:
- Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis. This is the most common kind. It results from a fungus called a dermatophyte. You can get it in your fingernails or toenails. It starts in the nail bed, underneath the nail. Youâll see a yellowish colored area that spreads from the edges of the nail to the center, and places where it comes apart from the nail bed.
- White superficial onychomycosis. This is less common and only affects the nail surface, mainly on your toenails. It starts as white spots, which become powdery and cause the nail to crumble.
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis. This appears first as white spots in the center of the nail bed at the cuticle. They move outward as the finger or toenail grows. Itâs rare and usually affects people who have immune system problems, like HIV infection.
- Candidal onychomycosis. Yeast causes this infection that usually affects your fingernails. The area around the nails is often swollen and inflamed, and the nails may come off entirely. It tends to happen to nails that have been damaged by an injury or another infection.
How Common Are Psoriatic Arthritis Fingernails And Toenails
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation.
- Psoriasis occurs when the bodys immune system attacks your skin, causing red, scaly, inflamed patches.
- Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks your joints and connective tissues . The disease causes pain and swelling in your joints, as well as fatigue.
Nail symptoms are common in people with psoriasis and even more common in those with psoriatic arthritis. As many as 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis notice changes in their nails. In fact, nail symptoms can be an early warning sign of this type of arthritis.
Also Check: Where To Buy Good Press On Nails
Examining The Causes Symptoms And Treatment Of Toenail Fungus
It is important to keep your body healthy, from your head right down to your toes. Toenail fungus is a common condition that can impact the health of your toenails and lead to pain and embarrassment. If you are concerned about toenail fungus, schedule an appointment with a foot doctor in Sugar Land to have your feet examined. You can also find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toenail fungus below.
Causes
Nail fungus is a type of fungal infection that can take root in the space between your nails and your skin. Toenail fungal infections are more common than fingernail infections, as the toes are often confined in socks and shoes, which provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. Toenail fungus is often spread in warm, damp areas, such as in locker rooms and around public swimming pools.
Symptoms
Toenail fungus can have a variety of effects on the nails. This type of infection can cause the toenails to become discolored and yellowed. Infected nails may also thicken as the infection spreads. Other common symptoms which indicate that you should schedule an appointment with your podiatrist include nails that are distorted, dull, and brittle. Toenail fungus may affect just one of the nails on a foot, or can spread to several nails. You may also feel pain in your toes or notice a foul odor coming from your toenails if you are suffering from toenail fungus.
Treatment
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
See your doctor if you think you have nail fungus. It can be tough to get rid of, and youâre more likely to have success with a prescription. Treatments include:
- Oral antifungals. The doctor may give you a pill to kill fungus in your whole body. This is usually the best way to get rid of a nail infection. Treatment may last 2 months for an infection in your fingernails, or 3 months if itâs in your toenails.
- Topical antifungals. You rub or brush these medicines onto your nails. They may work for a mild infection, but they canât get deep enough into the nail to cure a more serious one. You might use a topical treatment in combination with a pill.
- Surgery. If other treatments donât work, the doctor may need to remove your nail entirely and let a healthy one grow back in its place. The new nail could also get infected.
- Laser or photodynamic therapy. Doctors are studying newer treatments that use special light to try to kill the fungus.
Read Also: How To Make Nails Stronger Home Remedy
The Initial Causes Can Toenail Fungus Caus Toe Joint Pain
Joint pain may be caused by a variety of causes. Inflammation and infection can affect the joints, and it is necessary to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. However, certain types of joint pain are not a serious health problem and can be treated by yourself. Moreover, joint pain can be the result of a broader range of factors, such as stress, illness, and genetics. When you have recurring joint pain, you should seek help from a doctor as early as possible.
Inflammation and pain in the joint can be caused by many conditions, including RA and sacroiliac joint inflammation. The inflammation of a joint causes the pain. For example, a person suffering from RA may experience lower back pain or iliosacral joint pain. These problems can occur in both the upper and lower back. When the sacral bone becomes inflamed, there will be inflammation of the sacral joint. The painful area is called the sacroiliac bone.
In addition to RA and gout, joint pain can also be the result of numerous medical conditions. For instance, a person suffering from fibromyalgia will experience joint pain that is accompanied by fever, fatigue, and difficulty walking. The symptoms of these conditions can be triggered by a number of factors, but the most common underlying cause of the pain will most likely be a joint disorder. A person suffering from fibromyalgia arthritis may experience a painful condition known as septic arthritis. Can Toenail Fungus Caus Toe Joint Pain
What Causes Toenail Fungus
The visible effects ofnail fungus can be dramatic. Nail fungus can cause discoloration, and misshapen your toenails, causing them to thicken and crumble. While theres no mistaking that theres something wrong with your toes, the fungal infection can proceed into advanced stages before you start to feel pain.
Errol Gindi D.P.M. and his team are toenail fungus specialists, should be your first call when you detect signs of fungus. Even with care, its an infection that commonly recurs, so medical supervision is necessary to help you manage the condition.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats In The House
How To Fight Candidiasis
The best way to treat candidiasis and prevent recurring infections is to address the underlying cause.
The food you eat plays an important role in maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
Refined sugars, carbs and high-lactose dairy products can encourage Candida and other bad microorganisms to grow .
Eating too many of these foods may promote infection if you have a suppressed immune system.
On the other hand, certain foods have specifically been shown to encourage good bacteria to grow and inhibit the growth of Candida.
The following foods have been shown to help fight Candida infections:
If you require medication, speak to your healthcare provider.
If you require medication, speak to your healthcare provider.
- an antifungal substance called allicin, which has been shown to act against Candida yeasts in animal and test-tube studies (
Treatment Options For Nail Psoriasis
To treat psoriatic arthritis nail changes, your doctor may prescribe topical creams or ointments to rub on your nails. Systemic medications to treat psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can also help a lot. These medications might include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to block inflammation.
- Biologics, a special class of DMARDs, which target specific parts of your immune system that drive inflammation in psoriatic arthritis.
You May Like: How Can I Hang My Pictures Without Nails
What Causes Fungal Arthritis
Fungal arthritis is usually caused by the fungus traveling through the bloodstream to reside in the joint. This manner of infection through the blood is referred to as hematogenous spread.
Alternatively, if medication that is contaminated by fungus is directly injected into the joint, fungal arthritis can result. This manner of infection by directly injecting the fungus into the joint is referred to as exogenous inoculation. Rarely, fungal infection can result from a contaminated prosthesis used in joint replacement surgery.
Fungal organisms that can cause fungal arthritis include Candida, Aspergillus, and Exserohilum species.
Foot Care During Your Treatment
During your treatment, you should start to see a new healthy nail begin to grow from the base of the nailbed. This is a sign that the treatment is working. The old infected nail should begin to grow out and can be clipped away over a few months.
Speak to your doctor if you do not begin to see a new nail growing after taking your treatment for two to three weeks. Keep using the treatment until your doctor says it is ok to stop. If you stop the treatment too early, the infection could return.
Foot care tips
During and after your treatment, there are a few steps you can take to help keep the infection at bay, listed below.
- Keep your feet cool and dry and wear shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe. Wear clean cotton socks and avoid wearing trainers.
- Treat athlete’s foot with antifungal medicine as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection to your nails.
- Clip your nails to keep them short.
- Use a separate pair of clippers or scissors to cut the infected nail, to avoid spreading the infection to other nails.
- Wear well-fitting shoes, without high heels or narrow toes.
- Maintain good foot hygiene.
- Wear clean shower shoes when using a communal shower.
- Consider seeking treatment from a podiatrist if thickened toenails cause discomfort when walking.
- Consider replacing old footwear, as this could be contaminated with fungal spores.
You May Like: How Long Do Gel Nails Last
How Psoriatic Arthritis Affects Your Nails
Nail symptoms, it turns out, are more than skin deep.
Each of your nails is made of three components:
- Nail plate which is the nail itself.
- Nail bed the skin below the nail plate.
- Nail matrix the area where your nails start growing.
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can affect all three parts of the nail, Dr. Husni explains. Depending on where it strikes, you can experience several different nail symptoms.
Symptoms Of Nail Psoriasis
In virtually every case of nail psoriasis, someone will show other signs of psoriasis somewhere else on their body because its a full-body inflammatory disease. About 5% of people have nail psoriasis alone, meaning they dont have psoriatic arthritis or skin psoriasis, says dermatologist Jonathan Braue, MD. If you see somebody with pretty typical plaque psoriasis, or they have a history of plaque psoriasis, and most of the nail changes theyre having are on the fingernails, then its a slam dunk.
Also Check: Is Opi Nail Polish Vegan
What Is A Fungal Nail Infection
A fungal nail infection is a common condition that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on your toes.
Its formal name is onychomycosis, and itâs a lot like athleteâs foot. But instead of affecting the skin on the bottom of your feet or between your toes, it invades your nails.
Fungi are tiny organisms you can only see through a microscope. Many different types can cause a nail infection. Sometimes they live on your skin and donât make any trouble. But if you have a lot in one area, you might get infected.
Donât be embarrassed if you have toenail or fingernail fungus. Itâs way more common than you think.
Can Toenail Fungus Spread To Other Areas Of The Body
Toenail fungus can spread to other areas of the body, find out more about what nail fungus is and how it can be managed.
One of the questions that is often asked is whether toenail fungus can spread to other parts of the body. The short answer to this question is that toenail fungus can often spread if it is not treated. This is one of the main reasons for treating toenail fungus as soon as you notice that you have it. Generally, it is possible for a fungal nail infection to spread to other nails, and it can also spread to the skin and cause dermatological issues, skin infections, athletes foot or even ringworm .
More importantly, it is also possible for toenail fungus to spread to the blood too, but it is not very common for toenail fungus to migrate to become a fungal blood infection in this way except in severe cases. Generally speaking, this is a risk factor for individuals with a compromised immune system or existing health conditions. Since this risk can be a serious concern, these people should treat all forms of fungal nail infection immediately and skip the home remedies such as tea tree oil.
Don’t Miss: Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus
Early Treatment Is Key To Preventing Severe Onychomycosis
Nail fungal infections are best treated in its earliest stages. Once you spot any of the mentioned early signs and symptoms, seek the advice of your health professional. Usually, for early onychomycosis, treatment may simply be in the form of topical anti-fungal solutions. EmoniNail is a perfect example of a topical treatment that contains safe and effective ingredients, such as undecylenic acid and tea tree oil, that will likely kill fungi and improve the nails overall health.
Treating onychomycosis in recent times has advanced and the availability of surgical treatments, laser therapies, and other oral anti-fungal medications are now out in the market. Although not necessary in early onychomycosis, they also prove to be successful in eliminating fungal nail infections. These types of treatments are best recommended under the supervision of your doctor. Visit your physicians to know what treatment works best for you.
Top 5 Signs Your Toenail Fungus May Have Escalated To An Infection
A little case of toenail fungus is practically a rite of passage you quickly learn not to go barefoot in a locker room or shared shower area again and to always pack clean socks. But what happens when your toenail problem goes beyond a suspect smell and yellowed appearance?
At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center, with locations in Wheat Ridge, Granby, Evergreen, and Arvada, Colorado, our team of podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons provide care for fungal toenail infections and much more. They believe in educating patients about skin and nail care so you can help avoid common problems and keep your feet healthy and strong.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Nail Polish Stain