When To Seeking Treatment
If youve been searching for podiatric for your foot and ankle needs, take time to meet with the Podiatry Group of Georgia. Our doctor has the experience and knowledge you need to help your feet and ankles feel their best. Give us a call today and set up an appointment for your initial consultation. Call us today!
Call Our , Georgia Office Today at 404-806-3731 or Book your appointment online now!
Antifungal Nail Polish For Yellow Toenails
What is Yellow Toenail Fungus? Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is an infection of the toenail bed and underlying plate. Fungus feeds off the protein keratin found in nail tissue, which can cause the yellowing of the nail. The more discolored the nail, the more progressive the infection.
To prevent toenail fungus and yellow toenails you should:
- Trim your toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe. The tip of the nail is the most vulnerable to infection.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after you get out of the shower or bath.
- Never go barefoot when showering in a public use facility such as a gym or spa. Always where shower shoes or spa slippers.
- Sweaty feet are at an increased risk of contracting toenail fungus. Keep the inside of your shoes dry and free of bacteria by wearing moisture wicking socks and sprinkling your feet and the inside of your shoes with antibacterial foot powder.
- When getting a professional pedicure it is best to bring your own nail tools to minimize the risk of infection. Use only licensed and accredited nail salons and ask questions about the salon’s sterilization practices before making your appointment.
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.
Don’t Miss: Does Vitamin E Kill Nail Fungus
How To Make Toenails Look Better With Fungus
Anyone with a fungus will do whatever it takes to make their nails look more appealing. Toenail fungus can lead to unsightly symptoms. These include:
- Hard, thick nails
- Discoloration
- Foul odor
These symptoms can be embarrassing. So, its normal to want to cover them up or change the appearance somehow. If you dont want to use toenail polish and risk contaminating other nails, there are other options.
Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus
An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.
Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. “You may want to consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured,” says Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Also Check: How To Hang Heavy Frames Without Nails
Myth 3: Fungal Nails Are Only A Problem In The Summer
“The condition gets worse over time if the atmosphere is warm, sweaty, unclean and covered up in polish. Winter and summer can have equal effects depending on the individuals preference of footwear and care. Although in winter, we do tend to wear socks, tights and closed boots which means our feet are in warm, sweaty environments, making the perfect breeding ground.”
Options For Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus treatment options, depending on the type of infection you have and the severity, include:
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Naturally
Can A Professional Pedicure Cause A Fungal Infection
You might think youre safe when you get a professional pedicure. But even if your pedicure doesnt include polish, it isnt always a good idea to get this treatment.
Again, the most significant issue with toenail fungus is how quickly and easily it can spread. Not only can it spread to other toes and areas of your body, but other people.
Going to a nail salon can be a treat. Everyone likes to get pampered and leave with their nails looking beautiful. Unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to significant problems for your toenails.
If you happen to go to a salon that hasnt cleaned their tools, you could be putting yourself at risk. They may have worked on someone with a fungal infection. If those same tools are used without being thoroughly sterilized, the fungal spores could be spread to your nails.
Myth 6: Fungal Nail Will Go Away By Itself
“Fungal nails are not likely to clear without any intervention. There are several options but first be sure it is a fungal infection; see a podiatrist and they can advise you further. Once the nail infection has been established home remedies as well as over the counter treatment options are favoured in conjunction with regular visits to the podiatrist for maintenance.”
You May Like: Where To Buy Stainless Steel Nails
Keep Clippers To Yourself
If you have been using a certain pair of clippers on your toes, you will very much want to disinfect or replace those as well. How best to do this?;
- Let the clippers soak in boiling water for a few minutes.
- After removing them , scrub with dish soap and an old toothbrush to clean off any remaining dead skin cells or residues.;;
- Rise, then wipe down the clippers with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol.;
- Completely dry the clippers with a paper towel to avoid rusting.;
You can also use;Barbicide;if you happen to have it around.;
Now that you have a clean pair of toenail clippers, make sure to use them only on your toenails. They should be the larger kind designed for toenails, too. Sharing clippers runs another risk of fungal;infection, and;using the same pair of clippers on your fingernails and toenails can run the risk of transferring an infection from your feet to your hands, or;vice;versa.;
Nail Fungus Treatment Liquid
Can Fungus Live In Nail Polish Best Medication For Foot Fungus Does Vinegar For Toenail Fungus, Dr Remedy Nail Polish Fungus Reviews Toe Fungus Lacquer Does Filing Severe Toenail Fungus Hurt.
Skin Fungus Fingertips Calloused Dr Scholls Nail Fungus Treatment Walgreens. Toe Nail Fungus Cure At Home Does Lamisil Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Quitting Smoking Nail Fungus. Gnc Toenail Fungus Will Toe Fungus Grow Out.
You May Like: How To Get Child To Stop Biting Nails
What Is The Best Antifungal Nail Polish For Fungal Infection
According to positive reviews online including amazon, Drs remedy antifungal polish is the best because when you remove paint after first application you will notice a huge difference to your infections including discoloration will be gone for good. This product can be used also as a way to prevent infection to your toes by applying it regularly. You may use it in conjunction with oral remedy as well to speed up the healing process.
Do you know any product in the market that can cover unsightly nails instantly and fight the fungi at the same time except Drs remedy lacquer. It has over 40 vibrant colors and is made of natural organic ingredients like tea tree oil that has proven to get rid of fungi, biotin, garlic bulb extract that is also known as one of best remedies, lavender, kale extract, ginseng, cactus, wheat protein and many more. Drs remedy is were art meets science to create non toxic collection of polishes to nourish, protect, beautify, strengthen and serves as a layer for UV rays protection.
Here are some of the reviews from satisfied users:
I applied Drs remedy just to hide my ugly nails for an important occasion but what surprised me after removing the paint is that the yellow spot was gone and it was looking whiter and healthier again. Kim
It only took 4 weeks to restore my toenail after using Drs remedy consistently and I admit that I skipped few days without applying it but it worked. I recommend it fully. Susan
When Should I Call The Doctor
In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.
You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:
- Circulation problems.
- Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
- Weakened immune system.
Also Check: How To Polish Nails At Home
What Oral Medications Are Available
To treat fungal nail infections from inside the body, you can take tablets that inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. They are all prescription-only. Terbinafine and itraconazole are typically used for this purpose.
- Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus . This is usually the case.
- Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold.
Itraconazole and terbinafine tablets can both be taken either continuously or with breaks between treatments. But they are used differently:
Myth 5: It Means You’re Unhygienic
“Fungal nails have many exacerbating conditions; poor hygiene is certainly one but not the only one. Those who suffer from sweaty feet and those prone to athlete’s foot are also common sufferers of fungal nail. Trauma to the nail is another cause of fungal nail and factors such as sharing shoes or socks.”
Don’t Miss: Does Nail Polish Remover Kill Bed Bugs
Precautions When Using Special Nail Lacquers
The anti-fungal components used in special nail lacquers are strong chemicals that are best prescribed under a physicians supervision. Here are some precautionary measures and signals that you should be aware of in case the nail lacquers cause unexpected side effects:
- Using anti-fungal nail lacquers should be directed by a healthcare professional.
- If you experience sensitivity and chemical irritation, treatment should be discontinued and a consultation with a medical specialist is recommended.
- Any redness, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, oozing in the nail or around it should be reported to your doctor.
- Clinical studies have shown that less than 12% of patients were able to completely cure their onychomycosis, which suggests that using nail lacquers work best when combined with other form of treatments.
Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus When Painting My Nails
Toenail fungus is never 100% preventable. There are too many factors that can cause it to spread and be picked up. But when youre painting your nails, there are some precautions you can take.
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.
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.
Locker Rooms And Toenail Fungus
If you’re a swimmer, you needn’t worry about a chlorinated pool increasing your risk of toenail fungus, but the locker room is another story. Wet, humid areas are prime for breeding for toenail fungal infections. “Swimmers should always wear foot gear in the locker rooms and showers,” Zinkin says. Also, dry your feet thoroughly after swimming and showering and before slipping back into your regular shoes.
The Secret Society Of Sufferers
Even though its so easy to catch, toenail fungus embarrasses people. Its a hush-hush topic and only a fraction of the estimated 55 million Americans who have the condition seek treatment in a doctors office.
Im part of this secret society of tonail fungus;sufferers. We can, like, band together and have meetings or something, said Liz, a Philadelphia mom in her thirties. She doesnt want to use her full name for this interview. It looks terrible if you dont maintain it, and I mean toenail fungus? That is the grossest thing!
It started about 10 years ago when Liz cracked her big toe nail. After that, the nail started to look funny and became discolored. Then it spread to three more toes on that foot. When Liz realized she had nail fungus, she was faced with another unpleasant fact: Its really hard to treat.
The toenails have the smallest blood vessels, explained podiatrist Tracey Vlahovic. They are the furthest away from the heart. Its going to take anywhere from six months to a year, to even two years for some people, for the nail to grow from cuticle to the tip of the nail.
General Effects Of Nail Paints On Nails
Generally, nail paints are made up of a polymer , which when applied the solvent evaporates, leaving a layer of polymer on the nail plate. When kept for too long, this polymeric layer drains the moisture of nails, making them brittle and uneven. Making the nails more susceptible to fungal infections.
So a link can be formed between applying nail paint for a long cause fungal infection, as prolonged exposure to nail colors might cause pitting, which further can harbor various fungal infections. In an article by John D. Hollander DPM in California, USA, the fungus can be caused by long-term wearing dark-colored nail paints. While applying the nail paint, some moisture might get trapped in the nail paint. When the nail paint traps that moisture, it might form some fungal colonies on the nail plate, as humidity is a suitable environment for fungal growth.
According to an article by the American Academy Of Dermatology , specific individuals cover the pre-existing fungal conditions with layers of nail paints, which further aggravates the infection as covering the infection with a polymer coat traps the moisture within and it does not get the time to dry up increasing the fungal colonies.
The above-given information states how nail paints can cause various fungal infections and how various fungal infections get aggravated with individual nail polishes for a prolonged period.
What Side Effects And Drug
The possible side effects of itraconazole include headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Itraconazole can also interact with a number of other drugs. These include cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, as well as certain sleeping pills. It is therefore important to let your doctor know about any medication you take. Itraconazole is not an option for people with heart failure . It also isnt suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Terbinafine can cause gastrointestinal problems and a temporary loss of taste and smell. It can also interact with certain antidepressants and heart medications. Overall, terbinafine has far fewer drug-drug interactions than itraconazole. Nevertheless, its still important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. As a precaution, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
The studies only rarely reported on how often the different side effects occurred. But most people tolerate nail fungus medications well. Only a few people in the studies stopped treatment because of side effects.
But there is a very small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine. For this reason, people with a liver disease are only given these medications if its absolutely necessary.
Myths And Reality About Nail Paints And Fungal Infections
According to Dr. Kristin Titko, a podiatrist with offices in Cincinnati at the center for foot care, it is a misconception that painting your nails leads to fungal infections. The fungal infections are caused by prolonged entrapment of heat and moisture around the feet or direct contact with the fungus. However, applying nail paints on the fungal infection aggravates the infection. Damage is caused by nail polish when used for a long time without any base coat. Chemicals in nail paint wilt the nails, which leads to the brittleness of pins that can harbor fungus.
