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How To Treat Black Toe Fungus

When To See A Doctor For Discolored Nails

How to Prevent & Treat Black Toenail | Foot Care

Most of the time, discolored toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or items you already have at home. However, you may need to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you suspect a severe fungal infection or have other symptoms besides toenail discoloration. If you experience bleeding, sharp pain, or swelling, contact your doctor.

For more information about treating discolored toenails, contact the UPMC Department of Dermatology or call 412-647-4200.

Practice Good Nail Hygiene

Routinely check your toes and feet after bathing. Youll spot trouble and be able to treat concerns faster.

Dont wear nail polish longer than a week or two.

You cant spot changes in your toenail if theyre covered in polish all the time.

Trim your toenails straight across with slightly rounded corners.

Sharp corners invite toenails to grow into the sides of the skin and cause sore ingrown toenails.

Preventing And Treating A Black Toenail

Black toenails will typically go away on their own, but it can take several months. The condition will diminish once new tissue grows completely under the toenail itself.

There are several ways to prevent a black toenail from happening in the first place. These include:

  • Wear shoes that fit properly.
  • Cut your toenails straight across and keep them short.
  • Always wear socks in your shoes.

If a black toenail is causing you extreme pain and interfering with daily activities, contact a podiatrist for an evaluation. A podiatrist will examine your toe to rule out other possible causes of the black toenail such as a fracture or cut under the nail. In addition, a podiatrist can drain the blood that has accumulated to reduce pressure on your toe and eliminate pain.

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Should I Be Worried That My Toenails Is Turning Black

With the number of treatment available at home and on the market for curing nail fungal infection, i wouldnt be worrying. But we dont recommend jumping to a treatment plan until you know exactly what causes your toenails to turn black. Although it is most likely due to toenail fungus, according to recent researches, black toenail is also a clear warning sign and represents a severe stage of toenail fungus that is growing for quite a number of years.

Infection With Nail Fungus

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The fungus feels very comfortable in moist, warm places and can grow better. Therefore, the risk of infection in public places such as swimming pools, saunas or hotels is significantly higher.

There, the skin fungus can survive for days and weeks on infected skin flakes of sick people.

If you run without shoes in the risk areas, you are exposed to a high risk of infection with nail fungus. Through micro-injuries, the fungus can penetrate the skin or under the nail and spread unnoticed.

Anyone who suffers from a disease such as athletes foot and does not treat the infection can also get nail fungus. The pathogen slowly migrates to the front of the toes and attacks the nails there.

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Causes Of Toenail Fungus

Well, essentially its an imbalance of bad bacteria to good bacteria in your body. Just like with other health conditions that stem from gut-related problems, when you dont have enough good bacteria living within your gut, you wind up developing high levels of yeast and fungus in your body that can show up on your skin.

Besides poor gut health, other risk factors that can tip the scale in terms of an infection forming include:

  • Having athletes foot
  • Coming into contact with fungi, for example in nail salons, contaminated swimming pools, gyms and saunas
  • Damaged nail beds
  • Wearing dirty or tight shoes
  • Skin conditions, such as psoriasis
  • Circulation problems in the legs, from existing conditions like diabetes or artery disease
  • A weakened immune system
  • Genetic predisposition

In particular, fungal nail infections can be caused by three different types of fungus, either by themselves or in combination:

  • Dermatophytes fungus that grows on the skin, hair and nails but dont penetrate tissues of the body. Athletes foot or Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte and can actually infect the toenails. Infection can also begin by touching objects that have dermatophytes on them, such as nail clippers, nail files, socks, shoes, shower floors, etc. Dermatophytes are the cause of most fungal toenail infections.
  • Molds referred to as nondermatophytes, its a type of fungus that often grows in soil and may grow on the skin and nails. Its not usually transferred between people.
  • How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

    Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

    To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

    Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

    Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

    Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

    Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely. Youll also need to have blood tests every month to check for problems.

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    How To Prevent Both Foot And Toenail Fungus

    While toenail fungus and foot fungus arent the same condition, the following tips can help you prevent both, says Sundling:

    • Practice good hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean.
    • Alternate your shoes during the week. Your feet sweat all day long. Alternating your shoes allows them to dry out, so the fungus cant survive.
    • Wear moisture-wicking socks that help dry out shoes and kill fungus. You can find these at running stores and athletic stores. If your socks are exceptionally sweaty, changing them more than once per day can help.
    • Wear shoes in public places like locker rooms, pools, and gyms to limit exposure to fungus.

    What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus

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    The most effective toenail fungus treatment for you will largely depend on your symptoms and situation. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan. Theyll customize a treatment plan for you.

    Overall, oral antifungal medications may offer the most treatment potential. Pairing oral drugs with topical antifungal medication may make treatment more effective.

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    Softening And Scraping Away The Nail

    As it can take a long time for antifungal medication to work, some people may prefer to use a treatment that involves softening and removing infected parts of nail over a few weeks.

    Treatment kits are available from pharmacies that contain a 40% urea paste, plasters and a scraping device. The paste softens the infected parts of the nail, allowing them to be scraped away so they can be gradually replaced with healthy nail.

    To use the treatment:

    • wash the affected area and dry it thoroughly
    • carefully apply the paste to the infected nails
    • cover the nails with plasters and leave them for 24 hours
    • wash the paste off the next day and scrape away the softened parts of the nail
    • repeat this process each day for 2 to 3 weeks

    Once no more infected parts of the nail can be removed, ask your pharmacist for antifungal nail paint to prevent re-infection as the nail regrows over the next few months.

    Is It Possible To Prevent The Recurrence Of Nail Fungus

    Tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot or foot fungus, can cause the recurrence of fungal nails. Therefore, it is important to manage this condition. One can apply over-the-counter antifungal medicines such as clotrimazole or terbinafine cream as directed to the affected skin. Keeping footwear and socks clean can be helpful. You can also use portable UV light sanitizers to disinfect shoes.

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    Why Is My Toenail Black

    You might have dealt with a fungus that causes yellow toenails or white toenails, but discovering a black toenail can be a bit alarming.

    Unless you remember that you stubbed your toe recently, youre probably wondering how you got it and what it means.

    There are a few reasons why your toenail is turning black or has black spots on it. Most dont impact your overall health much, but some types of black toenails should definitely be checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.

    Here are some reasons for a black toenail, how to treat it, and the ways you can prevent it.

    Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications

    Black toenail fungus, Toenails and Home remedies on Pinterest

    Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.

    If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.

    You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.

    Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.

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    What Are Signs Of A Fungal Toenail Infection

    Fungal nail infections usually affect toenails but can affect fingernails as well

    Toenail fungus occurs when fungi infect the space between the toenail and toenail bed through a crack or cut in the toe. Fungal toenail infection or tinea unguium can change the appearance of the nails, making them look:

    • Chalky or cloudy in some spots
    • Cracks or breaks in one or more spots

    Toenail fungus can spread to:

    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.

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    When Should I Consult My Doctor About Toenail Fungus

    Anyone with toenail fungus can try home remedies or OTC treatments, but some prefer to go right to their healthcare provider for a more aggressive treatment with prescription medication.

    People with certain conditions, such as a compromised immune system, diabetes, or circulation problems, should see their doctor for toenail fungus. Anyone with signs of infection, such as pain, redness, or pus around the toenail, should seek medical care. People who have used home remedies or OTC treatments without success should also see their doctor.

    Are Oral Medications For Nail Fungus Toxic

    How to Get Rid of Black Toenail Fungus in Half the Time

    The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once-weekly treatment with fluconazole however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then retested during the course of treatment. It is important to notify the doctor of all side effects while on the medication. You should tell your doctor of all current medications to prevent potential serious drug interactions.

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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.

    Looking For A Dermatologist

    SkyMD is a nationwide telehealth platform with a team of the best-certified dermatologists available online.

    SkyMD serves patients across all the US states. It provides the best diagnosis for your ailments and is convenient and easy to use.

    Our patients have access to doctors 24×7 and the prescribed medicines are sent to the pharmacy of your choice.

    If you are suffering from black toenails or other skin or health conditions, book an appointment today!

    Common Conditions Treated

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    Treating Fungal Nail Infection

    Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection. For more severe or troublesome cases, antifungal medication may be recommended.

    A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment, but if you’re not bothered by it you might decide it’s not worth treating because treatment can take a long time, may cause side effects, and isn’t always effective.

    Whether or not you decide to have treatment, you should still follow the self-help advice below to help stop the condition getting worse or spreading to others.

    How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

    Pin by Houda Tannous on Nail Fungus treatment

    All treatments can take up to a year to work, so you need to be consistent and commit to following the treatment plan for the long haul.

    These infections are hard to treat because its difficult for medications to get into the keratin that makes up nails and the blood vessels dont connect to the nail. Many people find it hard to continue to use the medications for as long as is needed and may give up after months or even weeks.

    Sometimes the nail will start to look better, but the fungus is still there. Your toenail fungus isnt cured until your doctor cant detect the fungus in your toenail clippings.

    Pro Tip

    There are a lot of folk remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments, but if you really want to get rid of this infection, youre probably going to need to take oral medication. Dr. Jacobsen

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    Nail Fungus Consumer Review

    Did you take off your shoes and discover a black toenail? Once youre over the bad surprise of finding it, its important to determine the cause to apply the best possible treatment. Is it black toenail fungus? Was your toe injured? Could it be related to cancer or diabetes?

    Most often a black toenail is caused by an injury or a fungal infection. Sometimes a home treatment solves the problem. Sometimes you should visit a doctor. Whats the right thing to do?

    Keep reading to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat black toenails in the most appropriate way.

    Are There Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

    The Internet is filled with anecdotal information on how to cure toenail fungus using home remedies. Vinegar is a commonly recommended home remedy. Some people apply various oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, essential oils, and oil of cedar leaf to their nails as well. The effectiveness of these home remedies is highly doubtful. Application of household bleach and hydrogen peroxide is also not recommended due to a lack of evidence that these treatments work. These agents can also cause unwanted skin irritation. Thickened nails that have been affected by fungus can be difficult to trim. Using topical urea cream will soften the nail and make it easier to trim. These creams do not require a prescription.

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    Can A Black Toenail Cause Complications

    Toenail fungus thats left untreated can spread throughout your feet and other parts of your body. It can also cause permanent nail damage.

    Complications can also arise from melanoma in the toenail thats mistaken for trauma-induced black toenail. Its important to see your doctor if you notice any black spots that might be spreading throughout the nail, or if they dont go away despite your toenail growing out.

    Clean Socks And Shoes

    Black Mold located under Fungal Toenail: Black Moldy Toenail:

    Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can be washed to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear, but make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again.

    Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

    Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean, dry socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

    A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

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