What To Watch For When Taking Oral Medication For Toenail Fungus Treatment
All of the pills for toenail fungus can cause liver toxicity. This is rare and is reversible after the medication is stopped. Still, liver function blood testing will be done before you start your treatment and again midway through your treatment.
Medications like Terbinafine and Itraconazole can also interact with certain drugs. Your healthcare provider will look at your medication list to make sure there arent any drug interactions.
Making The Vinegar Foot Soak
Vinegar will not hurt your feet, but you should still dilute it for a foot soak. Generally, using 1-part vinegar to 2-parts water is a good ratio. If youre tolerating the diluted vinegar soaks, and not noticing any difference, you can use a stronger soak.
While the soak will smell strong, the odor will dissipate after the vinegar dries from your feet. You can also use essential oils to change the scent slightly.
Does Tea Tree Oil Penetrate The Nail
Yes, Tea Tree Oil penetrates through the nail as it contains terpenes, a group of organic compounds that contribute to the scent and medicinal benefits of tea tree oil. It is thought that by penetrating the nails, the Terpenes will kill off any infections present on the nail bed.
- The main ingredient in tea tree oil is terpenes. These compounds give tea tree oil its distinct smell and medicinal benefits, including its antiseptic capabilities.
- One of the effects of terpenes is that they can aid in penetrating the nail bed to kill off any infections on the nail bed.
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How Do You Get A Fungal Nail Infection
Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete’s foot infecting the nails.
These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.
You’re more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:
- don’t keep your feet clean and dry
- wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
- walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
- have damaged your nails
- have a weakened immune system
- have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease
Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this if you have an infection.
Facts You Should Know About Fungal Nails
Many changes in fingernails or toenails may cause people to think they have a fungal infection of the nails, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium.
Fungal infection of the nails sometimes makes the condition sound contagious or related to poor hygiene. In fact, up to 10% of all adults in Western countries have fungal infection of the nails. This percentage increases to 20% of adults who are age 60 or older. Toenail fungus is much more common than fingernail fungus.
In reality, abnormal-looking nails may be caused by a number of conditions including, but not limited to, fungal infection. There are many other reasons why your nails may look different.
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Why Does It Develop
A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athletes foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.
Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually confined to shoes, where theyre in a warm, moist environment.
If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person to person if theyre not sanitized.
What Are The Causes Of Yellow Nail Syndrome
The exact cause of yellow nail syndrome is unknown.
This condition can start sporadically for no apparent reason, which occurs in most cases. Even so, in rare cases, its believed it may run in families. A mutation of the FOXC2 gene which causes a disorder called lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome may play a role in developing yellow nail syndrome. More research is needed to confirm this, as other literature currently reports that there is no known genetic factor for yellow nail syndrome.
Another belief is that yellow nail syndrome results from problems with lymphatic drainage. Improper circulation and drainage of lymph allows fluid to collect in the soft tissue under the skin, which may slowly turn nails yellow.
Yellow nail syndrome can also develop on its own or occur with certain types of cancers, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and immunodeficiencies.
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How To Treat Nail Fungus On Toes
Fungal infections located on different parts of the body are named differently, for instance, the fungal infection on the feet is known as athletes foot while the one on the groin is jock itch. A fungal infection that develops underneath your fingernails and toenails is known as nail fungus. This article will focus on what nail fungus looks like, what causes it, and how to treat nail fungus on toes.
Out of all diseases that affect the nails, fungus infections account for 50% of them. Nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails but toenails are more susceptible to infection. This is because your feet are usually confined in shoes and socks that provide a conducive environment for fungal growth.
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Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.
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Remedies And Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-Counter Antifungals
Antifungal remedies help to stop the growth of the fungus. Over-the-counter options do not claim to cure toenail fungus, but they can help to improve the look of the affected nail. These products do not work as well as prescription medications. To cure toenail fungus, a remedy has to penetrate the nail and nail bed. Most over-the-counter remedies for nail fungus are topical and do not penetrate deeply enough.
Trim, Buff, and Thin the Affected Nail
Keeping your nails trim, buffed, and clean helps to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails. Additionally, buffing the nail can allow topical antifungals to penetrate more deeply. Make sure to wash your hands promptly after touching the affected nail, especially before touching other nails.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a product marketed for people with coughs. However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27.8% of participants fully cured their nail fungus â and 55.6% of participants saw partial improvement. However, more study is needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.
- Confusion
What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails
Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:
Trichophyton
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Consulting The Scientific Research
Itâs time to get science-y.
In 2011, an interesting study researching over-the-counter cures for toenail fungus was published. In this study, researchers used Vicks VapoRub against toenail fungus.
The first thing to note here is there are a few types of toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds.
However, the most common culprit of toenail fungus is the dermatophyte trichophyton rubrum, also known as T. rubrum.
In this study, researchers studied the following toenail fungus:
- T. mentagrophytes
- T. rubrum
- Candida parapsilosis
After 48 weeks, all patients with T. mentagrophytes or Candida parapsilosis toenail fungus went on to a âtotal cureâ.
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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus seems not such a serious issue. But it may damage your nail permanently, and it also may start other serious infections. So we must follow some tips to prevent it
- Always wash your feet with soap and pat them dry. Do not leave moisture in between your fingers.
- The fungus is contagious, and it spreads in warm and wet places. So avoid going to public places like swimming pool, toilet barefoot.
- Try to change your diet and make yourself habituated with enough protein-enriched foods. Take foods or supplements that contain iron, calcium, and vitamin D. This will prevent brittle nails.
- Put a habit to wear clean socks and shoes. The fungus often grows in moist shoes.
- Do not allow your toenail to grow big. So trim your nails short.
- Use food gel or powder to keep your foot fresh and dry.
- If you have a previous history of toenail fungus, keep antifungal cream and use it once a week.
- Check your nails and feet daily if you have diabetes.
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Should I Avoid Acrylic Nails Completely
Its not uncommon to want a manicured look for your fingernails. Some people get fake nails regularly and never have a problem. While its safer to avoid getting acrylic nails, there are some tips to keep in mind if you have to have them.
We hope this guide has given you some tips on how to get rid of fingernail fungus caused by fake nails. While avoiding acrylic manicures altogether is your best bet, we understand that isnt always an option for some people.
If you do contract an infection due to fake nails, give yourself time. Remove the nails and let your natural nails air out. Dont get another manicure until the infection is completely gone.
These solutions can help to both cure infections and treat them faster. Remember, the longer you let a fungus go without treatment, the worse it can become. Use these solutions at the first symptoms of an infection, and your nails will be able to be restored to health quickly.
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Best Alternative: Vicks Vaporub Ointment
Yes, you read that correctly. Vicks VapoRub is often mentioned as an effective nail fungus treatment because of both the active and inactive ingredients it contains. says Dr. Stern. Thymol, menthol, camphor, and oil of eucalyptus have shown efficacy against dermatophytes in a lab setting, she explains. The caveat? If youre using this regularly and not seeing any improvement after two months for fingernails or four months for toenails, see a dermatologist, she advises.
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Treatment Options For Fungal Nail
Treatment options, some of which can be prescribed by your GP and the others found at your local pharmacy, include:
Antifungal nail creams or paints
These are applied directly to the nail over several months and are most effective when used at the early stages of the infection. They arent generally considered to be as effective as tablets because it can be difficult for the product to reach the deep layers of the nail. Some people choose them over tablets because side effects are less common. These are available over the counter.
Nail-softening kits
A paste is applied to soften the infected area. This is then covered with a plaster for 24 hours. The next day, the paste is washed off and the softened nail gently scraped away.
This process has to be repeated every day for two to three weeks. When no more of the infected nail can be removed, an antifungal paint is applied to prevent re-infection as the nail grows over the next few months. These kits are available from your pharmacist.
Antifungal tablets
These are only available on prescription and need to be taken for several months, before the infection has completely cleared up. Some tablets are unsuitable for people taking certain medicines, and some people may experience side effects. Always see your doctor or pharmacist for advice about medicines.
Laser treatment
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 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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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.
Fingernail Fungus Caused By Acrylic Nails
Fingernail fungus is the most widespread problem associated with acrylic nails. Acrylic nail fungus usually occurs when acrylic nails are inadequately fitted. The false nails cannot be infected by fungus since they are artificial, but the fungi can infects the real nail plate, nail bed and nail folds. If the right application method is not followed, the gap between the natural nail bed and acrylic nails may develop. This gap creates an ideal environment for the development of nail fungus. The fungus quickly grows and spreads along the nail plate and can cause different deformities of the nail. The fingernail may lose its shine and become discolored. Furthermore, it may thicken and as a result become crumble and easily broken. A prolonged infection that remains untreated may result in the nail plate deformity with the yellow color of the nail or its darkening and finally, the nail plate can detach from the nail bed. This condition is called onycholysis. The problem lies in the fact that infection is usually hidden under the nail and fungus cannot be identified until its different symptoms become clearly visible.
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How To Prevent Green Nails After False Nails
It is actually fairly common to find green nails after fake nails are removed. In fact, it is so common, that nail technicians used to have specific training on how to treat this infection. However, these days nail techs cannot do anything to treat it as it is considered a medical condition. You need to consult a doctor for treatment.
Pseudomonas nail infection can show up as small green spots anywhere on the nail plate. Variations include bluish or greenish-black discoloration. Occasionally you might find that the whole nail and even the skin around the nail may be affected.
This bacteria thrives in moist environments. Thats why its fairly common with acrylic nail treatments. If you do not ensure to properly clean and prep the nail, you might accidentally trap bacteria under the acrylic nail. This creates just the right environment for this type of bacteria to thrive. Another reason is improper sizing and application of the nail that does not completely seal it. This allows dirt and water, along with the bacteria, to get under the false nail after application.
But you can prevent this infection by following a few simple rules.
To prevent green nails that result from a bacterial infection, make sure to:
