What Is Toenail Fungus Infection? Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the finger or toe nails which is difficult to cure. It occurs in 12 million Americans and many do not even know they have it.
How Do I Know If I Have It? Toenail fungus begins as a small separation between the end of the nail and the nail bed. Soft yellow material gradually builds up in this separation. The nail becomes thick and yellow. White spots or streaks may also apear on the nail. Usually doesn’t itch and is painless, unless the area becomes infected. Eventually, the entire nail separates, resulting in partially destroyed, yellow nail.
What Causes It and Who Is At Risk? Typically, caused by an infection
with Trichophyton fungus which can occur when the nail is damaged
or is continuously exposed to a warm moist environment. Other risk factors include
hot humid weather, poor circulation, and diabetes mellitus.
How Do I Treat the Infection? Onychomycosis never resolves by itself. Treatment can be an antifungal drug, which is taken by mouth for several months. The following drugs are available:
Treatment is lengthy because of the slow growth of the nail. Toenails grow at 1-3mm per month and fingernails at 2-4mm per month. Side effects of these oral drugs include headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, and rarely, reversible liver damage or blood disorders. An interesting natural solution that I have become aware of (along with an equally interesting story of how the solution was found) is at ClearNails.com. Surgery may be used with the other methods of treatment but this can be painful and disfiguring. Eventually, the entire nail separates, resulting in partially destroyed, yellow nail.
How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus? Keep your nails short, dry, and clean - after bathing, dry your feet well, especially between your toes. Change your socks often- If your feet sweat a lot, switch socks several times a day. Consider using an antifungal foot spray or powder. Avoid wearing socks or hose made of polyester or nylon, which don’t absorb sweat well. Don’t pick or poke around your toenails- A small cut in the skin beside the nail becomes the entry point for fungus. Don’t walk barefoot around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
What If I Don’t Treat the Toenail Fungus? This may lead to permanent
nail loss or nail deformity.
