Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus

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We tend to take our feet for granted that is until something goes wrong and they become too curlingly embarrassing. Bunions, athlete’s foot, corns, verrucas, ingrown, Toenails Fungus are all very common and very unattractive.

Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus is also called by medical professionals as onychomycosis. It is also responsible for at least half of nail diseases. Anybody can get a nail infection, it is found that around 10 percent of the population, mostly adults suffers from nail infections. Other than fingernails this condition is most common in the toenail. It is caused when the fungal microbe infects the nail matrix(where the nail starts), nail bed and the nail itself. Fungi thrive in moist and warm environments, that’s why toenails are most effected than the fingernails because the toe is usually covered by a shoe which keeps them, warm and moist. This fungus feeds on keratin which is present on the nail surface.

Types of Nail Fungus

  • Distal Subungual Infection

    These are the most common type of nail infections that can infect both toenails and fingernails. When infected the nails become rough, white and yellow streaks begin to appear, it usually invades the nail bed.

  • White Superficial Infection

    This usually affects the top layer of the toenails and creates white patches and makes the nail rough, pitted and flaky.

  • Proximal Subungual Infection

    Infection usually affects the base of the nail creating yellow spots

  • Candida Infection

    Candida yeast causes this type of infection. People who frequently soak their hands or feet in the water are more prone to get this infection.

 

Toenail Fungus Symptoms

  • Odor coming out from the infected nail
  • Infected nails are usually thicker than normal
  • Crumbling of the nail eventually fall off
  • Discoloration of the nail (turning yellow)
  • The nail becomes warped or oddly in shaped
  • Nails become painful to touch

 

Risk Factors for Toenail Fungal Infection

It is found that men are more likely to get infected than women. You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you :
  • Have diabetes
  • Are over the age of 40
  • Family History
  • Poor health, low immune system
  • Moist finger or toe for an extended period
  • Trauma
  • Participation in fitness activities
  • Wearing socks and tight shoes for a longer period
  • Other unhygienic activities like walking without shoes.

 

Toenail Fungus

Treatments for Toenail Fungus

Prescribed medication such as;
  • Terbinafine ( Lamisil)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)

Laser Treatment is also used to remove the damaged area of the nail.

 

Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Make a paste by adding water with turmeric powder, apply the paste on the affected area.
Vicks VapoRub: The active ingredient camphor and eucalyptus present in the Vicks can help to treat fungal infection.
Baking Soda: Baking soda soaks up the moisture and the alkalic property of baking soda prevents the spread of fungal infection that thrives on moisture.
Lemon juice: The antifungal and antibiotic properties of lemon make it a way to eliminate this problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The acid in apple cider vinegar is an active compound that helps to eliminate nail fungus. It even helps to regulate the pH of the skin, altering the condition that proliferates the fungus.

 

Garlic: The antifungal and antimicrobial properties present in the garlic that helps to eliminate fungi that cause infection.
Tea Tree Oil: It is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties that helps to eliminate fungi and other yeast infections.
Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus Prevention 

  • Avoid being barefoot at public places
  • Keep your toenails dry, clean
  • Wash your hand or use a hand sanitizer after touching infected nails
  • Using antifungal powders to avoid infection
Takeaway: Toenail Fungus: is a common condition and can easily be treated by applying the above natural remedies.

 

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