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Archive for the ‘Nail Fungus Treatment’ Category

Nail Health for Today and Tomorrow-Fungus and Other Problems

Introduction

Our nails are just not those hard things on the ends of our fingers.  They perform a service for us.  They grow without pain, and can make the diagnosis of a health problem so much easier.  In fact they can even tell a doctor if you are being poisoned. But perhaps their greatest accomplishment is that when there are specific changes in them they can point your doctor to a diagnosis of serious skin cancer. They are growing as are other cells in our bodies.  Nails grow at a different rate during our life time with toenails slower than finger nails.

Nail Problems


Changes in our bodies health as we age is mirrored in our nails.  Fungus is a common one and prevents a challenge.  Problems with our immune system, circulation and the secondary effects of medical treatments and medications all pose a risk to our nail’s health.  Trauma will cause white spots in the nail that should eventually grow out.  Ingrown toe nails are a big problem.  Besides being a painful experience they are a great set-up for a fungus infection.  Bacterial infections, apparent by a painful, red and swollen toe, will allow a fungus infection to invade the area also.  Warts cause the nail to change shape as they also affect the nail bed.  Here also is an entry for that pesky fungus.

Bad Habits

A bad habit that most people develop as children is nail biting.  But most adults have dropped this habit.  If you haven’t please do!  Besides creating an ugly miserable looking nail and this is a no-no for men as well as woman.  Men in business have to present a well groom professional appearance. Raggedy funny nails do not present this picture.   And woman should not even have to be reminded that a well-groomed lady has well-groomed nails.  Besides the bad appearance is the fact that when you do it you damage not only the nail but the finger as well.  You break the skin and aha, you might as well put a welcome sign out for every bacteria and/or fungus in the neighborhood.

Treatment

Fungus infections are difficult to treat but are curable although it takes almost a year to get a good result.  There are over the counter medications, some recently released by the Food and Drug Administration that formerly were available only by prescription.  Toe nails are more affected than finger nails.  There are three things that must be present to sustain an infection.  They are moistness, a dark area and a moist environment.  That is why a foot, encased in a sock and shoe is such a great incubator.  It is best to use socks made of cotton or wool.  Both of these are natural fabrics that absorb moisture from the feet better than synthetic materials.  Keep your shoes dry by putting power in them frequently. Hands frequently in water, such as those of a dish washer, have a greater opportunity to acquire a fungus infection. The use of gloves will help keep your hands safe.  If you have your nails done at a nail salon ask about their sanitary policy.  This is the greatest place for passing a fungus infection if the manicurist is not careful and alert.  As we get older our circulatory system starts to slow down and our eye sight begins to fail.  There is a possibility that we would not even see a nail fungus begin to develop until it had a good hold on us.  If you do not feel comfortable doing your own foot care, please have a professional do it for you.  This may enable you to take better care of your feet.

The Encyclopedia of Fungus Nail Infections

Introduction

There are several words important to know when speaking about nail fungus infections.  The word mycosis is used to define any disease caused by a fungus, no matter what is the site.  The specific term for a fungus nail infection is onychomycosis – pronounced on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis, use it and impress your friends with the “big” words.

Description

Fungus infections of the nail, once acquired are difficult to treat and cure.  They are also gravitate easily to other finger and toe nails. The first sign will be a red or yellow spot that emerges at the tip of the nail.   Quickly there will be other changes. The nail will become thick, brittle and crumble easily.  The color will change and become opaque and dull.  And as the fungus multiplies it will leave debris under the nail, adding to its thickness.  The finger itself will be involved as the fungus progresses, swelling becoming red and painful.  Depending on the type of onychomycosis other changes will also take place.  The nail may separate from the nail bed.  The size and shape of the finger will change or only part of the nail will be affected.

Treatment

There are several types of treatment.  In the last few years many good topical agents have been produced and allowed by the Federal Drug and Food Administration. A fungus infection is a difficult one to cure and so treatment may last for an extended period of time. Many people will say that there is nothing to cure this type of infection.  But if you question them they will admit that they gave up too easily rather than persevering longer with the treatment.  And with the tips given later in this article adhering to the suggestions will also speed recovery.

Prevention and Common Sense Principals

Whether you are trying to prevent an infection or are in the middle of treatment there are some things that can be done to help the problem.  When it comes to the hands prolonged immersion is water breaks down tissue and set up the patient for an infection.  Therefore if this pertains to you the use of rubber gloves is advised.  Nail polish and artificial nails are also a catalyst for some people.  If you visit a manicurist do not be afraid to inquire as to their septic procedures.  Feet are the best place for any infection to grow, especially fungus.  Wearing of cotton and wool socks, rather than synthetic, as the natural fibers will absorb moisture more readily is advised.  Rotation of shoes, putting powder in those shoes is also advised.  Toe nails should be trimmed short and neatly.  And if the party cannot see properly to do this it may best done by a podiatrist.  For older folks some pre-existing conditions will make acquiring a fungus infection easier.  And those pre-existing conditions will make the acquired fungus infection more difficult to treat.  Diabetes and decreased circulation to the feet are both problems that delay the curing of a fungus infection.

How to Care for Your Toe Nail Fungus

Cause

One of the frequent infections of the toe nail is a fungus infection.  It is a common organism found on our nails at all times and we have it with us constantly.  Although that is true it does not mean that we will automatically develop an infection.

Symptoms

Any small crack or break of the skin or mucosa will allow the fungus to invade our bodies and set up shop.  As with the best of infections an area that is warm, dark and moist presents the perfect atmosphere for the infection to multiply. The feet present more of a problem than the finger when it comes to awareness and then treatment.  The infected nail will first show a red or yellow spot at the tip of the nail.  This will be followed by a change in the nails appearance.  It will become thick and flakey, dull in color and distorted in shape.  The fungus will deposit sediment under the nail adding to its thickness.  After some time, if treatment has not been started the infection may invade the surrounding tissue of the toe.  The toe will appear red, swollen, may have a foul odor and be painful.  At this point, even if the poor person suffering all this had not previously recognized the infection they will now.  Any shoe, no matter how large, will cause pain.  Often if it gets this far the patient will be unable to conduct his normal daily activities.

Treatment

There are many over the counter medications available for use.  The biggest problem is that the longer the fungus infection has been under the nail, the longer it will take to cure the fungus.  So it takes commitment to continue treatment when you do not see any instant cure. Natural remedies have been more successful. You can find many of these products on this site.

Prevention

There are those who are more abt of contracting a fungus infection.  Men have a great incidence of a foot infection.  Anyone suffering from a chronic illness as diabetes will find they are more prone to this type of infection.  Diabetes, stroke and vascular complications are just three that make fungus more of a problem than it would be for a younger person.  Nail polish is considered another catalyst for infection. There are some persons allergic to the preservative in nail polish and these will set that person up for an automatic fungus infection no matter what they try to do to avoid it.  Keeping your feet clean, avoid sharing towels, sheets or any communal things with your family that may set them up for their own outbreak.  Rotation of shoes is another good idea and dusting them with powder another way to keep your feet dry. Toe nails should be kept short and neat and if that is impossible to do yourself than have it done by another person or better yet, a podiatrist.  As with any infection a good immune system will help prevent disease.  A good balanced diet with an emphasis on vitamin C will help to prevent fungus infections or cure disease.