To schedule your appointment with Dr. Fungi can live in damp clothing, particularly shoes and socks. Use your towel once, then wash it immediately. Do, of course, make sure you dry your feet thoroughly after each time you use the shower. Ideally, each person should have their own set of nail clippers, nail file, emery board, etc. If not, make sure to disinfect them between uses. Disinfect the shower after use. Another important prevention technique is to inspect your toenails frequently and take action the moment you spot something suspicious.
Toenail fungus often starts as a small white or yellowish spot in your toenail. By recognizing the early signs of a fungal infection, you can take swift action to prevent the problem from compromising your entire nail, as well as your neighboring toenails.
If you develop a fungal infection, we reiterate the importance of coming to see us right away. Depending upon the extent of the problem, we can set you up with the tools you need to clear the infection, including:. Of the many complications caused by diabetes, those that affect your feet are among the most common and significant.
Whatever the case, you want to avoid problematic bunions from developing. About fungal nail infection 2. Treating fungal nail infection.
About fungal nail infection Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails. The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis. Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection A fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.
As it progresses, the infection can cause: discolouration of the nail — it may turn white, black, yellow or green thickening and distortion of the nail — it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim pain or discomfort — particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger brittle or crumbly nails — pieces may break off and come away completely Sometimes the skin nearby may also become infected and be itchy and cracked or red and swollen.
How do you get a fungal nail infection? 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 see below if you have an infection.
Treatments for fungal nail infections Treatment isn't always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it's unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it's not worth treating. They'll probably recommend: antifungal tablets — tablets taken once or twice a day for several months antifungal nail paints — special paints applied directly to the nail over several months nail softening kits — where a paste is used to soften infected parts of the nail, before they're removed with a scraping device A procedure to remove the nail completely may be recommended in severe cases.
Preventing fungal nail infections You can reduce your risk of developing a fungal nail infection by: keeping your hands and feet clean and dry wearing well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks — these will allow your feet to "breathe" clipping your nails to keep them short — don't share clippers or scissors with other people not sharing towels and socks with other people, and ensure your towels are washed regularly not walking around barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms — special shower shoes are available to protect your feet replacing old footwear that could be contaminated with fungi treating athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to your nails Nail salon equipment can sometimes be the source of fungal nail infections.
Treating fungal nail infection Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection. Things you can try The advice below may be helpful if you have a fungal nail infection: keep your hands and feet clean and dry wear well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks — these will allow your feet to "breathe" clip your nails to keep them short — use a separate pair of clippers or scissors for the infected nail don't share towels and socks with other people, and ensure your towels are washed regularly don't walk around barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms — special shower shoes are available to protect your feet consider replacing old footwear as it could be the source of the infection treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to your nails Antifungal medication Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you're embarrassed by the appearance of the affected nail, or it's causing problems such as pain and discomfort.
Antifungal tablets Terbinafine and itraconazole are the two medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. Antifungal nail paint If you prefer not to take antifungal tablets, your GP or pharmacist may suggest you try antifungal nail paint instead.
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.
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.
Removing the nail A procedure to remove affected nails completely isn't usually necessary, but may be recommended if the infection is severe or painful and other treatments haven't helped. Laser treatment Laser treatment is a possible option if you have a fungal nail infection that's particularly stubborn.
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