Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

toenail fungus?
(19 Jun 2009)

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Toenail fungus is a widespread but not life threatening illness. This is probably why most of us know little about this disease despite the fact that half our population would most likely suffer it by age 70. The risks of toenail fungus increase with your advancing age but the condition is very rare in children. If there is even a small trauma in the nail, microscopic fungi can get a foot hold and you will soon be down with a fungal infection.

Fungal infections can spread rapidly as they thrive in moist, warm environments as in socks and shoes. Fungal infections that affect the nails can affect both fingers and toes, but toenail fungus is a lot more stubborn and resilient because of the slower growth rate of the nail. Moreover because of the kind of foot wear we use toenails are much more susceptible to infection.

Toenail fungal infections generally afflict the big or small toes, but can occur on any of the other toes as well. A toenail fungal infection will cause swelling, thickening, discoloration and crumbling of the nail. The toenail color may vary from shades of brown or yellow to white, and it can even cause a loss of the nail.

The most important consideration when dealing with fungal infections, toenail fungus included, is that they can be easily spread or picked up. For this reason personal hygiene and self care measures are the most important aspect of treatment, so as to prevent passing it on to others and to prevent re-infection. Here are some practices that you should follow:

To avoid spreading or picking up the infection always wear protective footwear like aqua shoes or flip flops even when in a communal bath, locker room, or shower. It would however be best that you do not visit such places for the duration of your infection.

Cleanse your feet thoroughly everyday, with gentle natural soaps and dry your feet thoroughly before donning any footwear. It would also be a good idea to dust on some antifungal powder.

Avoid wearing closed shoes and if necessary then only use them with clean cotton socks. Change your socks and air out your feet the moment they start to get sweaty.

Always keep your nails well trimmed and never share your nail cutters or pedicure tools.

Apart from the above mentioned practices that you should continue to follow even after the infection resolves, you can rely on antifungal topical applications that are easily available over the counter. They are quite effective and can also be backed up with natural antifungal agents like tea tree oil and garlic.

answered by S D on 19 Jun 2009, 2:18:09

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

toenail fungus? (19 Jun 2009)

toenail fungus?
(19 Jun 2009)