The medical term for toenail fungus is "onychomycosis,". Despite the commonly used term "fungal toenails", onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail.

It is a living organism that thrives in dark, damp environments such as under and around nails. Fungal infections are very common on both fingernail and toenails. Toenails are more likely to be affected by fungus since it is attracted to a dark and damp environment which is more common on the foot than on the hand. In more severe conditions, affected nails can have a yellowish or brownish discoloration. They may thicken or become brittle over time, and may even shed. Sometimes the nails have crumbling edges. It can be unsightly, disfiguring, embarrassing, and at times, painful.

The nail itself provides a protective covering that allows the fungus to grow underneath. An accumulation of keratinous debris is usually found beneath the free edge of the infected nail.

Other names for toenail fungus are: onychomycosis of the nail plate, and tinea of the nails.

Symptoms of Toenail fungus

Thick and flaky nails.

Collection of debris under the nail causing a foul odor.

Splitting of the nail.

Pit marks on the nail.

Swelling of the nail ,

Yellowing of the nail

Thickening of the nail

Crumbling of the nail Streaks or spots down the side of the nail, and even complete loss of the nail. Toenail color can vary from brown or yellow to white with this condition

Diagnosis of toenail Fungus

If a fungal infection becomes uncomfortable enough to seek medical treatment your doctor will examine the toenail and can take small samples for examination. Under a microscope in the lab the nail can be examined for fungi or some other infection.

Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can be picked up in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools, and can be passed among family members. Athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery that cause trauma to the toes or keep the feet from drying out are at higher risk. The condition can also spread from one toe to another, or to other parts of the body.

Other risk factors include abnormal PH level of the skin, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and a compromised immune system in someone who has been exposed to a fungus. Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungus because their immune system is compromised. They should have their nails cut and debrided by a podiatrist.

Home Remedies of Toenail Fungus

Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toenail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash . The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy.

Curing toenail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 - 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes

Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toenail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation

Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil . Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and ant parasitical, antiviral, analgesic and ant fungal properties

Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams onto your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus.

Prevention of Toenail Fungus

Expose your toes to air

Keep nails clean & trimmed but do not trim too close to the nail bed. Do not share toenail trimmers with others.

Wear cotton socks

Keep toes out of heat & humidity

Avoid wearing others shoes

Wear comfortable roomy shoes that are manufactured with natural materials

Wear shower shoes whenever you are using communal showers and bathing facilities

General Care for Toenail Fungus

Place an anti-fungal powder or spray in the shoes to help fight off the fungus.

Make sure you rotate your shoes often and keep them in a cool dry place.

Change your insoles frequently, and make sure they dry out between use.

Bleach out the shower on a weekly basis.

Wash your shower mat regularly in hot water.

Don't keep your shoes in the gym locker where they cannot dry out.

Make sure your athletic shoes fit well to prevent jamming at the toes. Jamming at the toes leads to microtrauma at the nails and increases the chance for fungal infection.

If your feet sweat excessively, try using an antiperspirant spray on your feet before your workout.

Cut your toenails straight across. Don't cut too short and cause breaks in the skin. This will increase the chance for fungal infection. Don't let the toenails grow too long.

Risk Factors

Increasing age

Male gender

Nail trauma

Sweaty feet

Poor circulation

Poor hygiene

Foot fungus

A compromised immune system

Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Treatment may begin with your doctor removing as much of the infected nail as possible. This can be done by trimming the nail with clippers, filing it down, or dissolving it away with a paste that contains urea and bifonazole.

If the infection is mild and limited to a small area of your nail, your doctor may prescribe funginix or medicated nail polish containing either amorolfine (Loceryl) or ciclopirox (Loprox). You should apply the nail polish twice a week until your nail is cured.

If the infection is in a wider area of your nail, or several nails, your doctor will prescribe an oral antifungal medication.

In very severe cases, when toenail fungus is resistant to treatment, it may be necessary to remove the nail surgically.

Call The Doctor Now

Once a toenail fungal infection begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated. See your doctor at the first sign of nail fungus, which is often a tiny white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail.

Home || Feedback ||

Disclaimer : All information on free-health-care.com is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your qualified health care provider. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this web site.