How You Can Stop Foot and Toenail Fungus?

1. How You Can Stop Foot and Toenail Fungus? Fungal nail infections are also called onychomycosis. It occurs more commonly in toenail than in fingernails. Fungal toenail infection may cause onycholysis, a condition characterized by pus formation in the toe, making the toenail loose and separate from the nail bed. Fortunately, antifungal foot powder and creams are highly effective at managing most fungal toenail infections. Overview of fungal infection on toenail and foot: The fungal infections on toenails may cause discolouration of the nail, makes the nail brittle and causes cracking of the nails at the edges. Most toenail fungal infections can be easily treated with medication. However, like many other diseases, if left untreated, there’s a chance that it could worse and spread to other nails resulting in pain when you walk. What are some common kinds of fungal toe infections? Based on the site infection caused by the fungi. Toe fungal infection is classified into four major types, namely,

2. Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO): Infects the nail bed (underneath the skin of the nail). White superficial onychomycosis (WSO): Forms white spot on toenails, which over time turns nail powdery and causes the nail to crumble. Candida onychomycosis: The skin around the nail gets swollen, tender and inflamed. In most cases, it causes the nail to detach from the nail bed. Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO): HIV patients are more susceptible to PSO due to their poor immune system. PSO causes thickening of the skin around the nail and often causes detachment from the nail bed’s nail. How Can You Prevent Foot and Toenail from fungal infections? Most fungi thrive in moist and wet unhygienic places. By following basic good hygiene, it is possible to eliminate the most common toenail fungal infection. Some of the personal hygiene steps that can be followed to reduce the susceptibility of a fungal infection include: Wear loose-fitting shoes: This facilitates airflow to keeps the skin dry and to prevents the growth of germs Do not share towels and soaps Avoid touching eyes, and nose as this prevents the spread of fungal infection to other sites Sanitize your hand immediately after handling any contaminants or infected objects Launder clothes, socks and uniforms regularly Use clean, washed socks and shoes Never share common razors or nail clippers Regularly trim your nails to prevent infections Avoid nail polish if you are allergic to chemicals Wash hand and feet regularly Getting a massage or manicure from a trusted saloon may increase blood circulation in the foot. This may improve the recovery and healing process. How are foot and toenail fungus treated? In most cases, fungal toe infection in humans does not cause any serious health issues if they are treated on time before their spread. Fungal toe infection can be treated using antifungal creams, gels, lotions, shampoo, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some of the commonly used medication include,

3. Antifungal foot powder: Antifungal powder for foot are widely available as over- the-counter medication (sold without any requirement of a prescription). Antifungal foot powder is mainly used in treating athletes’ feet Oral antifungal drugs: oral medication is the first choice for treating toenail fungal infection due to its quick effectiveness. But in some cases, it may also cause adverse drug reactions like allergy, skin rash, and other side effects. Terbinafine, Itraconazole are some examples of oral antifungal drugs Nail lacquer: These are special nail polished prescribed by dermatologists to prevent nails from further reinfection of fungi. Ciclopirox is the most commonly used antifungal nail polish Antifungal creams: Antifungal creams are directly applied to the nail’s infected areas to avoid recurrence of infection Nail removal surgery: This is considered a final option if no treatment seems to work. Nail removal prevents the spread of infection to other nails. Conclusion: Toe fungal infection is very common, especially in older people, diabetic patients, and people prone to other immune deficiencies. Antifungal foot powder, creams, and medication effectively treat and manage most fungal toe infections. However, like any other infection, if left untreated on time, foot fungal infection can spread to other neighbouring foot nails and may even lead to surgical removal of toenails to prevent spreading. Source - Tumblr