In recent years, the beauty and fashion industry has witnessed a surge in unconventional trends, with one of the most peculiar being the emergence of fake toenails or acrylic toenails. While this trend may offer aesthetic appeal to some, it raises concerns about the potential risks and complications that can arise from adorning your toes with artificial enhancements. This article explores the phenomenon of fake toenails and how a podiatrist, armed with innovative solutions like the KeryFlex Nail Restoration System, can play a crucial role in maintaining foot health.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a prevalent condition that affects a large number of individuals. It is a fungal infection that may be painful and unsightly, and if left untreated, it can progress to more severe consequences. Podiatrists, sometimes known as foot doctors, are medical experts in the identification and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, including onychomycosis. This article will look at how podiatrists are onychomycosis specialists.
Toenail discoloration is as painful as having blisters on the feet that need immediate blister treatment. The appearance of the nails can be white, green, or yellow. Half of toenail discoloration cases result from toenail fungus infection found in the dust, soil, on surfaces, and the air. Fungal infection can cause the nails to appear yellow while other conditions causing discolorations include bacterial infection causing the toenails to appear green-black, melanoma discoloration causing brown or black discoloration, and reactions to medications that cause blue discoloration.
The overgrowth of foot fungus causes an infection that requires the best doctor for nail fungus attention. It develops over time, so it may be hard to see an immediate difference in the feel and the look of a toenail. The toenail fungus can cause athlete’s foot, ringworms, and jock itch also cause toenail infections.
Toenail fungus is caused by mold or yeast, which affects the fingernails and toenails. Yeast infections occur on fingernails and it affects 3 to 12% of the population, but more prevalent in older people. Fungal nail infection causes the nails to be brittle and change color. Mild conditions might need self-care steps and treatment. If the nail fungus is painful and the nails have thickened, you will need medical attention.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
Brownish or whitish-yellow nail discolorations.
Thick and brittle and crumbly nails.
Change in the shape of the nail.
The affected part of the nail detaches from the nail bed.
Dark colors due to debris build under the nail.
Slightly smells foul.
Risk factors which leave one susceptible to foot fungus infections include:
Athlete’s foot
Contact with infectious fungi surfaces in saunas or swimming pools.
Fungal nail infections are treated depending on the severity and the type of fungus causing the condition. A podiatrist determines this by scraping off some of the affected areas and sending it to the lab. The doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs for application or taking orally. Sometimes a combination of topical antifungal therapies and oral therapies works best.
Looking for toe fungus treatment Houston? To get expert advice on foot and ankle issues, you may want to seek help from the best doctor for nail fungus in Houston. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your toenail fungus treatment. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Oral antifungal drugs are usually the first choice because of their ability to clear infections quickly than topical drugs. The drugs help the nail to grow slowly replacing the infected nail. Usually administered for six to 12 weeks, though the results usually visible later, after the nail grows completely. Higher success rates are noticed in people less than 65 years of age.
Side effects include skin rash and rare cases of liver damage. So multiple blood tests are administered to monitor how the drugs are working. These are not advisable for people with congestive heart failure or liver disease.
A topical nail lacquer (Ciclopirox). It is a medicated nail polish which is prescribed by the doctor. The nails are painted once a day for seven days, then wipe the layers with alcohol and start afresh application. This is used for almost a year.
Antifungal medicated cream rubbed into the nails after soaking. The creams are more effective on thin nails; the medication gets through the hard nail surface to the fungus. To thin the nails, apply a lotion containing urea or have a doctor thin the surface of the nail.
Laser treatment which removes damaged areas of the skin or nail.
Use soap and water to wash the feet and dry using a clean towel, dry well between the toes. Keep the toenails shorter by trimming across and keep the ends shorter. Wash the tools you use on your feet and wipe them clean with rubbing alcohol. Avoid nail polish because it will cover the affected nails and avoid the fungus from going away.
Immediately you notice white markings, use over the counter antifungal creams. Thin and trim the nails to reduce pressure on the nails. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our foot fungus specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot blister related issues.