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.
Tight shoes
Various skin conditions
Damaged nails
Poor circulation in the legs for people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
A weak immune system due to sickness or medications that suppresses the system.
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.
I’m glad you talked about nail fungus and how you must treat it before it’s too late! Recently, my cousin said he hurt his toe while he was playing soccer. My cousin thought it was nothing, but now, he’s worried about developing nail fungus, so I’ll be sure to share your article with him! Thanks for the advice on toe fungus treatment and its importance.
[…] the toenails clean from polish allows them to breathe for healthy growth. Book an appointment on how to treat dehydrated toenails and how to treat the white spots on nails from […]
[…] Ingrown toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis, a combination of dermatophytes, saprophytic mold, and yeast infections. It is a common infection and people increasingly seek Houston Fungus Toenails Treatment. The T.Rubrum organism has become dominant in the united states. Half of the abnormal toenails are mycotic. Studies have shown some risk factors are tinea pedis, aging, diabetes, living with people affected with toenail fungus, immunodeficiency, and psoriasis. The fungus can be found in hotel carpets, pool decks, and public showers. After coming to contact with the fungus you might proceed to wear shoes. The shoes provide a good environment for the fungus to thrive because they are dark, moist, and warm. As the fungus thrives it pressurizes the nail to break the hyponychial seal allowing the fungus to penetrate the nail bed. If there is continued exposure to a wet environment the fungus continues to thrive. In the foot, the dermatophytes or fungus produce keratinases that start infecting the lesser toes and spread gradually extending to other nail units. Once the nail is breached the fungus infects the nail bed if not stopped in time. […]
Comments
I’m glad you talked about nail fungus and how you must treat it before it’s too late! Recently, my cousin said he hurt his toe while he was playing soccer. My cousin thought it was nothing, but now, he’s worried about developing nail fungus, so I’ll be sure to share your article with him! Thanks for the advice on toe fungus treatment and its importance.
We are glad the article was informative to you. Thanks for sharing!
[…] the toenails clean from polish allows them to breathe for healthy growth. Book an appointment on how to treat dehydrated toenails and how to treat the white spots on nails from […]
[…] Ingrown toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis, a combination of dermatophytes, saprophytic mold, and yeast infections. It is a common infection and people increasingly seek Houston Fungus Toenails Treatment. The T.Rubrum organism has become dominant in the united states. Half of the abnormal toenails are mycotic. Studies have shown some risk factors are tinea pedis, aging, diabetes, living with people affected with toenail fungus, immunodeficiency, and psoriasis. The fungus can be found in hotel carpets, pool decks, and public showers. After coming to contact with the fungus you might proceed to wear shoes. The shoes provide a good environment for the fungus to thrive because they are dark, moist, and warm. As the fungus thrives it pressurizes the nail to break the hyponychial seal allowing the fungus to penetrate the nail bed. If there is continued exposure to a wet environment the fungus continues to thrive. In the foot, the dermatophytes or fungus produce keratinases that start infecting the lesser toes and spread gradually extending to other nail units. Once the nail is breached the fungus infects the nail bed if not stopped in time. […]