Nail fungus also known as onychomycosis is a condition that starts as a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernail. As the fungal infection grows bigger, it causes your nails to thicken, discolor, and crumble at the edge. Other symptoms that indicate you have fungal nail infection include:
- Your nails are distorted in shape
- Nails smelling slightly foul.
- Brittle or ragged nails.
The infection can extend to other nails too and it is more common with toenails.
Fungal nail infection is a result of fungal organisms, the most common being dermatophyte. Molds and yeast can also result in nail infections. Toenail infection can occur to anyone despite their age, but it is common with older adults. There are other factors that can bring about these infections including weekend immune system or reduced blood circulation to the feet. Toenail fungal infection can begin from foot fungus and then spread from a nail to another. It is less likely to acquire infections from someone else.
There are factors that can increase the risks of developing toenail fungus. They include:
- Walking barefoot in damp spaces such as washrooms, swimming pools, and many more.
- Having diabetes, weakened immune system as well as blood circulation problems.
- Being older which results in reduced blood flow to the feet, slower-growing nails as well as more years of exposure to the fungus.
- A history of athlete’s feet.
- Heavy sweating.
- You can also get this by having nail injury or skin condition, for instance, psoriasis.
Toenail fungal infections can develop complications by being painful and bringing permanent damage to your nails. The infection can also cause other serious infections extending beyond your feet in the case where your immune system is suppressed.
You can prevent yourself from developing toenail infections or reinfections by practicing the following habits.
- Washing your hands and feet frequently. You need to wash your hands after getting into contact with an infected nail. It is also good to moisturize your nails after washing.
- Wear socks that absorb sweat or change your socks a number of times in the day.
- Select shoes that are made of materials with air circulation.
- Trim your nails straight across and smooth the edges with a file as well as filing down thickened areas.
- Disinfect your nail cutter after each use.
- Disinfect your old shoes or discard them.
- Use footwear in damp areas
The treatment of toenail infection involves an oral or topical application where the anti-fungal medication is placed on your skin. It can be a lengthy process that can take a number of months for you to see visible changes. The Canespro treatment is the shortest and shows visible results within 3 weeks. The ointment is applied daily on the infected area which is then covered by plaster for 24 hours. The softened area of the nail is then scraped gently. The removal can take 3 weeks and it allows you to reach the main root of the infection. After treatment with Canespro, you can apply a topical antifungal cream for around a month.
In conclusion. toenails fungal infections are treatable and can also be prevented. Follow the remedies in this article. If you are diabetic or have a suppressed immune system, it is necessary to see a doctor, to avoid further complications.