Many people don''t realize they have a fungal nail problem. Moreover, many do don''t seek treatment. Still, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem.
Such infections can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail''s color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish, but it can present serious problems if left untreated.
Also referred to as Onychomycosis, fungal nail infections are an infection underneath the surface of the nail, which can also penetrate the nail. In addition to causing difficulty and pain when walking or running, fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate.
A group of fungi called dermophytes easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail''s protein substance. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.
Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete''s foot and excessive perspiration.
You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Put the plug in the tub while showering; brush your nails with a soapy brush
- Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
- Clip your nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
- Use a quality foot powder - talcum, not cornstarch - in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active life styles.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools and don''t apply polish to nails suspected of infection.
- It wouldn''t hurt to apply antifungual cream on the nails every so often as prevention
Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents, while sometimes effective, may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed by a process called debridement.
I am often asked, is Lamisil oral antifungual medication safe? According to the "Ironclad" study which was very extensive, it showed that Lamisil is indeed safe for most people. A simple lab test beforehand is usually done and you are monitored. But after over ten years of prescribing, I have found Lamisil is the best treatment to get rid of the fungal infection in nails. It is most important to establish that the defomed nail is indeed fungual. Sometimes nails can be discolored and thick but not infected with fungus. Not testing the affected nail is a reason for failure in treatment.
If a nail is thickened and not fungal, there are new medications containing 40 or 50% urea that make the nails softer or thinner. As always, the proper diagnosis make the treatment more successful.
In some cases, the infected nail is removed. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured, and prevents the return of a deformed nail.
Read IRONCLAD study on oral Lamisil: Treatment of Toenail Onychomycosis with Oral Terbinafine Journal of theAmerican Podiatric Medical Association
Volume 96 Number 6 465-473 2006 You can find it online ty entering Ironclad study lamisil into your internet browser.
