A common infection that affects adult toenails is called onychomycosis (a scientific term for toenail fungus).When this fungal disease affects nails, they typically become harder, discolored, and break more easily. Athletes, miners, diabetic patients, and people whose work culture usually involves a lot of moisture accumulation in the feet are more prone to acquiring toenail fungus.Less blood flow or damage to the nails may also cause the same. Less blood flow or damage to the nails may also cause the same. While doctors prescribe oral antibiotics as the first step in the treatment, there are chances this infection might even last for a lifetime.
How Is Toenail Fungus Diagnosed?
As soon as you have any doubts about detecting anything strange in your nails, make an appointment with your general practitioner or dermatologist.Your doctor can diagnose toenail fungus with a naked eye but might get a sample collected for lab testing if the infection is in its initial stages and not detectable through physical examination. The results will then confirm the presence of fungi in your nails.
Toenail Fungus Is Communicable
Just like other skin infections, toenail fungus can spread from person to person. It is imperative to avoid close contact with infected individuals or wearing the same shoes as them in order to prevent contracting the disease. Also note that if someone in the household has been infected with the disease, it is advisable to regularly wash your feet and nails with hot water.
Beware of Manicure Tools
When a Brazilian woman shared manicure supplies with her cousin, it was shocking to learn that she had contracted HIV. Shared equipment needs to be handled carefully by several persons. Manicure and pedicure instruments are sterilized and shared among various patrons in salons. However, there is a greater likelihood of contracting the infection in cases where the instruments are not thoroughly cleaned.
Cure for Toenail Fungus
1. Antifungal Medication
Over-the-counter drugs such as Lamisil and Lotrimin are good antifungal medications that are majorly prescribed by dermatologists to cure toenail fungus. However, these medications may need to be taken for several months or longer. Diabetic patients and people who already consume drugs for other medical conditions are supposed to bring it to the knowledge of their practitioners. This way, side effects or any other complications can be avoided.
2. Nail Creams
Application of urea-based nail creams are said to effectively treat toenail fungus. However, the infection leaves only when the nail grows completely out of the nail bed and is trimmed off.
3. Drill Method
Super-tiny micro holes are drilled in the infected nail and an anti-fungal spray is sprayed over it. This way, the medication directly reaches the infected part of the nail and helps kill the fungi. This is thought to be one of the best ways to treat toenail fungus, even though there may occasionally be bleeding.
Applying olive oil, cleaning with Listerine, or soaking your feet in vinegar water are a few home cures for toenail fungus.
These might help in the early stages or to curtail the fungal growth further. But, it is essential to use the prescribed medication in order to completely get rid of the infection. Also, remember that proper hygienic practices can save you from diseases like these.