When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Rizina

3 May, 2024

When we have to see a doctor for toenail fungus and how to handle it is important matter. Most of the people (both men and women) face this problem at their older age. Many of them do not know how to care it. They think that it is very normal in this age and do not do anything unless it not cause any problem.

In this article I am going to write about toenail fungus. I hope you will get some information about toenail fungus if you read it attentively.

Causes

Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms(fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from bacteria infection tends to be green or black.

Symptoms

Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and could be warped or oddly shaped. They can break easily. Nails with fungus might look yellow or black. when fungus builds up under your nail, it can loosen and even separate the nail from the bed. The fungus can also spread to the skin around your nail.

Who gets toenail fungus?

Men are more likely to get it than the women . The older you are , the better your chances are ,too. People who have diabetes, athletes foot or a weak immune system, who smoke or whose family members have it are also at a higher risk. If you spend a lot of time in the water or you have injured your toenail , your odds for getting toenail fungus go up.

Treatments for toenail fungus

Toenail fungus is usually not serious and may be treatable at home. The following remedies may be helpful in clearing up your toenail fungus.

How to handle toenail fungus

Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean and avoid artificial nails and nail polish.
Don't walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms and damp public areas like pools, gym, shower rooms and saunas.
Don't share nail clippers with other people.
Wear lightweight socks and change them throughout the day if your feet become sweaty.
When visiting a nail salon, choose a salon that is clean and licensed by your state's cosmetology board.

Treatments at home

Tea tree oil and oregano oil: Both have antifungal and antiseptic properties. Apply these to the affected toenail with a cotton swab twice daily.
Vinegar: The antifungal and antibacterial properties in vinegar can hinder fungi growth and skin infections. Soak the infected toe in a vinegar solution for up to 20 minutes daily.
Olive leaf extract: Oleuropein is a substance in olive leaf extract thought to have antifungal abilities. You can take olive leaf extract in capsule form or apply it directly to the toenails in salve form.
Garlic: Garlic has antifungal capabilities. You can take garlic capsules or apply crushed cloves to the affected toenail for 30 minutes daily.
Ozonized oil: Ozonized oils such as olive and sunflower oil are injected with ozone gas, which can disable infection- causing fungi. You can rub ozonized oil directly to the infected toenail twice daily.
Diet: Eating a nutritious diet is an important component of overall health. Foods rich in protein, iron , fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics can help keep you nails healthy.