Complications. A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
It's an insidious problem, and without treatment, you have to deal with the discomfort of the nail as well as feeling self-conscious about its unsightliness. If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed.
While rare, severe cases of toenail fungus can potentially lead to systemic infection, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. In such cases, the fungus may enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs.
If left untreated, the skin between the toes will become rough, peel and eventually split. Known more simply as Toe Nail Fungus, this condition often arises after a cut or crack in a toenail occurs. It is estimated that one out of every ten people and one out of every two over the age of 70 are affected by this fungus.
Nail color changes
If it turns brown or green, it's a very bad sign. It means the fungus has really gotten out of control, and your toe is infected.
Prescription medications, laser treatments, or surgical removal offer the best chance of permanently killing toenail fungus.
Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus? No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won't cure the infection.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.
Keep your feet and toes covered
Protect your partner from being exposed to fungus by covering your feet at night. If you wear socks to bed, there's no chance your bare feet will make contact with theirs.
Complications. A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
If you just finished treating nail fungus, throw away shoes, boots, skates, and other footwear that you wore before you started treatment. Put on a clean pair of socks every day and whenever your socks get sweaty.
Treatments available
Simply filing down the thickness of the nail can help with these issues. It is easiest to file them when the nails are dry. You should use a separate disposable emery board on the infected nail(s) to avoid spreading the infection to healthy ones.
Can toenail fungus spread to other areas of your body? Yes. But toenail fungus usually doesn't spread beyond your toe. Some dermatophyte fungi spread easily to your skin.
Nail fungus can survive on contaminated nail clippers for a significant amount of time, depending on various factors such as the fungus's type and environmental conditions. In some cases, fungal spores can remain viable on surfaces for months.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
Hydrogen peroxide is a widely accessible and affordable option for treating toenail fungus, especially when used in conjunction with other natural remedies like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar. However, it's important to proceed with caution, as hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation if used improperly.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.
While treating your toenail fungus, keep your nails trimmed to reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down.
Walk barefoot in a hot, humid place like a pool, public shower, or locker room. Wear tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, especially if you have sweaty feet.
The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects. Terbinafine resolves toenail fungus about 72% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
Don't Cover Up Nail Fungus. It is finally Spring and you are likely beginning to unveil your toes and get your feet looking their best for flip flops and pool weather. Before you dazzle your toenails with that perfect pink coat of polish, you need to be sure you have healthy nails underneath.
Fungal nail infections are not contagious.
FALSE. They can be transmitted from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact and via towels, clothing, socks, shoes, nail clippers and moist surfaces. Fungal nail infections can also spread from one nail to your other nails and skin.
Surgical nail removal can be done for severe or returning fungal nail infections. The entire nail or only part of the nail can be removed. Surgical nail removal can be done in your doctor's office.