Treatments And Prevention Tips For Toenail Fungus

A fungal toenail is one of the most common problems that can affect your feet

. A fungal infection in your toenail can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. To correct this problem, there are both topical and oral medications that can be used. If you are suffering from a fungal toenail, see your York podiatrist as soon as you can to see how you can fix the problem.

Causes Of Toenail Fungus

Fungi are microscopic organisms that can survive without any sunlight. They thrive in warm and wet environments such as showers and swimming pools. Once you get fungus under your toenail, they will thrive in the dark, wet environment under your toe. The low circulation of blood to your toe also makes it difficult for your body to fight off the infection.

Fungal toenails tend to occur most often in older men. As you age, your blood circulation diminishes to your toes and you will have a longer period of exposure to fungi. Here are a few more common factors that will increase your likelihood for developing a fungal toenail:

*Sweating heavily. If you constantly have sweaty feet, fungus will be more likely to survive near your toes in your shoes.

*Diabetes. Diabetes further restricts the flow of blood to the extremities. Because of this, your immune system will struggle to fight off the infection.

*Walking barefoot in wet public places. Walking without shoes in showers, swimming pools or gyms can greatly increase your chances of developing a fungal nail.

*Poor shoes. If you shoes do not properly ventilate air of effectively absorb perspiration, fungus will be able to survive and grow near your feet.

Ways To Treat Fungal Toenails

Depending on the severity of your infection, there are a few different ways to treat your toenail fungus. There are over the counter creams and ointments available, but generally they are not as effective as prescribed medications from your podiatrist. When you talk with your podiatrist, he or she will usually prescribe either an oral medication, topical cream or both.

Oral medications are generally administered for six to twelve weeks. They work by allowing a new nail to grow in without any infection. Because of this, they work very slowly to remove the infection and you won't be fully rid of the infection for at least four months. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a topical cream that you will put directly onto your toenail. This medication is usually used in conjunction with oral medication. In the most extreme cases, your podiatrist may have to perform surgery to remove part or all of your nail. If this occurs, your nail will grow back very slowly, possibly taking as long as a year to fully grow back.

To learn more about fungal toenails or to schedule an appointment, contact your York podiatrist today.

by: Gen Wright

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