Onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis) Are you wondering what the heck that is?? It is Nail fungus !! A common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails but usually not all of them. See photos below. Understand the importance of medical treatment. Nail fungal infections are incredibly complicated to treat and can take a great deal of time to heal completely. If treated incorrectly, they can easily come back. Please see a professional about your nail infection. Here is what YOU can do. 1. Allow air to reach the infected toe as much as possible. Moist socks and shoes breed fungal growth. Go barefooted as much as you can. Wear sandals whenever possible. Do not wear your sock or hosiery more than one day without washing. White socks that can be bleached are a plus. WARNING to Diabetics - Do NOT go barefoot ever. You must protect your feet at all times from bumps/cuts. 2. Avoid wearing tight shoes. Tight shoes push your toes together, potentially transferring fungus and often creating the perfect moist, warm and closed environment so beloved by fungus. If you like wearing heels, it might be a good idea to take a break from them if theyre bunching up your toes. It can also help to shift to wearing only shoes that breathe. Tight hosiery can cause similar problems. 3. Dry feet thoroughly after getting wet. After bathing, swimming and any activity that leaves your feet sweaty or wet, dry them thoroughly. This will help keep the infection from worsening. Be especially careful of public pools and similar opportunities to spread your infection. Avoid these places or find ways to keep your feet covered. 4. Remove excess nail. This is where I come in. I will trim the nail. You will be surprised to find that your nail is no longer attached to your toe in the places where the fungus has invaded beneath the nail––this is normal. I will simply cut away all of this unattached nail and scrape off the thick, flaky fungus matter. Remove as much of the abnormal looking stuff as possible. If the infection is too advanced I will advise you to see your doctor. It is vital from this point on to be consistent in your care. •Never tear off toenails with your fingers. Always use a clean nail clipper or long-handled nail scissors. Trimming after bathing is often the best time, as the nails are at their softest. •If there is any pain involved, do not do this yourself. See a professional. Proper removal can help to ensure the regrowth of a healthy nail rather than a deformed one. 5. Cider vinegar foot baths or teatree oil can help clean up the fungus over time. Again, ensure your feet are completely dried and always wear clean dry socks. Treat all footwear as well with Antifungal powders.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 05:27:52 +0000