by Rose Walker
Have you noticed something off with your toenails?
Are you starting to see yellow or white spots underneath your toenails? Do they seem to crack, thicken or discolor the edge of your toenails the more you ignore the symptoms?
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If yes, then you may have toenail fungus. It is an infection that gets in through the cuts in your skin or cracks in your nails.
Fungi grow in damp and warm places, making our toes a perfect breeding place. Our feet also have lesser blood flow compared to our hands so it's harder for the body to ward off infection.
Toenail fungus is known as onychomycosis. But unlike athlete's foot that affects the skin between your toes or the bottom of your foot, it affects your nails.
It usually develops over time so any difference in your nails may be hard to notice at first.
It can be very painful. When this happens, it's time to observe self-care steps or try medication.
Toenail fungus can affect anyone but is more common among older people. This is because the nail gets dry and brittle as it gets older and the resulting cracks make it easier for fungi to enter.
You have a higher risk of having toenail fungus if you have any of the following:
Toenail fungus can look like psoriasis, that's why it's important to have your toenails checked regularly. You can go to a dermatologist (doctor of the skin) or a podiatrist (doctor of the feet) for this.
They'll scrape off some of the affected areas and check it under a microscope. They may even send the sample to a lab to find out what the real problem is.
Severe nail fungus can cause permanent damage to your toenails. It can spread beyond your feet and lead to other infections if you have a suppressed immune system.
Especially if you're taking medication for other conditions.
People with diabetes may experience low blood flow and nerve supply in the feet. This also puts them at greater risk of skin infection, and that includes nail fungal infection.
Basically, any minor foot injury can lead to serious complications. So if you have diabetes or any serious medical condition, visit your doctor if you feel you're developing toenail fungus.
Other complications are a permanent loss or a total discoloration of the affected nail. It can even lead to cellulitis, a skin infection that causes redness and swelling to the skin that is hot and tender to the touch.
Toenail fungus can be prevented by observing good hygiene and nail care routine like the following:
The way nail fungus is treated depends on the type of fungus that causes it and how severe the infection is. Some may even take several months before you start seeing results.
What is the best treatment for toenail fungus? Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination of the following:
Treatment can't be considered done unless a new nail has grown in. And though a new nail has already grown in, it doesn't mean it won't get infected again.
Having nail fungus is a problem that can occur to anyone. It is more common than you think, so don't feel ashamed if you think you have it.
As we've mentioned, toenail fungus can be avoided by practicing good hygiene. Give your feet the same treatment you give your body.
Also, never share footwear with anyone. This will only increase your chances of having toenail fungus, especially if the other person already has it.
But if you think you're already infected, the best step is to check with your doctor. There are a lot of options available to treat this disease.
About Rose Walker
Rose Walker has worked as a nail artist for over 10 years. She's gained a lot of experience and developed her own unique style during that time. When she was working at a famous nail salon, she met Shirlyn. The two of them quickly became friends, and eventually decided to start their own website together. Naildesignideaz is the result of their collaboration - it's a website where they share their experience and offer tips on how to create beautiful nails.
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