If you have had recurrent episodes of fungal nail infections, then it is time to give up nail polishes and artificial nails. While nail polish will make your fingers look gorgeous, fungus can hide behind the polish and damage your nails permanently.
Wash your hands often and dry them. You never know what is stuck to objects. Many people have extremely bad personal habits and constantly contaminate the environment.
Home remedies are available to treat nail fungus.
Treating nail fungus is a long-term project and many people get frustrated. Rest assured there is no immediate cure to this dastardly organism. Because results are not immediate, many people have been turning to alternative treatments. The following two alternative remedies include vinegar and Vicks vapor rub
Vinegar is widely used as a home remedy to treat nail fungal infections. There are hundreds of formulas on cyberspace on how to use vinegar. In simple, just mix vinegar with water and soak the nails once or twice a week for 20 minutes. Vinegar can cause drying and irritation of skin so one must use a moisturizer afterwards. So does it work? There is no study showing that vinegar works. While some anecdotal reports claim that it does wonders, the majority of consumers find vinegar a waste of time. For individuals who do not believe doctors and love vinegar, there is no harm in trying. Vinegar soaking must be done for months. Most individuals give up after four attempts.
Another folklore remedy is Vicks vaporub. Countless reports exist which claim that this cold medication can cure fungus. This is absolutely hogwash. There is zero evidence that Vicks vaporub does anything. You can eat it, paste it, drink it or smell, it- this medicine does not kill fungus anywhere on the body. Vicks vaporub is best left to treat the common cold and not fungi.
Individuals who have a nail fungus infection have to understand that treatment is long, not satisfactory, and expensive. For those who want the best results, surgery is excellent for a severe fungal infection with a deformed nail.
Monday, May 11, 2009
fungal infection of Nails part 6
Prevention
To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:
Short nails. Keep your nails short, clean, and dry. When you trim your nails, avoid trauma to skin and cut straight across.
Keep your hands and feet dry at all times.
Apply a moisturizer to your hands and feet at least twice a day.
If you sweat a lot, wear socks made from cotton. Avoid nylon fabrics. Wear socks made from fabrics that will absorb the moisture. If you sweat a lot, change your socks and shoes often. Alternatively, wear sandals.
There are many over the counter anti fungal sprays and powders that you can apply or sprinkle on your feet. One can even sprinkle the shoe with anti fungal powder.
If you work in an environment, where there is constant contact with water, wear rubber gloves.
Avoid nail biting, picking at your nails or skin around it. Fungus can easily penetrate damaged skin
If you go to public pools or shower, wear sandals
There are hundred of salons and spas that offer manicures and pedicures. While some are decent, there are many establishments that are poorly maintained and technicians have no concept of hygiene. Further, many of these spas use the same instruments on all customers. So select a decent spa or salon to go. If you have doubts about instruments at the spa, take your own.
To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:
Short nails. Keep your nails short, clean, and dry. When you trim your nails, avoid trauma to skin and cut straight across.
Keep your hands and feet dry at all times.
Apply a moisturizer to your hands and feet at least twice a day.
If you sweat a lot, wear socks made from cotton. Avoid nylon fabrics. Wear socks made from fabrics that will absorb the moisture. If you sweat a lot, change your socks and shoes often. Alternatively, wear sandals.
There are many over the counter anti fungal sprays and powders that you can apply or sprinkle on your feet. One can even sprinkle the shoe with anti fungal powder.
If you work in an environment, where there is constant contact with water, wear rubber gloves.
Avoid nail biting, picking at your nails or skin around it. Fungus can easily penetrate damaged skin
If you go to public pools or shower, wear sandals
There are hundred of salons and spas that offer manicures and pedicures. While some are decent, there are many establishments that are poorly maintained and technicians have no concept of hygiene. Further, many of these spas use the same instruments on all customers. So select a decent spa or salon to go. If you have doubts about instruments at the spa, take your own.
Fungal infection of Nails part 5
Other treatment options
Many people do not like to take pills for long periods. In such cases, there are a few options (they do not work) but one can give it a try.
Antifungal lacquer. Individuals who have only a mild nail infection may want to try penlac (ciclopirox). This antifungal lacquer has been hyped up to cure fungus. The ointment is painted on the nail once a day. After seven days, you wipe the collected layers of the lacquer with alcohol and start again. This must be done for 12 months. The truth is that this bullshit method works in less than 2% of individuals. The treatment is costly, time consuming and it usually does not work. Flush the penlac down the toilet.
Topical medications are often prescribed by physicians. If your physician gives you a prescription of a topical antibiotic, then you need to change your doctor. Topical medications alone are worthless and only clueless doctors give out such prescriptions. You can apply all the topical antibiotics in the pharmacopeia, the fungus will remain till eternity. Topical medications alone do not work-so do not buy them.
Surgery
The best and most effective treatment for fungus nail infection is surgery.
If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, removing the nail is fast, cheap and works. Many consumers may wonder about this treatment, but it saves you time, money, and agony. A new nail will usually grow in its place; the nail may take about 8-12 months to grow back and will just like your old nail. Toenail removal can be done in an office and is a relatively painless procedure if your doctor knows how to inject local anesthetic. In fifteen minutes, you will be free of the infection. There is no need for any more medications afterwards.
Many people do not like to take pills for long periods. In such cases, there are a few options (they do not work) but one can give it a try.
Antifungal lacquer. Individuals who have only a mild nail infection may want to try penlac (ciclopirox). This antifungal lacquer has been hyped up to cure fungus. The ointment is painted on the nail once a day. After seven days, you wipe the collected layers of the lacquer with alcohol and start again. This must be done for 12 months. The truth is that this bullshit method works in less than 2% of individuals. The treatment is costly, time consuming and it usually does not work. Flush the penlac down the toilet.
Topical medications are often prescribed by physicians. If your physician gives you a prescription of a topical antibiotic, then you need to change your doctor. Topical medications alone are worthless and only clueless doctors give out such prescriptions. You can apply all the topical antibiotics in the pharmacopeia, the fungus will remain till eternity. Topical medications alone do not work-so do not buy them.
Surgery
The best and most effective treatment for fungus nail infection is surgery.
If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, removing the nail is fast, cheap and works. Many consumers may wonder about this treatment, but it saves you time, money, and agony. A new nail will usually grow in its place; the nail may take about 8-12 months to grow back and will just like your old nail. Toenail removal can be done in an office and is a relatively painless procedure if your doctor knows how to inject local anesthetic. In fifteen minutes, you will be free of the infection. There is no need for any more medications afterwards.
fungal infection of nail part 4
What happens if the nail infection is untreated?
Initially one may not feel any pain, but with time, pain is common. Fungus infection almost always damages the nail. If the infection is not treated, it continues to progress. Individuals who have a weak immune system or those who have diabetes usually develop serious infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of fungal infections requires testing for fungus. The doctor will take some scrapping from the nail. The debris is examined underneath the microscope and fungi can be identified.
Once the fungus is identified, treatment is started. The treatment of fungal nail infection should not be underestimated. It requires long-term use of drugs, commitment, and perseverance. There are hundreds of over the counter products sold for nail fungus. All of them are completely rubbish and not worth a dime.
There is no over the counter herb, mineral, nutrient, or lotion which works for nail fungal infection- so stop wasting your money.
The best treatment for fungal infection of nails is oral medications. In the last decade several oral anti fungal medication have been developed. These medications can be obtained from any pharmacy.
The three medications widely used to treat nail fungal infection are:
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
These three medications come in various formulations and the pill is usually taken for 3-6 months. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the fungus will be killed. Less than 40% of individuals see a satisfactory result with these pills. Yet these results are infinitely better than any herb or junk that you can buy online. Once the fungi are killed, a new nail grows slowly but recurrent infections are possible. Anti fungal pills also have side effects and one must be followed up by a physician.
Initially one may not feel any pain, but with time, pain is common. Fungus infection almost always damages the nail. If the infection is not treated, it continues to progress. Individuals who have a weak immune system or those who have diabetes usually develop serious infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of fungal infections requires testing for fungus. The doctor will take some scrapping from the nail. The debris is examined underneath the microscope and fungi can be identified.
Once the fungus is identified, treatment is started. The treatment of fungal nail infection should not be underestimated. It requires long-term use of drugs, commitment, and perseverance. There are hundreds of over the counter products sold for nail fungus. All of them are completely rubbish and not worth a dime.
There is no over the counter herb, mineral, nutrient, or lotion which works for nail fungal infection- so stop wasting your money.
The best treatment for fungal infection of nails is oral medications. In the last decade several oral anti fungal medication have been developed. These medications can be obtained from any pharmacy.
The three medications widely used to treat nail fungal infection are:
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
These three medications come in various formulations and the pill is usually taken for 3-6 months. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the fungus will be killed. Less than 40% of individuals see a satisfactory result with these pills. Yet these results are infinitely better than any herb or junk that you can buy online. Once the fungi are killed, a new nail grows slowly but recurrent infections are possible. Anti fungal pills also have side effects and one must be followed up by a physician.
fungus infection of the nail part 2
Which nails are infected with fungi?
Overall toenail are more often infected than fingernails. The reason is that toenails are often exposed to sweaty tight shoes, dirty floors, and warm moist areas like swimming pool floors.
Another reason why toes nails are more frequently infected with fungi may be due to decreased blood circulation. When blood supply is decreased, the body may be unable to fight off infections.
Nail fungus infection is more common in adults compared to children. The reasons for this include:
- Decreased blood circulation
- More years of exposure
- With age nails grow slowly, become thick,
and become more susceptible to infection
- Nail infections also is more common in men then women
- There may be a family history of fungal infections
What are risk factors for fungus infection?
- Individuals who sweat profusely and continuously
- Working in hot humid environments
- Wear tight fitting shoes
- Wearing nylon socks that do not absorb moisture well
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as
swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor injury, scarp or cut and working in
warm most environment
- Having diabetes, poor blood circulation or a very
weak immune system
Overall toenail are more often infected than fingernails. The reason is that toenails are often exposed to sweaty tight shoes, dirty floors, and warm moist areas like swimming pool floors.
Another reason why toes nails are more frequently infected with fungi may be due to decreased blood circulation. When blood supply is decreased, the body may be unable to fight off infections.
Nail fungus infection is more common in adults compared to children. The reasons for this include:
- Decreased blood circulation
- More years of exposure
- With age nails grow slowly, become thick,
and become more susceptible to infection
- Nail infections also is more common in men then women
- There may be a family history of fungal infections
What are risk factors for fungus infection?
- Individuals who sweat profusely and continuously
- Working in hot humid environments
- Wear tight fitting shoes
- Wearing nylon socks that do not absorb moisture well
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as
swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor injury, scarp or cut and working in
warm most environment
- Having diabetes, poor blood circulation or a very
weak immune system
Fungus infection of Nails part 2
Symptoms of fungal nail infection include:
- Thick and uneven nails
- Dull looking nails
- Crumbling or ragged nails
- Uneven shape
- Discolored nails, usually white or yellow patches
- No polish to nails
Sometimes the fungal infection may spread to the nail bed and result in separation of the nail, a condition known as oncholysis. The nail slowly become loose and starts to break apart. In the beginning, there is no pain, but when the infection is not treated, most individual complain of a continuous dual ache. When the infection is full blown, one may also notice a foul odor.
How does one acquire fungal nail infection?
Fungi and many other microorganisms live in warm moist environments, including swimming pools, exercise rooms, gym, sauna, and shower floors. These fungi normally contact feet all the time but are not able to penetrate skin. However, if an individual has any crack or break in skin, the fungus quickly penetrates skin and infects the nail bed. A single exposure of fungus is not adequate to cause an infection. Most people need continual exposure of fungus to develop an infection. Further, the exposure must be in an environment that is conducive to fungal survival. Fungi usually love to grow in warm moist environments.
- Thick and uneven nails
- Dull looking nails
- Crumbling or ragged nails
- Uneven shape
- Discolored nails, usually white or yellow patches
- No polish to nails
Sometimes the fungal infection may spread to the nail bed and result in separation of the nail, a condition known as oncholysis. The nail slowly become loose and starts to break apart. In the beginning, there is no pain, but when the infection is not treated, most individual complain of a continuous dual ache. When the infection is full blown, one may also notice a foul odor.
How does one acquire fungal nail infection?
Fungi and many other microorganisms live in warm moist environments, including swimming pools, exercise rooms, gym, sauna, and shower floors. These fungi normally contact feet all the time but are not able to penetrate skin. However, if an individual has any crack or break in skin, the fungus quickly penetrates skin and infects the nail bed. A single exposure of fungus is not adequate to cause an infection. Most people need continual exposure of fungus to develop an infection. Further, the exposure must be in an environment that is conducive to fungal survival. Fungi usually love to grow in warm moist environments.
Fungus infection of Nails
Infection of nails by fungus is very common. Fungi usually infect one nail but multiple nail involvement can occur. Infection of the nail by fungus is medically known as onchymycosis. Fungus which infect nails belong to the group called dermatophytes. However, other yeast and molds can also be responsible for fungal infection of nails.
When the fungus infects nail(s), it usually starts as a small whitish or yellow tinge under the tip of finger or toenail. With time, the nail become hard, thickens, and starts to crumble along the edges. Pain is a delayed complaint but most people are embarrassed about the poor cosmesis caused by the infection. In most cases, fungal infection makes the nail looks like crap.
Fungus infections typically are more common in individuals who have their hands and feet continually exposed to moist environments like water, shower rooms, swimming pool floors and hot humid shoes.
One has to be aware that the nail fungus is quite different from fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The latter generally only infects skin of the foot but sometimes may also infect the nail. Fungal nail infections are very difficult to treat and even when treatment is successful, recurrence are common. Unlike the past, today, we do have some decent medications that can help cure nail fungus infections. On cyberspace, there are hundreds of treatments for fungal nail infections—this should immediately tell the consumer that there is no ideal treatment for the infection and most treatments fall into the category of scams.
When the fungus infects nail(s), it usually starts as a small whitish or yellow tinge under the tip of finger or toenail. With time, the nail become hard, thickens, and starts to crumble along the edges. Pain is a delayed complaint but most people are embarrassed about the poor cosmesis caused by the infection. In most cases, fungal infection makes the nail looks like crap.
Fungus infections typically are more common in individuals who have their hands and feet continually exposed to moist environments like water, shower rooms, swimming pool floors and hot humid shoes.
One has to be aware that the nail fungus is quite different from fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The latter generally only infects skin of the foot but sometimes may also infect the nail. Fungal nail infections are very difficult to treat and even when treatment is successful, recurrence are common. Unlike the past, today, we do have some decent medications that can help cure nail fungus infections. On cyberspace, there are hundreds of treatments for fungal nail infections—this should immediately tell the consumer that there is no ideal treatment for the infection and most treatments fall into the category of scams.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Why do i keep on developing split fingernails? part 2
Prevention
If you are continually washing dishes or work in an environment where your hands are in constant contact with water, wear rubber gloves. Any gloves will do as long as they prevent water contact. Be careful of latex allergy and buy latex free gloves.
If you love to sit in the tub and have long baths, this can also lead to split nails. So cut down the time spent in water.
Do not use nail polish remover more than 1-2 times every 4 weeks. If you do have a habit of changing nail polish every week, then buy a nail polish remover without acetone. These removers do not work great but you will not develop split fingernails.
If you have split fingernails and love manicures, then you are out of luck. Manicurist and technicians at spas use a wide variety of chemicals that damage nails. So limit the number of manicures you have.
Get in the habit of using a moisturizing cream on your hands and nails at least twice a day and every time you wash your hands. Please do not believe the hog wash by beauticians and other health care workers who tell you to buy expensive creams containing vitamin, minerals, metals, tea extracts and so on. All these products do nothing and are expensive. Just use a simply moisturizer without fragrance. Baby oil is as good as anything out on the market.
Maintain good nail hygiene and keep your nails trimmed
If you develop split finger bails, there are many types of nail glues and clear polish available. Nail glues do work fine but need a polish to make the texture smooth. There are hundreds of nail polishes and glues. It really makes no difference what you use.
Diet: There is zero evidence that split nails are from lack of vitamins or minerals. So please do not go and buy herbs and nutrients to supplement your diet. If you feel that you need more vitamins in your diet, just buy some decent fruit. Eating fruit is better, safer, and more delicious than any health supplement. It is also cheaper.
If you are continually washing dishes or work in an environment where your hands are in constant contact with water, wear rubber gloves. Any gloves will do as long as they prevent water contact. Be careful of latex allergy and buy latex free gloves.
If you love to sit in the tub and have long baths, this can also lead to split nails. So cut down the time spent in water.
Do not use nail polish remover more than 1-2 times every 4 weeks. If you do have a habit of changing nail polish every week, then buy a nail polish remover without acetone. These removers do not work great but you will not develop split fingernails.
If you have split fingernails and love manicures, then you are out of luck. Manicurist and technicians at spas use a wide variety of chemicals that damage nails. So limit the number of manicures you have.
Get in the habit of using a moisturizing cream on your hands and nails at least twice a day and every time you wash your hands. Please do not believe the hog wash by beauticians and other health care workers who tell you to buy expensive creams containing vitamin, minerals, metals, tea extracts and so on. All these products do nothing and are expensive. Just use a simply moisturizer without fragrance. Baby oil is as good as anything out on the market.
Maintain good nail hygiene and keep your nails trimmed
If you develop split finger bails, there are many types of nail glues and clear polish available. Nail glues do work fine but need a polish to make the texture smooth. There are hundreds of nail polishes and glues. It really makes no difference what you use.
Diet: There is zero evidence that split nails are from lack of vitamins or minerals. So please do not go and buy herbs and nutrients to supplement your diet. If you feel that you need more vitamins in your diet, just buy some decent fruit. Eating fruit is better, safer, and more delicious than any health supplement. It is also cheaper.
Why do I keep on developing split fingernails?
The consumer should know one fact- split finger nails are not a sign of vitamin, mineral or any type of nutritional deficiency. Anyone who does make such a claim is talking from their backside. So stop wasting your time and money on herbs, minerals, lotions, potions and other gimmicks.
In the majority of cases, split fingernails are due to repetitive trauma of nails or prolonged contact with water. Individuals who continually wash dishes or those involved in occupations with water often develop split fingernails. In USA, the most common cause of split fingernails in female is excess use of nail polish removers that contain solvents like acetone. Acetone can destroy metal so just imagine what it can do to your pretty nails.
To prevent split fingernails you have to be gentle with your nails. There is no need to go and see any professional therapist or a health care worker and waste your money. You can easily treat and prevent split fingernails with easy home care remedies.
In the majority of cases, split fingernails are due to repetitive trauma of nails or prolonged contact with water. Individuals who continually wash dishes or those involved in occupations with water often develop split fingernails. In USA, the most common cause of split fingernails in female is excess use of nail polish removers that contain solvents like acetone. Acetone can destroy metal so just imagine what it can do to your pretty nails.
To prevent split fingernails you have to be gentle with your nails. There is no need to go and see any professional therapist or a health care worker and waste your money. You can easily treat and prevent split fingernails with easy home care remedies.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Can one prevent ingrown toenails?
Yes, ingrown toenails can be prevented.
Trimming your nails should be done in a proper way. Always cut nails straight across. If you make curves and waves, chances are that the nail will start to grow unevenly and grow into soft tissues. Nails outline is not supposed to match shape of toe. Nails should be cut so that you toe is covered.
Pedicure. If you have your nails cut at spa, tell the technician to cut them straight. If you are diabetic, you should not go to any technician or a spa. Better go to a podiatrist. Even a small nick in skin can lead to a serious infection. Do not muck around with your nails at home if you have no idea what to do To help prevent Onychocryptosis, toenails should be cut straight across and not pointed or too short. Avoid making the corners round.
Keep proper nail length. Cutting nails too short or too long can lead to ingrown toenails. So keep the length just right. The nail when cut should be flush with edge of the skin. If nails are left too long, they will start to grow in your flesh once you wear shoes.
Wearing proper shoes is the keep to preventing ingrown toenails. Tight fitting shoes crowd out the toes and push nails inside the flesh. This is a common problem in women who wear high heel shoes. High heel shoes are sexy and nice but there is a price to pay for looking good. If you want to look good and still wear high heel shoes, buy comfortable shoes that fit.
Once you have developed an ingrown toes nail, wear sandals, or open slippers. Wearing tight fitting shoes in the presence of an ingrown toenail only makes the condition worse.
Trimming your nails should be done in a proper way. Always cut nails straight across. If you make curves and waves, chances are that the nail will start to grow unevenly and grow into soft tissues. Nails outline is not supposed to match shape of toe. Nails should be cut so that you toe is covered.
Pedicure. If you have your nails cut at spa, tell the technician to cut them straight. If you are diabetic, you should not go to any technician or a spa. Better go to a podiatrist. Even a small nick in skin can lead to a serious infection. Do not muck around with your nails at home if you have no idea what to do To help prevent Onychocryptosis, toenails should be cut straight across and not pointed or too short. Avoid making the corners round.
Keep proper nail length. Cutting nails too short or too long can lead to ingrown toenails. So keep the length just right. The nail when cut should be flush with edge of the skin. If nails are left too long, they will start to grow in your flesh once you wear shoes.
Wearing proper shoes is the keep to preventing ingrown toenails. Tight fitting shoes crowd out the toes and push nails inside the flesh. This is a common problem in women who wear high heel shoes. High heel shoes are sexy and nice but there is a price to pay for looking good. If you want to look good and still wear high heel shoes, buy comfortable shoes that fit.
Once you have developed an ingrown toes nail, wear sandals, or open slippers. Wearing tight fitting shoes in the presence of an ingrown toenail only makes the condition worse.
Home Care Treatment for Ingrown Toe Nails
For those who have no time to see a physician and have an ingrown toenail, the following may help:
Soak your feet for 15-20 mins twice a day in warm water. There is no need to add salt or any other anti septic to the water. The water will soften the nail, relieve pain, and reduce redness.
If there is room, you may place a small piece of gauze underneath the nail. This is not very easy and the gauze will keep on falling out. Moreover, when the nail is tender you may not be able to stuff the gauze inside. If you can get the gauze inside the nail, change it daily
If there is no infection, avoid antibiotic
Wear decent shoes. Sandals are preferred. If you go back to wearing high heels, then you deserve the pain from ingrown toenails
In most cases, the pain is mild but can be moderate while wearing shoes. Advil or Motrin is sufficient for most individuals
Take good care of your feet and practice good hygiene. We live in a society where almost everyone worries about their face and not their feet. However, if you are a diabetic your feet should be the most important part of your body.
Soak your feet for 15-20 mins twice a day in warm water. There is no need to add salt or any other anti septic to the water. The water will soften the nail, relieve pain, and reduce redness.
If there is room, you may place a small piece of gauze underneath the nail. This is not very easy and the gauze will keep on falling out. Moreover, when the nail is tender you may not be able to stuff the gauze inside. If you can get the gauze inside the nail, change it daily
If there is no infection, avoid antibiotic
Wear decent shoes. Sandals are preferred. If you go back to wearing high heels, then you deserve the pain from ingrown toenails
In most cases, the pain is mild but can be moderate while wearing shoes. Advil or Motrin is sufficient for most individuals
Take good care of your feet and practice good hygiene. We live in a society where almost everyone worries about their face and not their feet. However, if you are a diabetic your feet should be the most important part of your body.
Ingrown Toe Nail: recurrence
Recurrence
At least 10-60% of individuals who have partial avulsion of nail or those managed conservatively develop recurrence. Once recurrence has occurred, it is recommended that the nail be completely removed and the nail matrix be treated chemically. Some physicians may use heat, laser, or cryotherapy to treat the nail matrix.
Who should not undergo surgical removal of ingrown toenail?
Those individuals who have:
- Allergy to local anesthetics
- Bleeding disorders
- Are pregnant and if phenol use is considered.
All patients undergoing toenail surgery should receive appropriate education regarding postoperative care.
If the toenail is healing poorly after a few weeks, an x ray is warranted, In such case, it is most likely that the physician has used too much heat or laser and has damaged the nail matrix.
Consumers should understand that once an ingrown nail is removed, it will take time to grow a new nail but the appearance will be very similar to a normal nail.
At least 10-60% of individuals who have partial avulsion of nail or those managed conservatively develop recurrence. Once recurrence has occurred, it is recommended that the nail be completely removed and the nail matrix be treated chemically. Some physicians may use heat, laser, or cryotherapy to treat the nail matrix.
Who should not undergo surgical removal of ingrown toenail?
Those individuals who have:
- Allergy to local anesthetics
- Bleeding disorders
- Are pregnant and if phenol use is considered.
All patients undergoing toenail surgery should receive appropriate education regarding postoperative care.
If the toenail is healing poorly after a few weeks, an x ray is warranted, In such case, it is most likely that the physician has used too much heat or laser and has damaged the nail matrix.
Consumers should understand that once an ingrown nail is removed, it will take time to grow a new nail but the appearance will be very similar to a normal nail.
Ingrown Toe Nail: Diagnosis & Treatment
How is the condition diagnosed?
In all cases, the diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is based on a physical exam. There is no need of X rays or any radiological study, unless your doctor is incompetent or your doctor knows you have very good medical insurance.
Treatment
The treatment of an ingrown toe nail is not difficult. Simple changes in lifestyle and basic home remedies can save you lots of unnecessary visit to the physician and money.
Conservative approaches to treatment of mild to moderate ingrown toenail include:
For those who have mild ingrown toenail, soak your foot regularly in water and avoid tight shoes. This is an absolute must. None of the treatments will work if you continue to wear tight fitting shoes.
If there is no redness or drainage, there is no need for an antibiotic
Cotton wisps underneath the nail. When there is an obvious ingrown nail, one can place tiny gauze or cotton under the nail to separate it from overlying skin. This will help the nail grow above the skin edge. This technique usually does not work because in most cases, the nail has already buried itself deep in the flesh
When home remedies fail, one needs to see a physician.
When conservative therapy fails for initial management of moderate to severe onychocryptosis, surgical treatments may be required. This involves partial nail avulsion or complete nail excision with or without a chemical (phenolization).
Nail removal may be complete or partial. The toe is numbed and the doctor may remove the complete nail or just partially avulse it.
In individual who have had recurrent problems with ingrown toenails, it is best to remove the entire nail. The new nail will then grow without problems. The procedure sounds painful but it is not if adequate anesthetic is administered. The nail can be removed with scissors, laser or chemically (lasers just cost more but instrument removal produces the same result).
If there is no evidence of any infection, no antibiotics are required after nail removal
In all cases, the diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is based on a physical exam. There is no need of X rays or any radiological study, unless your doctor is incompetent or your doctor knows you have very good medical insurance.
Treatment
The treatment of an ingrown toe nail is not difficult. Simple changes in lifestyle and basic home remedies can save you lots of unnecessary visit to the physician and money.
Conservative approaches to treatment of mild to moderate ingrown toenail include:
For those who have mild ingrown toenail, soak your foot regularly in water and avoid tight shoes. This is an absolute must. None of the treatments will work if you continue to wear tight fitting shoes.
If there is no redness or drainage, there is no need for an antibiotic
Cotton wisps underneath the nail. When there is an obvious ingrown nail, one can place tiny gauze or cotton under the nail to separate it from overlying skin. This will help the nail grow above the skin edge. This technique usually does not work because in most cases, the nail has already buried itself deep in the flesh
When home remedies fail, one needs to see a physician.
When conservative therapy fails for initial management of moderate to severe onychocryptosis, surgical treatments may be required. This involves partial nail avulsion or complete nail excision with or without a chemical (phenolization).
Nail removal may be complete or partial. The toe is numbed and the doctor may remove the complete nail or just partially avulse it.
In individual who have had recurrent problems with ingrown toenails, it is best to remove the entire nail. The new nail will then grow without problems. The procedure sounds painful but it is not if adequate anesthetic is administered. The nail can be removed with scissors, laser or chemically (lasers just cost more but instrument removal produces the same result).
If there is no evidence of any infection, no antibiotics are required after nail removal
What causes ingrown toenails?
In all cases, the condition arises when nails grows into the flesh of the toe. The most common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Wearing tight fitting shoes (eg high heels)
- Cutting toe nails too short
- Cutting toe nails unevenly
- Injuring skin during clipping of toe nail
- Having curved toe nails
- Anatomical factors
- Repetitive nail trauma
- Genetics
- Excess sweating
- Poor foot hygiene
Other possible risk factors include broaden nail folds and thinner, flatter nails.
Medical disorders that are associated with ingrown toe nails include diabetes, obesity, thyroid, liver and kidney disease- all these disorders are associated with swelling of the foot.
Can an ingrown toe nail cause complications?
Sure, if left untreated, the infection can spread to underlying tissues and bone. This can cause more pain and spread of infection.
In diabetics an ingrown toenail can lead to serious limb threatening complications
Individual who smoke and have poor circulation in their feet can also develop serious infections.
- Wearing tight fitting shoes (eg high heels)
- Cutting toe nails too short
- Cutting toe nails unevenly
- Injuring skin during clipping of toe nail
- Having curved toe nails
- Anatomical factors
- Repetitive nail trauma
- Genetics
- Excess sweating
- Poor foot hygiene
Other possible risk factors include broaden nail folds and thinner, flatter nails.
Medical disorders that are associated with ingrown toe nails include diabetes, obesity, thyroid, liver and kidney disease- all these disorders are associated with swelling of the foot.
Can an ingrown toe nail cause complications?
Sure, if left untreated, the infection can spread to underlying tissues and bone. This can cause more pain and spread of infection.
In diabetics an ingrown toenail can lead to serious limb threatening complications
Individual who smoke and have poor circulation in their feet can also develop serious infections.
Ingrown Toe Nails 101
Ingrown toenails occur in close to 20% of the population. The condition is also known as Onychocryptosis . When the condition is full blown, it present with a painful, red, foul smelling lesion that often involves the big toe.
An ingrown toenail is a common problem in our society. Many consumers routinely visit their physician complaining of an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the toe nail grows into the soft flesh part of toe. Usually the big toe is affected but the disorder can occur in any toe. The most common complaint is pain, redness, swelling, or foul discharge. When the condition is acute, most people have difficulty wearing shoes.
Ingrown toenail can be easily treated at home, but many people let the condition get severe and then the only alternative is help from a physician.
In most individuals, ingrown toenails are a nuisance. However, in diabetics and those with poor blood circulation, an ingrown toenail can cause a serious limb threatening infection.
The typical symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain, which is most common along the side of nail
- The toe is tender to touch
- Redness around the nail
- Swelling of the toe
- Foul smelling discharge can also occur
Consumers who have ingrown toenails can manage the problem at home. However, if you are a diabetic or have severe pain, it is best to let a health professional look at the toe.
An ingrown toenail is a common problem in our society. Many consumers routinely visit their physician complaining of an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the toe nail grows into the soft flesh part of toe. Usually the big toe is affected but the disorder can occur in any toe. The most common complaint is pain, redness, swelling, or foul discharge. When the condition is acute, most people have difficulty wearing shoes.
Ingrown toenail can be easily treated at home, but many people let the condition get severe and then the only alternative is help from a physician.
In most individuals, ingrown toenails are a nuisance. However, in diabetics and those with poor blood circulation, an ingrown toenail can cause a serious limb threatening infection.
The typical symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain, which is most common along the side of nail
- The toe is tender to touch
- Redness around the nail
- Swelling of the toe
- Foul smelling discharge can also occur
Consumers who have ingrown toenails can manage the problem at home. However, if you are a diabetic or have severe pain, it is best to let a health professional look at the toe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)