Toenail Fungus – Can Be Embarrassing - Seek
Help
Do you
suffer from a strange odor coming from your feet and more
specifically your toes?
Could your foot odor be
something more than athlete's foot? Breathe a sigh of
relief the condition may be one called toenail
fungus.
Toenail fungus is also
called onychomycosis, and is a common condition that destroys
the toenail.
Fungal infection in the
toenail can be difficult to cure. Fungus thrives in the dark
and having your feet in shoes that are closed toe can also
allow fungus to begin in your toes. Toenail fungus grows in the
nail bed, where the toenail meets the skin.
When you are experiencing symptoms such as a
discolored nail color such as a yellow or brown color, foul
smell coming from under the toenail, on the side and tip of
toenail and pain in the toe, you are likely to have a fungal
infection. You will often begin to notice your toes can become
painful when wearing closed toe shoes because the toenail has
become so thick.
Toenail fungus can be cured but is difficult
to cure if left untreated. It is recommended that you seek the
care of your primary care physician or podiatrist immediately
to prevent losing your toenail. Toenail fungus grows slowly and
is not contagious.
Anti-Fungal medications usually suppress the
infection when taken as directed by your doctor. Anti-fungal
creams to the nail can be effective in the early stages of a
toenail fungus but if you have left the fungus untreated then
the anti-fungal cream might not be able to reach the nail
bed.
Your primary care physician or podiatrist
might recommend that you keep the hygiene of your feet in good
condition, keep your feet dry, and avoid closed toe shoes made
of synthetic materials so that your feet and toes can breathe.
Treatment may begin with your doctor removing a portion of the
infected area with clippers or dissolve the infected area by
bifonazole.
If the infection is a relatively small area
your doctor may prescribe medicated nail polish containing
amorolfine. Use as directed by your doctor, however, the nail
polish is normally applied twice a week until the nail is free
from infection or fungus. If the infection has spread into a
larger area or onto several nails, your doctor may prescribe
anti-fungal medications and oral medications that will need to
be taken consistently over three months in order to ultimately
rid yourself completely of the toenail fungus.
People might not want to admit they have a
toenail fungus because it can be embarrassing
but seek treatment immediately. Don't allow the fungus to over
take your feet!
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