Topic of the Month: Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is one of the most common ailments that we see in our practice. It is estimated that 11% of North Americans are afflicted with this medical condition. Although it may not be life threatening, it can be painful, unsightly, and embarrassing.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a living fungal infection of the nail plate. Fungus will grow in damp, dark environments such as under a toenail. It can also grow around pools, showers, and sweaty shoes.
Once the nail becomes infected it will appear thickened, discolored, and sometime brittle. Occasionally, the affected nails will shed or crumble due to the fungal spores.
How do I prevent toenail fungus?
- Natural cotton socks will absorb moisture and keep it away from your feet.
- Always wear flip-flops or water shoes around pools and public showers.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or showering. Don't forget between your toes. (Use a hairdryer if you can't reach)
- Do not share towels or washcloths.
- Wear shoes that breathe. All leather or vinyl shoes tend to cause more sweating.
- Antifungal powder in your shoes.
- Wearing nail polish can encourage fungal growth in the nail.
- Treat athletes foot fungus as quickly as possible to prevent transmission to the nail.
- If your feet sweat, change your socks during the day.
- Keep your feet as dry as possible.
How do I treat toenail fungus?
Once the fungus sets into the nail it can be very difficult to treat. The earlier your treatment is started the better chance you have at curing the condition.
There are prescription internal medications available to treat this condition especially in severe cases. Medications such as Lamisil, Diflucan, and Gris Peg are available to patients that are healthy. However, these medications can have severe side effects and need to be monitored by your podiatrist. These medications can also be very costly and are not always covered by health insurance.
We also offer topical medications in our practice to treat nail fungus. These liquid medications have no side effects and are very safe to sue. Topical treatment should always be combined with trimming and filing of the nail by your podiatrist to increase the effectiveness of the medication. This treatment can be very effective if the fungus is caught early and treated aggressively.
You may have heard of many home remedies for nail fungus such as: Vicks petroleum, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, Listerine, Oregano, Olive oil and Sesame oil. There have not been any scientific studies to prove any of these remedies to be effective.
If you think you may have nail fungus please call the office as soon as possible so that we can start your treatment program right away and get your feet and your nails back to good heath.
**We may soon be offering an all-natural antifungal nail polish at Main Street Foot and Ankle, which will allow you to continue your treatment in the sandal weather.
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