Advice on Toe Nail Fungus

Deep down inside your shoes may lurk the toe nail fungus known as onychomycosis. Here's some tips for recognizing and combatting this foe of the feet.

The problem is commonly identified by any combination of common symptoms which include:

  • Unusual thickening of the nail
  • Brown or yellow toenail discoloration.
  • A foul-smelling accumulation of dead skin that accumulates under the nail and along its edges.
  • Brittle or crumbling toenails

These infections are very common. And, like its' cousin, athlete's foot, this affliction can be caused by walking barefoot in areas where people who have toe nail fungus congregate like locker rooms and pool dressing rooms.

The fungi that cause this infection thrive in the moist and warm confines of your shoes and hate sunlight and fresh air. Once one toe nail becomes infected it is likely that the rest will succumb.

If you think that you have this problem, a trip to the doctor is in order. Your doctor will examine your feet and nails and attempt to trim away as much of the infected area as possible.

It is likely that the doctor will send some of these trimmings out for a lab exam. If the lab tests confirm that you have a toe nail fungus, your doctor will order an antibiotic treatment.

The most common treatment is a medicated toenail polish made of either amorolfine or ciclopirox. You simply apply this medication to the affected areas once or twice a week.

More serious toe nail infections may require the addition of an oral medication like itraconazole or terbinafine. You usually need to take these medications every day for twelve weeks. Never stop the treatment before the end of the prescribed period or the infection will likely return and be immune to further treatment by the prescribed medications.

You can do a lot to avoid toe nail fungus infection in the first place by following these tips:

  • Wear shower shoes when using any public locker room or other facility where people who may be infected walk barefoot.
  • Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, and considering using a medicated foot powder to absorb moisture. You can also use pure cornstarch to facilitate drying even though is has no medicinal properties.
  • Wear clean socks each day and avoid synthetic fabrics which do not wick moisture away from your feet and block air circulation. Cotton socks are best.
  • Don't share your pedicure instruments with others and insist that tools be sterilized if you get your toenails done at a nail salon.
  • Finally, you can help avoid this foe of the feet by wearing shoes that are not too tight and do not cramp your toes together in a sweaty mass where no air can circulate.

Toe nail fungus is no fun but it isn't fatal. Toe nail fungus can make your feet smell really bad, however, and can drive you insane with itching!