By Harold Fisher Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infection (onychomycosis) and are harder to manage than those of fingernails. Thi...
Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infection (onychomycosis) and are harder to manage than those of fingernails. This is due to the fact that toes are subjected to more pressure by shoes and walking. Wearing shoes that are too small for your feet and not keeping your feet dry are the major reasons for infection with fungi. There are several facts on fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie patients may be interested in If suffering from any of these conditions.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
In grown nails(or onychocryptosis) may also be caused by wearing undersize shoes. Cutting the nails too short or without an accurate straight outline is another well-known risk factor. Research has shown that some people are naturally born with nails that tend to grow inwards. Other causes include repeated trauma, especially amongst sportsmen, obesity and excessive sweating between toes and fingers.
Abnormal discolouration of nails is one common pointer to fungal infection. The nails may be brittle and some of them appear eaten up. The affected individual may also experience redness, swelling and oozing of pus from the affected site. The condition is usually a clinical diagnosis but can be confirmed through a laboratory test that entails the scraping of dead tissues from the affected nail and examining under the microscope. This also helps in ruling out other conditions such as tumours .
Treatment of ingrown nails begins with home remedies such as soaking the nails in warm water that contains a small amount of vinegar for ten to twenty minutes on a daily basis. Some may opt to use an alcohol soaked piece of cotton wool put at the corner of the affected nail. Drugs come in handy when there is evidence of inflammation or infection. Sometimes, simply letting your nails grow out first before trimming helps a great deal in controlling this condition.
Another home remedy that has been shown to have satisfactory results is soaking the toes or fingers in a solution of warm water and vinegar for about fifteen minutes every single day until you achieve desired results. Alternatively, one can soak cotton wool in alcohol and position it at the corner of the ingrown nail. Medication against inflammation can also be used as part of supportive therapy.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
In grown nails(or onychocryptosis) may also be caused by wearing undersize shoes. Cutting the nails too short or without an accurate straight outline is another well-known risk factor. Research has shown that some people are naturally born with nails that tend to grow inwards. Other causes include repeated trauma, especially amongst sportsmen, obesity and excessive sweating between toes and fingers.
Abnormal discolouration of nails is one common pointer to fungal infection. The nails may be brittle and some of them appear eaten up. The affected individual may also experience redness, swelling and oozing of pus from the affected site. The condition is usually a clinical diagnosis but can be confirmed through a laboratory test that entails the scraping of dead tissues from the affected nail and examining under the microscope. This also helps in ruling out other conditions such as tumours .
Treatment of ingrown nails begins with home remedies such as soaking the nails in warm water that contains a small amount of vinegar for ten to twenty minutes on a daily basis. Some may opt to use an alcohol soaked piece of cotton wool put at the corner of the affected nail. Drugs come in handy when there is evidence of inflammation or infection. Sometimes, simply letting your nails grow out first before trimming helps a great deal in controlling this condition.
Another home remedy that has been shown to have satisfactory results is soaking the toes or fingers in a solution of warm water and vinegar for about fifteen minutes every single day until you achieve desired results. Alternatively, one can soak cotton wool in alcohol and position it at the corner of the ingrown nail. Medication against inflammation can also be used as part of supportive therapy.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
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