toenail infections
Toe nail infection is a condition more common in certain groups so it is important that they remain vigilant. Those who wash their hands frequently are at particular risk as constant washing can damage the protective skin at the base of the nail which can allow fungi to enter. This is also true for those that have damaged a nail. Diabetes, poor circulation and general poor levels of health can also increase the chances of developing the condition. Often a nail infection will occur in just one nail although the infection can also be found in several and is usually painless. The nail may also appear thick and discoloured and these symptoms may be the only ones a person experiences. However, the problem can be worse for some sufferers with white patches where the nail has come away from the skin and in some instances the nail may come away altogether. Eventually both the nail and the nail bed may be destroyed which make walking very uncomfortable.
toenail infections
There are a number of different methods that can be used to treat toenail infections and each one depends upon the severity of the condition. The first method is to do nothing at all which is an option if the infection is slight or in one nail. Obviously this decision can be reviewed if the problem becomes worse over time. The second method is to take a course of anti-fungal tablets which will need to be taken for an extended period of time; six weeks for a fingernail infection and around twelve weeks for a toenail infection. The seriousness of the condition is highlighted by the fact that in two out of ten cases the infection will be cleared but the nail will not revert to its previous state. An antifungal treatment paint can also be used for toenail infections although this method is not as successful as tablets and may require up to a year of treatment. In the most serious of circumstances a person may have to have the nail removed. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and will be combined with antifungal treatment. The seriousness of this highlights the fact that a toe nail infection should be dealt with as early as possible to ensure that the nail can be returned to its original state.
Whether a person is taking medication for their condition or not there are a number of useful tips available to ensure that recovery is as quick as possible. People should keep their nails cut short and file down the thickened part of the nail, a separate pair of scissors should be used to cut the infected nail to ensure that infection does not spread to healthy nails leading to more toenail infections and feet should be kept as cool and dry as possible. These tips, combined with the treatments available on the website should ensure that a person does not have to suffer for too long from a toe nail infection.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to treat toenail infections and each one depends upon the severity of the condition. The first method is to do nothing at all which is an option if the infection is slight or in one nail. Obviously this decision can be reviewed if the problem becomes worse over time. The second method is to take a course of anti-fungal tablets which will need to be taken for an extended period of time; six weeks for a fingernail infection and around twelve weeks for a toenail infection. The seriousness of the condition is highlighted by the fact that in two out of ten cases the infection will be cleared but the nail will not revert to its previous state. An antifungal treatment paint can also be used for toenail infections although this method is not as successful as tablets and may require up to a year of treatment. In the most serious of circumstances a person may have to have the nail removed. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and will be combined with antifungal treatment. The seriousness of this highlights the fact that a toe nail infection should be dealt with as early as possible to ensure that the nail can be returned to its original state.
Whether a person is taking medication for their condition or not there are a number of useful tips available to ensure that recovery is as quick as possible. People should keep their nails cut short and file down the thickened part of the nail, a separate pair of scissors should be used to cut the infected nail to ensure that infection does not spread to healthy nails leading to more toenail infections and feet should be kept as cool and dry as possible. These tips, combined with the treatments available on the website should ensure that a person does not have to suffer for too long from a toe nail infection.