Onychomycosis refers to a fungus infection, affecting either the toenail or fingernail. Toenail fungus is much more common than fingernail fungus. Once you recognize that you have a nail fungus, it is very important to start treatment immediately before the fungus gets worse and spreads. Although many people do not believe fungus is a serious problem, if left untreated it can become quite painful and embarrassing.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

• Nail becomes thick and overgrown.
• Debris collect under the nail.
• Nail turns yellow or brownish.
• Nails have a foul odor.
• If left untreated, the nail mail crumble and fall off.
• Nails become painful if left untreated.
• The nail separates from the nail bed

How common are toenail fungus infections

Toenail fungus is very common, and any can get it. It is estimated that 4-16% of the people worldwide are affected. Children rarely get it, and it is estimated that about half of all people age 70 or older have at least one toenail that is affected.

Causes of toenail fungus

Once a fungus gets under the toenail, they can be difficult to get rid of. Several factors can increase your chances of getting nail fungus.

Wearing tightly-fitting shoes or tight hosiery will increase the chances of getting toenail fungus. Having multiple layers of nail polish doesn’t allow the nail to breath, and can increase the risk of having nail fungus. Common places to pick up toenail fungus include locker room floors and showers.

You need to be extra careful when you are cutting your nails. Cutting them too low makes it easier for a fungus to get under them. Nail biting also can weaken the nails and make it easier for a fungus to get under them.

How to prevent toenail fungus

There are several things you can do to reduce the chances of getting a toenail fungus. They include:

• Keep your nails well groomed, and file down any sharp areas.
• Do not share a nail trimmer or file with anyone. If you get manicures or pedicures, bring your own clippers and files.
• Wear comfortable loose shoes. Pointed shoes push the toes together and increase the chances of a fungus.
• Do not walk barefoot in public locker rooms or showers.
• Change your sock whenever they become damp. Wear clean socks every day.
• Wear a different pair of shoes each day.
• Using a foot powder in your socks will help to keep your feet dry.

Nail fungus treatment

There are both over the counter and prescription treatments that are very effective for treating nail fungus. Also, there are many “home remedies”. For the most part, home remedies are such as vinegar, tea tree oil or bleach are ineffective. We recommend using a proven medication to eliminate the problem before it spreads. Since many prescription medications have dangerous side effects, we recommend that you consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
About the Author:
This article was written by Scott Mogul, editor for www.healthy-skin-guide.com. For additional skin care information, please visit Healthy Skin Guide.

Onychomycosis is a medical term for a common nail disorder, popularly referred to as toenail fungus. This ailment is caused due to various fungi types and leads to considerable nail damage. The fungus develops in dark and damp surroundings so people wearing tight and closed shoes or women applying multiple nail polish coats are more prone to toenail fungus. That is because the fungus, once formed, thrives by gnawing away at the toenail protein called keratin.

Toenail fungus is a syndrome that happens in at least 2 % to 18% of the world’s population and in about 3% to 5% of Americans. The good news is that it is less likely to affect children under 18, but the older one grows, the more vulnerable they become to this problem. It’s surprising how more than 2.5 million Americans suffering from this malady, despite their podiatrist’s advice, think it insignificant to get treated. Probably it is not yet considered a dreadful problem but the fact is that the fungus is contagious and can spread from one foot to the other. The infection is more evident in public areas like gym locker rooms or inside showers, in people like athletes and military staff or those suffering from health disabilities like HIV etc.

The Symptoms:

The most visible symptoms of an infected toenail are its yellowish or brown colour and its unnatural thickness. A malodorous pile of dirt settles within and as the situation worsens, the nail becomes brittle and dry and ultimately peels off. Thus, as soon as either of these syndromes make themselves obvious, it’s crucial to get a diagnosis and an opinion from a specialist. The doctor will consider various factors like your occupation, the style of your shoes, foot hygiene habits, chronic illnesses etc. to assure himself that it is toenail fungus and not psoriasis of the nail. Samples of your nail will be scrutinized via a lab test for the fungi.

Prevention:

The fungus usually does not heal by itself, but stays on for a very long time till the nail falls off. But in most cases even the newly growing nail is infected as well. The best way to avoid the mess is to take appropriate preventive measures like:

o Wearing open and comfortable shoes

o Clean your feet daily and apply a good powder to avoid friction

o Ensure that your socks and stockings are hygienic

o Allow the body some breathing space by using suitable and not too tight hosiery o Avoid walking barefoot in public showers and gym locker rooms

o Opt for a regular pedicure and get the toenails trimmed

o Ensure that the tools used for a pedicure are disinfected

Nail Fungus Treatment:

The problem is treated by first eradicating the infected part of the nail. The doctor can either clip it off or dissipate it with a urea and bifonazole paste. In case of a slight infection, one can use a medicated nail varnish consisting of Loceryl (containing amorolfine) or Loprox (containing ciclopirox) that should be used twice weekly. For a more intense contamination, the doctor advises an oral antifungal medicine like Sporanox (containing itraconazole) which can be taken every day for about 3 months. The caveat here is that itraconazole might lead to certain side effects. In the most hopeless of cases, it might become necessary to surgically remove the nail. So, once the treatment has been availed of and even if the fungus has been eradicated, do not expect the nail to recuperate entirely in terms of the aesthetic sense. Also there are chances of a relapse in about 10% to 20% cases.

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About the Author:

Cathy Gates writes on various types of nail fungus. More information available at www.toenail-fungus-treatments.com.

The medical term for toenail fungus is “onychomycosis,” pronounced on * EE * ko * my * ko * sis. Despite the commonly used term “fungal toenails”, onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women.

The prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%. In the 1800s, fungal toenails were very rare. The increased prevalence is linked to the increased exposure to fungus through the use of showering facilities in gyms, the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. There is an increase in occlusive footwear, an increase in sporting activities, an increase in diabetes and increase in age of the general population.

The risk factors for developing toenail fungus are increasing age, male gender, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor hygeine, foot fungus and a compromised immune system.

Athlete’s tend to have a higher rate of fungus infection than non-athletes. The moisture in the shoe combined with repeated nail trauma increases the chance of infection. Hikers, runners, backpackers, soccer, basketball and tennis players, athletes wearing loose fitting shoes that allow jamming of the nails against the shoe and any individual wearing shoes that toe tight are at risk for developing toenail fungus.

There are a number of treatments for onychomycosis. The most aggressive and effective way to treat the fungus is with oral anti-fungal medications. The most common oral anti-fungal medications are Itraconazole (Sporonox ®) and Terbinafine (Lamisil ®). Both medications can be quite expensive as they need to be taken once daily for 3 months. The effectiveness of the medications ranges from 60 to 80%, with a recurrence rate of 15%. Lamisil® appears to be more effective and has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox®.

With both medications there is a long list of benign side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, headache, taste disturbances and dizziness. Serious adverse events are very rare, less than 0.5%, but do include hepatitis and acute hepatic necrosis.

There are many other options besides oral anti-fungal medications. Unfortunately, they are not very effective. The most effective topical medication is Ciclopirox (Penlac ®) lacquer. Some studies have shown cure rates up to 60%, but in my experience the effectiveness is about 10-15%. Side effects occur in less than 2% of patients and include burning and redness around the nail.

This medication is only available by prescription and is also quite expensive. A few other prescription medications that help decrease the thickness of the fungal nails are Carmol® 40 and Keralac® Nail Gel. I would not expect to see complete cures with these products, but they can decrease the thickness and discoloration of the nail in some cases.

There are many home remedies and over the counter products that you can purchase. Some home remedies that can be used include bleach, tea tree oil, grapeseed extract, and Vics VapoRub®. With any home remedy or non-prescription topical, you must understand that the effectiveness of the treatment is fairly low, less than 10%. If you do try one of these therapies make sure to use it every day. Roughen up the nail surface with a file and apply the medication with a q-tip. Bleach can cause skin irritation and some individuals have had skin reactions to the Vics VapoRub®. In general these treatments are considered very safe.

Combination therapy can help increase the effectiveness of the treatment. If you choose to take an oral medication, make sure you use a topical anti-fungal agent as well. Nail removal is also an option. Once the nail is removed, the topicals can reach the nail bed and they become more effective. The nail will grow back in over a period of 8-10 months. Permanent nail removal is reserved for those with chronic ingrown nails, ulceration under the nails or pain from the fungal nails.

The best form of treatment is prevention and preventing the fungus from spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment option. I recommend choosing a topical that you feel comfortable with and use it once a week. No matter which treatment option you choose, you should take the following steps to avoid re-infection.

1. Make sure you rotate your shoes often and keep them in a cool dry place.

2. Change your insoles frequently, and make sure they dry out between use.

3. Place an anti-fungal powder or spray in the shoes to help fight off the fungus.

4. Bleach out the shower on a weekly basis and wash your shower mat regularly in hot water.

5. Make sure your athletic shoes fit well to prevent jamming at the toes. Jamming at the toes leads to microtrauma at the nails and increases the chance for fungal infection.

6. If you belong to a gym or health club, wear sandals in the locker room and don’t walk around barefoot.

7. Don’t keep your shoes in the gym locker where they cannot dry out.

8. If your feet sweat excessively, try using an antiperspirant spray on your feet before your workout.

9. Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t cut too short and cause breaks in the skin. This will increase the chance for fungal infection. Don’t let the toenails grow too long or they will jam against the shoe and cause bleeding under the nail, again increasing the chance for fungal infection.

The bottom line is that treating onychomycosis is very difficult. If you have fungal toenails that cause pressure, pain or infection, consider talking to your doctor about prescription medications or nail removal. Make sure you take precautions to prevent re-infection and take multiple approaches to eradicate the problem. If your fungal toenails are only unsightly and don’t cause any discomfort, try a weekly application of an over the counter topical along with methods to prevent re-infection.

Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of Those Aching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr. Dobrowolski and her book visit http://www.skipublishing.com To learn more about products for toenail fungus visit http://www.northcoastfootcare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Dobrowolski,_DPM

Getting acrylic nails at the saloon can get pretty pricey, as is having them removed there. Thankfully you can do both at home these days. To add your own acrylic nails, purchase a kit in the drugstore. Once you grow tired of them, here’s how to remove them at home.

You can remove acrylic nails two different ways. You can purchase a professional acrylic nail removal kit at your local drug store, or you can invest a dollar or two in a large bottle of nail polish remover. Make sure you buy a kind that has acetone in it, not one of the gentler nail polish removers on the market these days.

Lay out several pages of newspaper on your kitchen table to prevent spills. Keep several paper towels close by as well to wipe off nail polish, dry your hands off and put the acrylic nails on as they come off.

Clip your nails as short as possible to make the process easier. Next apply some petroleum jelly to your fingers (except the nails) to prevent your skin from drying out completely during the soaking.

Pour the entire bottle of nail polish remover in a bowl. Warm it up in the microwave to make the process faster and easier. Soak your fingernails for about 15 to 20 minutes. The acrylic nails should start to come apart from your natural nail at this point. Gently peel them back a little and soak longer if they still seem pretty attached. Repeat this process until you can easily peel the entire acrylic nail off. Don’t force it, or you risk ripping your own nail out of the nail bed, which is very painful.

Wash your hands several times when you’re done to get all the acetone off. Use a good hand moisturizer. The acetone dries your skin out. Your nails will look very rough from the acrylic coming off. Use a nail buffer to smooth them out. They’ll start looking better after a few days.
About the Author:

Visit http://www.LearnHowToRemove.com for a growing library of tips to remove those annoying messes in your life.

Fungal infections are common on both fingernails and toenails. Toenails are more prone to be affected by fungus, as these living organisms thrive in dark damp environments available on the foot than on hand.

When inflicted with toenail fungus, the nails can turn yellowish or have brownish discoloration. They may become thick or brittle over time and break or shed on own. Such kind of nails is unsightly, disfiguring, embarrassing and painful most of the times. Toenail fungus can happen to any one. It is a contagious disease that spreads on contact too…

Abnormal pH level of the skin, trauma to the nail, unhygienic feet and decreased immunity of the body permit this disease.

Avoiding toenail fungus

• The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or wet floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.
• Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating.
• If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.
• Wear shoes that have a comfortable fit and allow plenty of air and moisture to pass through.
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every time. Use a towel vigorously to remove any dead skin and improve circulation.
• Keep your nails cut short, and don’t use nail polish.
• Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.

Toenail fungus remedy

• Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.
• Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.
• Soak your toenails for 15 - 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes.
• Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation.
• Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties.
• Until the growth of the new nail is complete, apply apple cider vinegar 2 or 3 times a day.
• Lather AHA creams onto your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.
About the Author:

Sharon Hopkins has been managing a number of Natural Home Remedies websites having information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and health problems.

Nail fungus is an awful condition that can really be bothersome. It is a condition in which a fungus invades the skin in and around the nail bed. It can happen in either the toes or the fingers and can be quite uncomfortable as well as noticeable. But, there are several things that you can do to fight off these nail fungus problems and it starts with an education about them.

Symptoms Of Nail Fungus

There are several ways to know if you have nail fungus. Nails will change in some way as an indication that there is a problem. Brittleness and discoloration are evident. You will find that nail fungus can also cause a thickening of the nail or even a distortion of the nail’s actual shape. The nail could lose its shine and luster and will often begin to loosen. If you have these conditions, you will want to seek the advice of your family doctor. The doctor will probably simply tell you and begin treatment for nail fungus but a culture will tell for sure if you have a nail fungus.

The Causes Of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is caused by a number of different microorganisms. Most of the time, bacteria or fungi are the main culprits. While a small amount of these organisms is actually good for the body, some will grow quickly and then form infections that lead to conditions such as nail fungus. They feed off of the dead tissues that are found from the hair, nails, and on the skin.

Fungal infections can be caused by mold like fungi. These could be such conditions as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Other fungus is yeast like fungi and would include such conditions as diaper rash, oral thrush and genital rashes. Most of the time, nail fungus happens on the toes and recurs often. It can be picked up from public areas such as swimming pools or shower rooms. Those individuals who sweat a lot have an increased chance of getting and keeping nail fungus infections because they thrive on wet, moist areas.

Treating Nail Fungus

Unfortunately, treating nail fungus is difficult and often is impossible. Many people start with creams thinking that they will work, but unfortunately, they have little chance of fighting off the infection. Oral medications are available to help. Sporanox and Lamisil are two that are commonly given but the side effects of these medications often cause them to be not worth the risk. And, they often will take several months to show any improvement. Still, reoccurrences will happen. The only way for it to be cured is for new, non infected nails to grow in place of the badly infected ones.

It is wise to contact your health care provider to talk about solutions to your nail fungus problems. They can offer input in how to treat and how to overcome these conditions. Complications of nail fungus include permanent damage to the nail itself, skin infections which are secondary as well as the common recurrent nail fungus infections.

The best prevention of nail fungus is proper hygiene. Keeping the skin in the area of the nail fungus clean and dry will help to alleviate some of the inflammations. Take care of the nails and always wash and dry your hands after you have touched the affected area of the body.
About the Author:

For more information on nail fungus visit our site: http://www.livingright.info You’ll also find other great health related information.

Nail fungus is a problem that affects many individuals, each of whom are searching to find a remedy. Lamisil is a widely-publicized, FDA-approved medication that is available in the form of a tablet. Because the nail fungus infection does not actually live on the surface of the nail, but rather underneath it, Lamisil is designed to work through the bloodstream in order to eliminate the infection from the inside.Â

According to the creators of Lamisil, over 17 million Americans have been prescribed Lamisil tablets since 1996 making it the # 1 prescribed nail fungus treatment in the world. Because of its location, nail fungus can be very difficult to treat and may be even more so depending on the severity of the infection. Lamisil tablets are believed to be an effective treatment for nail fungus conditions ranging from mild to severe.Â

The idea behind Lamisil is to go one step further than over-the-counter surface treatments, which are often not able to travel deeply beneath the nail itself in order to effectively eliminate the infection. Because the fungus is located below the nail, it can easily spread to neighboring nails if not treated properly. The creators of Lamisil believe that the fungus underneath the nail is attracted to keratin, which a substance is found in both the nail and skin. In order to make their product effective, Lamisil experts had to develop a medication that contained an ingredient that was also attracted to keratin and could fight against the fungus at the same time.Â

The medicine found in Lamisil tablets is said to remain in the nail bed area for months after the prescribed dosage is gone, which will help to continue fighting against any reoccurring infection. Because Lamisil is designed to remove the infection itself, the end result may be healthier, more beautiful nails. The medication itself is used to eliminate the infection, but is not designed to directly remove the signs of nail fungus. This process must be done naturally and can only be accomplished after the infection is successfully treated. Once free of fungus, the nail will begin to display a shinier, healthy appearance and may be able to regenerate itself completely over time. The length of time needed to accomplish this will depend upon the severity of the infection, which may range anywhere from several months to a year. In some cases, the nail may need additional time to recover if the infection was severe.