Fungal Nail Infections  

Fungus growing around or in your fingernails or toenails will cause infections. Toenail infections are the most common form of nail infections and can often start foot infections.

If you are rough on your feet, have deformed nails or other diseases of the nail, have a compromised immune system, wear shoes that cut air off from the feet or walk around with moist socks and skin for extended periods of time, you are asking for a case of a fungal nail infection. And be careful when getting pedicures. Doctors recommend bringing your own instruments for yourself because of the risk of nail infections.

Okay so if you have any of the following happening to your toenail, oftentimes the “big” toe, see your health care provider: your nail edges are crumbling; there is debris trapped under your nail; brittleness; loss of shine; change in nail shape; loosening or lifting of the nail; thickening of the nail, or white or yellow streaks on the sides of the nail. You may be lucky and just be at the start of a toenail infection. Or you may not be so lucky.

Unfortunately, OTC meds typically don’t work on toenail infections caused by fungus. With this type of infection, oral anti-fungal medications are usually prescribed for two to four months; or a shorter period of time for fingernails. The course of meds is a long one because nails grow slowly and it takes time for the medication to work. Laser treatments may work but sometimes the infection is so entrenched that toenail removal is recommended. So any infection needs to be treated aggressively to prevent the easy spread of it.

There you go, got an itchy foot, beware, this is the season for athlete’s foot. Wear flip flops in moist, warm places and take a chronic foot itch seriously as it could easily spread to toenails or to hands, the groin, or head. Wash your feet often and keep them dry; same with your hands. Keep this information in mind and your sunning months by the pool will be worry free.