As spring and summer approach, many people become more active outdoors and sandals are a part of the season’s shoe fashion. Everyone will notice thickened, discolored toenails when sandals are on the market. These unattractive nail changes can be a cosmetic problem for many people.

Infections

These changes are likely to be a sign of an infection that must be treated. This is a fungus infection. We will be discussing how it developed and how to treat it. Fungus is a microscopic organism found all around us. It can be found all over the environment in a variety forms and on many surfaces.

The larger forms of these organisms are often eaten when mushrooms are added to our pizzas and salads. Skin fungus is most commonly found in humid, warm, and dark environments. These environments include our shoes as well as public showers, locker rooms, and public bathrooms. A ‘dermatophyte is the most common type of fungus that invades foot skin and nails.

Fungal infection

However, yeast can also invade these tissues. Once the fungus has established itself, it will begin to grow on the skin. This is known as Athlete’s Foot. The fungus can spread to the skin tissue around the nail and the bottom of the feet. The fungus can only penetrate the nail tissue through a small crack or area of damage. Once that happens, it will then establish its home under the nail. This is where the fungus thrives.

The nail’s bottom serves as a scaffold for the fungus to multiply. The nail tissue is destroyed, resulting in thickening, crumbling and loosening. During this process, the nail can also become discolored. The color can range from a light white dusting to a deep yellow or brown stain. A odor can also occur, which is remarkably similar to urine smell after eating asparagus.

Nails

Sometimes, the nail can become loose due to the destructive changes and fall off completely or partially. Although the nail will grow back, the infection will not go away. Nail fungus can be difficult to treat from a medical standpoint and can take a while. The skin fungus can be treated with an antifungal cream or lotion. However, nail infections are more difficult to treat. The problem lies under the nail, where the fungus is most likely to be found.

Nail tissue provides protection, so water-based creams and lotions cannot penetrate it. The medication cannot be delivered to the area of infection if the nail tissue is not accessible. The bottom line is that store-bought nail medication is not effective for nail fungus. It can only be advertised for use ‘around the nail’, which means the skin.

Despite claims to the contrary, traditional remedies such as tea tree oil have not been scientifically proven to be effective.

Treatments

Nail fungus can be treated with an oral prescription medication that circulates in the blood stream. It is delivered to the area of infection via the blood supply from the skin underneath, bypassing the nail. To prevent nail re-invasion, the medication must be used for at least three months. The skin around the nail must also be treated for a longer time. Although there are no known risks to the liver, this medication is safe.

This medication is not effective for the yeast-related nail fungus. Topical medications that are designed to penetrate the nail can be used as an alternative to oral medication. Although they are not as effective than oral medication, they can safely deliver anti-fungal medication through your nail plate without causing any damage to your internal organs. They are effective against yeast strains. One medication is prescription lacquer and the other is distributed through physician’s offices.

Final note

The company that distributes this medication also offers a money back guarantee if it doesn’t work. Each of these medications must be used for at most six to eight months before you can achieve fungus eradication. Permanent removal of the nail is another option to remove nail fungus. This is a great option if the nail is extremely thick, diseased, or painful. It is unlikely that the nail will ever return to its normal shape, even if it is treated. The procedure is performed in the office of a foot specialist. There is little to no pain afterward and a quick recovery.

Nail fungus will not disappear on its own without treatment. The infection is more common in certain people, probably due to genetic factors. Even individual nails can become infected. This is evident by fungus sometimes slipping over nails to infect others. Early treatment may increase the chance of the infection being cured. However, it is important to protect the nail after treatment in order to avoid a recurrence. Not all nail discoloration and thickness are caused by fungus. In many cases, a nail can be assumed to have fungus if it is abnormal due to pressure or another disease. A dermatologist or podiatrist is the best qualified to evaluate the nail and formulate a treatment plan. Anti-fungal medication won’t improve the appearance of nails that aren’t infected with fungus. It will also waste your time and money.