Fungal infection is a particularly common condition in the toenails (as compared to finger nails) due to the less than ideal environment the toes are exposed to. Wearing tight-fitting, moist shoes predisposes one to fungal infection. When infected, toenails are harder to treat than fingernails because they have a slower growth and are subjected to more pressure. If struggling with this condition, there are some facts regarding fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie residents may find useful.
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.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
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.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
All in all, preventive measures come first in managing these infections and ingrown toenails. People living with diabetes are encouraged to provide proper care of their feet. The area in between the nails should be given enough attention when cleaning. Avoid walking with bare feet in public areas. Also footwear should be free of moisture and if socks are worn, those made of cotton are recommended.
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.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
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.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
All in all, preventive measures come first in managing these infections and ingrown toenails. People living with diabetes are encouraged to provide proper care of their feet. The area in between the nails should be given enough attention when cleaning. Avoid walking with bare feet in public areas. Also footwear should be free of moisture and if socks are worn, those made of cotton are recommended.
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