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.
A number of factors contribute to the infection. Among them is a break in the skin around the nails which provides an entry point for the fungal cells. Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting presses on the feet and impairs circulation. Too much tension can also result in ulceration with further spread of infection. People with diabetes can easily get nail fungus (also termed onychomycosis) if they do not give proper care to their feet.
Onychocryptosis, simply referred to as ingrown nails, is caused by using the wrong technique to cut off those extra overhanging edges. It is wrong to dig into the skin when trimming. Also, it is important that one pays extra attention when shaping the nails. Ideally, nails should be trimmed in a straight line, without any curving at the corners. In growing has also been found to be common among people who wear improper sizes of shoes.
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.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
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.
A number of factors contribute to the infection. Among them is a break in the skin around the nails which provides an entry point for the fungal cells. Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting presses on the feet and impairs circulation. Too much tension can also result in ulceration with further spread of infection. People with diabetes can easily get nail fungus (also termed onychomycosis) if they do not give proper care to their feet.
Onychocryptosis, simply referred to as ingrown nails, is caused by using the wrong technique to cut off those extra overhanging edges. It is wrong to dig into the skin when trimming. Also, it is important that one pays extra attention when shaping the nails. Ideally, nails should be trimmed in a straight line, without any curving at the corners. In growing has also been found to be common among people who wear improper sizes of shoes.
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.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
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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