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Toenail Fungus
The toenail fungus is very common. Like other fungal foot infections (athlete's foot), it's thought that the fungus can be picked up while walking barefoot in locker rooms or public shower facilities. The toenail fungus grows in the nail bed, where the nail meets the skin. The fungus grows slowly and does not spread to internal organs.
The main symptoms of toenail fungus are:
- Brownish or yellowish discoloration of the nail
- Brittle crumbling or breakage of the nail
- Change in nail texture and growth
- Thickening of the nail
Once you have toenail fungus it can easily spread to your other toenails. Toenail fungus is not commonly contagious or spread easily between people. The fungus grows in people whose bodies "allow" the nail fungus to become established without mounting an immune response to suppress the toenail fungus. We know of no ways to boost your immune system to make fungal infections less likely.
Toenail fungus preventionYou can prevent getting a toenail fungus by doing the following:
- Keeping your feet dry, avoiding constant moisture
- Avoid non porous, closed shoes made of synthetic materials
- Wearing absorbent socks
- Wearing water proof sandals when in public showers
Toenail fungus treatmentIf you have toenail fungus you have to visit your healthcare provider. Doctors usually recommend treating fungal nail infections only when such infections cause secondary problems, like pain, recurring ingrown toenails, or secondary bacterial infections of the nails or skin. If the nail infection causes no symptoms, then doctors often will discourage treatment because of the potential side effects, the need to monitor the blood throughout therapy, and the high recurrence rate. Patients with liver or heart disease generally should not take these medications.
Toenail fungus medicationThe toenail fungus medications usually suppress the nail infection when taken as directed. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee permanent cure. At least 1 in 5 patients (20%) and probably more will have a recurrence of the original nail infection at some time, and re-treatment with medication would be necessary.
A fairly new toenail fungus and fingernail fungus medication is Lamisil, a prescription drug. With Lamisil you may see healthier, clearer nails in just 3 months. It's the number 1 prescribed drug for nail fungus, ask your doctor for more information about it.
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