Nail fungus is a typical condition that starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the contagious infections worsen, nail fungus might make your nail stain, thicken, and disintegrate at the edge. This can influence multiple nails.
If your nail fungus is not affecting you, no treatment may be warranted. If your nail fungus is painful and affecting daily life, you may need to seek at home or professional treatment.
Treatment of Nail Fungus:
There is a variety of at-home treatments such as topical creams, oils, and other remedies that have not proven to effectively get rid of nail fungus. Seeing a podiatrist will decrease the chances of spreading the fungus to other nails. The following are treatment options that podiatrist will complete:
- Trimming infected nail and scraping away any affected part under the nail
- Application of topical medications to nail
- Oral medication if needed for more aggressive treatment
- Nail removal for severe cases
Preventions of Nail Fungus:
There are different measures that can stop the growth of nail fungus or prevent the fungus to grow from the start. Following are some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of fungal infection of nails:
- Keep your feet dry and clean. Wash them every day and properly dry them afterwards.
- Trim nails straight across, smooth the edges with a grind and scrape down the thickened areas. Clean your nail trimmers after each use.
- Change your socks and shoes daily
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as gyms, pools, etc.
- Clean your nail clippers and filers often with alcohol
- Check your toenails and feet often
