Nail Health Care Information

Many people try to confirm their fears of nail fungus infection by comparing their nails to a fingernail fungus picture. While it can be very useful to do this, it is also somewhat dangerous: a photograph doesn’t tell the whole story and other types of nail disease can look similar enough to nail fungus to cause considerable confusion. The best course of action is to have an unhealthy nail examined by a physician.

A physician brings years of experience and medical training to the task of diagnosing infections. He or she also knows something about other nail disorders that give a fingernail fungus picture, but are caused by something else. A physician can take samples and order laboratory tests to get the diagnosis confirmed, or refer you to a specialist if necessary. Your physician may well have pictures of fingernail fungus and other nail disorders that you can study and compare with his or her guidance.

Keeping in mind that a visit to your physician will provide you with information and resources that a fingernail fungus picture never can, you will find many excellent pictures of fingernail fungus on the internet just by typing “nail fungus photo” in the Google search bar. A good site to visit is the Hardin library for Health Sciences at http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/toenailfunguspictures.html. Try to find photographs of other nail disorders as well, for comparison. (You should be able to find these at the Hardin Library as well.)

The fungi that cause nail infection break down the nail and sometimes spread to surrounding skin. When the skin is damaged by spreading fungus infection, or by other causes, the risk of other organisms, such as harmful bacteria, invading is also increased (think of any break in the skin and the necessity of keeping it clean so that it doesn’t become infected). Even if invading bacteria are not causing a problem, they can change the fingernail fungus picture. Pseudomonas, for example, a bacteria that often colonizes nails, produces a green color, instead of the typical green or black of fungus. Stock pictures of fingernail fungus are unlikely to show such a combination.

So when it comes to pictures of fingernail fungus, a picture may speak a thousand words but it doesn’t always speak the truth. Nail diseases can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you want to get rid of the problem in the least possible amount of time, don’t rely on a fingernail fungus picture to tell you what is wrong. See your physician and get a proper diagnosis.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Nail Fungus Treatment, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

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If you’ve got a fungal nail infection, you’ll no doubt be searching for a nail fungus treatment. Among your options, you will find prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and various natural or home remedies. Whatever you choose, resign yourself to a long period of treatment - some of these remedies take quite a long time to work, if they work at all.

Before you buy, however, make sure that you really need a nail fungus treatment: abnormal nails can have other causes, such as bruising, bacterial growth, or psoriasis. A nail that is infected with fungus is typically thickened, and becomes yellow or brown. It may be crumbly, and it may lift away from the nail bed (the soft tender tissue under the nail). A proper diagnosis is important and can save you money, so see your physician.

Fungal infections usually appear in the toenails first, but can spread to the fingernails later, so unless you have been putting off treatment for a while, it’s likely to be a toenail fungus treatment that you need. First, you should learn how to make conditions inhospitable for the fungus, to hasten its departure and discourage it from returning after the treatment is finished. Fungi flourish on dead tissue - dead skin cells and the keratin in nails - and will settle in and cause fungal nail infections when conditions are moist. So keep your feet clean and dry. Towel your feet carefully after bathing, making sure you dry between your toes. You can even use a hair dryer to make sure your feet are completely dry.

Next, you must choose between prescription drugs, over-the-counter treatments, and home remedies for nail fungus. The most commonly prescribed antifungal drugs for toe nail fungus treatment are terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). These oral medications are the most effective drugs because they attack the fungus from within, but they are expensive and all of them come with the possibility of side effects. There is a topical nail fungus treatment, a nail lacquer called ciclopirox (Penlac), which can only be used if the infection is not too advanced.

Over the counter nail fungus treatment usually consists of oils, creams or lotions that are applied topically to the infected nail. Because nails are very thick and resistant to the penetration of these substances, these treatments do not tend to work very well, especially as toenail fungus treatment - they simply do not reach the fungus where it is growing under the nail.

Home remedies for toenail fungus treatment tend to have the same disadvantages as the over the counter treatments but some people swear by them. Topical home remedies will probably work best if the nail is thin and soft, or if the nail has been soaked to soften it, and possibly filed down. Popular home remedies include vinegar, Vicks Vaporub, Tee Tree Oil, DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), PineSol, and oregano oil. There is even an exotic acidophilius beer soak toenail fungus treatment in which acidophilus bacteria are added to a mixture of dark beer and vinegar, and the feet are soaked for 30 minutes daily for at least a month. Some people also recommend a natural remedy imported from the Czech Republic: Saprox Natural Antifungal Treatment.

One of the most promising new nail fungus treatments is a product called Leucatin, which is an internal and topical solution that can effectively destroy nail fungus and prevent it from reoccurring by naturally boosting your body’s anti-inflammatory and anti-infection abilities.

Although people will see different results from different toenail fungus treatments, you are bound to find one that works for you. Talk to your doctor to see what he or she recommends. And if nothing works, you may have to choose the most extreme nail fungus treatment of all - surgical removal of the nail and infected tissue. Ouch.

David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and a regular contributor to a variety of health websites. He is the author of Nail Fungus Treatment, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

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What is it?

An fungal infection of your nails is known in the medical world as Onychomycosis. You will recognize this as a layperson as a yellow crumbly infection under your nail, that may cause your nail to disfigure and become discolored. The tell-tale starting sign is a small discolored spot under your nail, which if left untreated, will spread to the rest of your nail. This type of infection accounts for 50% of all nail infections, and is often caused by a continued exposure to a moist warm environment around the nail.

How is an infection contracted?

Nail fungus infections are caused by small organisms getting under your nail, maybe through a small cut or if the nail has been damaged by an injury. The organisms are often a mould or yeast that will be able to thrive in a dark environment; you will probably recognize this process in the cultivation of mushrooms, which are grown in a dark and moist environment.

Nail fungus infections are more common in the toenails. This is simply due to the fact is that your toenails spend the majority of the time in socks and shoes, though they can also occur in your fingernails too.

How is an infection treated?

A fungal infection can be treated in a number of ways. A doctor may prescribe you an oral medication. Other alternatives available to your medical practitioner are a medicated cream or solution which is applied directly on to the infection. Nail fungus can also be treated with the application of a specialist medicated nail varnish. To find out more about these treatments you must consult with a qualified medical specialist. There are also various herbal / alternative treatments available, including (but not limited to) vinegar.

How can I prevent a nail fungus infection?

The best way to prevent a nail fungus infection is to have a good hygiene routine for your fingernails and toenails. When you trim your nails make sure they are clean first, and cut the nail straight across. Keep good practice with keeping your hands and feet clean, if you are prone to toe nail fungus you can look at obtaining specialist socks that aren’t made from cotton, which can tend to retain moisture. Additionally if you play a lot of sport and find your feet sweating heavily in your trainers, make sure you wash and clean your feet afterwards, if you still have problems you may wish to look at investing in a different pair of trainers which may allow your feet to ‘breath’ more.

Author: Mike Bromley

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