Is there an unpleasant odor emanating from your toenail? Is your nail giving you trouble? It’s a sign of a toenail infection. About 10% of adults have a disease caused by a fungal infection of the nails (Source). If this issue is not treated correctly, it can make the nail brittle and crumbly, causing discomfort. That’s why you should rush to see the best foot specialist doctor to treat it in a timely manner.
Toenail infection is widespread among older people, especially those over 60 years old (Source). But what is this toenail infection? Well, a common fungal condition that affects your toenails is called toenail fungus. Your fingernails may get infected with a nail fungus less frequently. When fungi grow in between your toenail and the tissue directly beneath it, you have toenail fungus. Usually, a cut or crack in your toe causes this.
Now, the main question is why toenail infections happen. Are you interested in learning more about them? There are tons of reasons behind it, and you should know how to avoid it and keep your feet healthy. So, without wasting much of your time, let’s see the reasons in the following paragraph.
Reasons People Suffer From Toenail Infection
Onychomycosis, also named toenail fungus, is a common fungal infection of the toenail. A white, brown, or yellow discoloration of one or more toenails is the most apparent symptom. It could spread and result in thicker or cracked nails. Here are some reasons why people get toenail infections.
- Fungi (Dermatophytes, Yeasts, Molds)
- Warm, moist environments
- Improper footwear
- Nail trauma can develop an entry point for the fungus
- Not taking care of the feet
- Medical conditions like diabetes
These are some common reasons why people get toenail infections. If you encounter any of these, instead of wasting your time, you should rush to the best foot doctor near your location. They will do the proper foot injury treatment to help you get out of the situation. Now, how can you prevent this issue?
Treating the mail infection is indeed a long and expensive process. There are many oral antifungal medications available, as well as topical ointments. Now, let’s see how you can treat your foot infection so you can have healthy and happy feet.
Proper Treatment of the Toenail Infection
- Topical treatments
Antifungal creams, gels, and medicated nail polish (e.g., ciclopirox and efinaconazole) are very effective in mild cases. These options need to be applied regularly for an extended period to be most effective.
- Laser treatment
Utilizes targeted light therapy to eradicate fungal cells effectively. This innovative method is still in the experimental phase, with results showing considerable variability in efficacy. Additionally, the treatment can be pretty costly, which may limit its accessibility for some patients.
- Oral medicine
Oral antifungal drugs, like Itraconazole (Sporanox), are often the first choice for treating nail infections. They’re usually taken daily for 6 to 12 weeks, but it may take four months or longer to see complete results as the infected nail grows out. Success rates are lower for adults over 65.
These medications can have side effects, including rash and liver damage, and may interact with other drugs, necessitating occasional blood tests. They may not be recommended for individuals with liver disease, congestive heart failure, or specific medical prescriptions.
- Medical nail ointment
Your physician can prescribe an antifungal ointment such as Jublia or Tavaborole (Kerydin). You can apply this product to your infected nails after soaking. It could be better for these products if you consider your nails beforehand.
This makes it easier for the drug to reach the fungus underneath the hard nail surface. You use a non-prescription lotion that contains urea to thin your nails. Alternatively, your doctor might use a file or another instrument to debride the nail, which would thin its surface. With the help of a foot specialist doctor, you can get the proper treatment for your toenail infection.
If you want, you can also opt for some home treatments like
- Use Vicks VapoRub on the affected nail
- Paint the tea tree oil on the infected area
- Use the crushed garlic on the affected area for 30 minutes
- Soak the affected foot in the vinegar and warm water solution for 20 minutes daily
- Apply the oregano oil to the affected nail twice a day with a cotton ball.
You can also take some precautions early to avoid the pain of a toenail infection. But what are those, right? Well, let’s have a detailed view of that.
Various Prevention Techniques for Toenail Infection
- You must have proper hygiene habits
Make it a daily habit to wash your feet gently, taking care to clean every nook and cranny, especially the areas between your toes where dampness can get trapped. Dry your feet after washing. Try to pay extra attention to those frequently neglected spots. To ensure good nail health, cut your toenails straight across to decrease ingrown nails, and smooth out any thickened areas with a gentle file to keep them smooth and comfortable.
- Proper health monitoring
Treat athlete’s foot early to stop it from spreading to your nails, where it can cause more severe complications. If you have diabetes, maintaining well-controlled blood sugar levels is necessary for your overall health and can help decrease the risk of foot problems.
- You should wear proper footwear.
Opt for air-permeable shoes made from light materials that facilitate air circulation, and pair them with moisture-wicking socks created to pull sweat away from your skin. Regularly rotate your boots as a habit so they can dry thoroughly between uses, keeping them fresh and extending their lifespan. If you need some recommendations, then a foot specialist doctor can help you in this case.
- Try to keep the nails short.
Try to keep your toenails shorter than the tips of your toes, and cut them straight across while clipping them. Also, keep your fingernails short. This keeps bacteria and other fungi from growing beneath your nails.
These are some of the most effective ways through which you can prevent toenail infection.
Closing thoughts
This article delivers the essential information you need about toenail infections. If you’re looking to treat your toenail infection effectively, look no further than CuraFoot, the leading foot care clinic in Kolkata, India. We’re committed to helping our patients achieve optimal foot health. Don’t wait—book your appointment today.
