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.
Onychomycosis can be the result of physical trauma to the nails directly or through repeated injury by shoes. Foot wear that does not fit can lead to formation of ulcers in the long term. This is particularly common among diabetics with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Compromising the integrity of the skin and soft tissues, as happens among this group of people, is a great recipe for infection around the nails.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
Common symptoms associated with fungal infection include discoloration, hardening and erosion of nails. With inflammation, there can also be swelling and redness of the surrounding skin. It is important to do confirmatory lab microscopy and culture of nail scraping to know the disease causing microbe and to rule out other serious conditions such as malignancy.
Management of onychocryptosis includes proper trimming of nails and allowing them to grow out before they are trimmed. One can also soak the feet or hands in warm water combined with some vinegar for about fifteen minutes every day. Alternatively, although controversial, cotton soaked in alcohol can be placed at the corner of an ingrown nail. Drugs against inflammation are beneficial in case the area is severely inflamed. Antibiotics are also crucial for infected ingrown nails (paronychia) because of the high likelihood of co-infection with bacteria.
When conservative measures fail to alleviate the problem, surgery is indicated. Surgery usually only takes a few minutes. The operation entails detachment, removing the matrix and total nail resection, among other options depending on the severity of the condition. Nail removal helps a great deal in preventing recurrence. A localized form of anesthesia is used to minimize pain during the procedure. It should be noted that surgery can result in new infections if sterile measures are not observed.
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.
In conclusion, it should be emphasized that prevention rather than cure is more important. High risk groups such as diabetics, obese people, and sportsmen should be identified and appropriate measures taken. For instance, diabetics should be advised to not control their blood sugar but also inspect their feet regularly. Comfort should always come before style when it comes to the choice of footwear.
Onychomycosis can be the result of physical trauma to the nails directly or through repeated injury by shoes. Foot wear that does not fit can lead to formation of ulcers in the long term. This is particularly common among diabetics with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Compromising the integrity of the skin and soft tissues, as happens among this group of people, is a great recipe for infection around the nails.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
Common symptoms associated with fungal infection include discoloration, hardening and erosion of nails. With inflammation, there can also be swelling and redness of the surrounding skin. It is important to do confirmatory lab microscopy and culture of nail scraping to know the disease causing microbe and to rule out other serious conditions such as malignancy.
Management of onychocryptosis includes proper trimming of nails and allowing them to grow out before they are trimmed. One can also soak the feet or hands in warm water combined with some vinegar for about fifteen minutes every day. Alternatively, although controversial, cotton soaked in alcohol can be placed at the corner of an ingrown nail. Drugs against inflammation are beneficial in case the area is severely inflamed. Antibiotics are also crucial for infected ingrown nails (paronychia) because of the high likelihood of co-infection with bacteria.
When conservative measures fail to alleviate the problem, surgery is indicated. Surgery usually only takes a few minutes. The operation entails detachment, removing the matrix and total nail resection, among other options depending on the severity of the condition. Nail removal helps a great deal in preventing recurrence. A localized form of anesthesia is used to minimize pain during the procedure. It should be noted that surgery can result in new infections if sterile measures are not observed.
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.
In conclusion, it should be emphasized that prevention rather than cure is more important. High risk groups such as diabetics, obese people, and sportsmen should be identified and appropriate measures taken. For instance, diabetics should be advised to not control their blood sugar but also inspect their feet regularly. Comfort should always come before style when it comes to the choice of footwear.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts about fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie residents can come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.pro-healthpodiatry.com now.
