Sophia Delgado
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can take a long time to go away. It usually starts at the edge of the nail, making it thicker and turning it white or yellow. It may also cause the nail to crumble or break easily. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails or through the body. Cutting your nails can help prevent the spread of fungus, but it is important to use the right tools and practice proper hygiene to avoid making the infection worse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How does fungal nail infection spread to other nails? | Fungal nail infections usually start at the edge of the nail and spread to the rest of the nail. It can spread to multiple nails. |
| How to prevent the spread of fungal nail infection to other nails? | It is recommended to trim nails short and straight across. Toenails should be shorter than the end of the toes to prevent fungus from entering. |
| How to treat fungal nail infection? | A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. Your GP may prescribe antifungal tablets. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be removed surgically or nonsurgically. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus prevention
Toenail fungus can make your nails look yellow, thick, and cracked, and they may hurt when wearing shoes. It can be challenging to treat, and without treatment, it could worsen and cause pain when walking. It could also spread to other nails or through your body. Therefore, it is essential to take preventative measures to avoid toenail fungus.
Firstly, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet with soap and water daily, and ensure they are thoroughly dried, especially between the toes. Clean and dry feet are less likely to contract a fungal infection. Avoid going barefoot in public places as fungi thrive in warm, wet places and spread easily from person to person. When in public pools, gyms, locker rooms, or showers, wear flip-flops or shower shoes. Fungi can also live in footwear, so if you've had a toenail fungal infection, consider throwing away old shoes, slippers, and socks. Alternatively, disinfect them using an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer or an anti-fungal spray.
When trimming your toenails, ensure they are shorter than the end of your toes to prevent fungus from entering. Soak your nails in warm water before cutting them, and trim them straight across without rounding the edges. Avoid ripping or picking at your nails, as this can provide an entry point for fungi. Keep your nail cutting tools clean by sterilizing them with rubbing alcohol after each use.
If you've had toenail fungus before, use an anti-fungal cream or spray on your feet and between your toes once or twice a week to prevent it from returning. You can also use foot powder, such as medicated powder or cornstarch, after showering and drying your feet. Additionally, check your feet and toes regularly for any changes in colour or texture, and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you suspect an infection.
Finally, when getting a pedicure, choose a licensed and well-kept salon that sterilizes its tools. You can also bring your own sterilized tools to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid wearing nail polish or fake nails, as these can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for fungi to grow.
Trimming Dark Nails: A Safe Guide for Puppies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treatment options for fungal nails
Fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without treatment. Treatment options for fungal nails include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) products
These are best for mild toenail fungus and may take months to work. While using them, file or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry them off before applying the medicated cream. However, most OTC products are not strong enough to cure a moderate or severe case of toenail fungus.
Topical treatments
These are often prescribed for nail fungal infections that aren't too severe. Topical treatments are more effective if the nail with fungus has been cut back or removed temporarily.
Oral antifungal medications
These medications are typically taken daily and often require several months to get rid of the infection. Sometimes, it can take up to a year to get rid of nail fungus completely. Oral antifungal medications tend to work faster and more effectively than topical treatments.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment heats up the nail layers where the fungus is and tries to destroy its genetic material. Treatments take about 30 minutes and usually, at least two treatments are needed 5-6 weeks apart. It will take about 2 months from the first treatment to see results.
In cases of stubborn nail fungal infections, surgical removal of the nail may be recommended. The nail may be temporarily removed so that a topical treatment can be applied directly to the fungal infection. In rare cases, permanent removal of the nail is recommended to get rid of nail fungus completely and to prevent recurring infections.
Trimming Dog Nails: Softening for Safe and Easy Clipping
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to cut fungal nails
Toenail fungus is a common condition and can take a long time to go away. It can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) products, prescription drugs, or home remedies. Here are some detailed steps on how to cut fungal nails:
Soaking and Softening
Before cutting your nails, it is important to soften them by soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes. You can fill a tub or large bowl with warm water and add a teaspoon of salt for every pint of water to help soften your nails further. Alternatively, you can apply a urea cream to your nails and cover them with a bandage for up to 24 hours to soften them effectively.
Trimming the Nails
Once your nails are softened, use nail nippers or clippers specifically designed for cutting toenails to make small cuts straight across your nails. Avoid rounding the edges and keep your nails trimmed short. This helps prevent the fungus from spreading further. If your nails are extremely thick, consider using an electric file to gently grind down the surface and make them thinner and easier to cut.
Filing and Smoothing
After trimming your nails, use a nail file or emery board to file down any sharp edges and smooth out the nails. This prevents your nails from catching on anything and reduces the risk of tearing, which can provide an entry point for fungus.
Medical Treatment
If you have a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist for proper treatment. They may suggest antifungal medications, such as creams, sprays, gels, or oral tablets. For severe or persistent infections, surgical or nonsurgical nail removal may be considered.
Preventative Measures
To prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails, maintain good nail hygiene and wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public places like locker rooms or pool decks. Additionally, keep your nails trimmed and avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading nail fungus.
Trimming Your Dachshund's Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Home remedies for fungal nails
Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection that causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. It can be treated using various home remedies, which can be effective for mild cases. However, severe or persistent fungal infections may require medical attention and prescription medication. Here are some home remedies for fungal nails:
Good Foot Hygiene
Practising good foot hygiene is essential for preventing and treating toenail fungus. Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between the toes, and keep your toenails trimmed and short. Cut your nails straight across, avoiding any rounding of the edges, and refrain from ripping or tearing your nails.
Breathable Footwear and Clean Socks
Choose footwear made of breathable materials that allow airflow to help prevent toenail fungus. Change your socks regularly, and avoid wearing damp socks for extended periods.
Antifungal Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products, such as creams, sprays, and gels, are available to treat mild toenail fungus. These include products containing ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). However, keep in mind that OTC treatments may take months to work and might not be strong enough for moderate to severe cases.
Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies with antifungal properties can be effective in treating toenail fungus. These include:
- Coconut oil: Apply a thin layer of organic coconut oil, which contains caprylic acid, to the affected nail. Massage gently and leave it on. Repeat this process 2-3 times daily.
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV): Mix equal parts ACV and water in a basin and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes daily. Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking. ACV creates an acidic environment that may help prevent the spread of fungus.
- Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves to release their juice, creating a paste. Apply the paste to the affected nail, cover it with a bandage, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this process daily. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with potent antifungal properties.
- Baking soda: Baking soda can help absorb moisture, reducing fungal growth.
- Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, have antifungal properties and can be applied topically to the affected area.
- Vicks VapoRub: Although designed for cough suppression, Vicks VapoRub has shown positive results in treating toenail fungus due to its active ingredients, camphor, and eucalyptus oil.
Trimming Your Cat's Overgrown Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
When to seek medical help for fungal nails
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, and brittle. They usually affect the toenails, but can also occur in the fingernails. Infections develop slowly, often starting at the edge of the nail and spreading to the rest of the nail. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails or through the body, and may cause pain when walking. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help if you suspect you have a fungal nail infection.
Pharmacists can help recommend over-the-counter treatments for mild fungal infections. They may suggest antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You should use this regularly for a few months, and continue treatment until advised to stop. Over-the-counter treatments include creams, sprays, and gels, such as ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). These are best for surface-level fungus.
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, you should see a doctor or general practitioner (GP). They may prescribe antifungal tablets or suggest removing all or part of the infected nail. Surgical removal involves loosening the skin around the nail and removing it from the toe. Nonsurgical removal involves applying urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrapping the nail in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the diseased part of the nail can be cut away. Laser treatment is another option, which involves heating up the nail layers to destroy the fungus' genetic material.
It is important to note that fungal nail infections can take a long time to treat, and they may cause side effects. Preventing fungal nail infections involves keeping your nails short and straight across, wearing shower shoes or flip-flops in public places like locker rooms or pool decks, and avoiding walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms.
Cutting Ingrown Toenails: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cutting a fungal nail can spread the infection to other nails, especially if the wrong tools are used or the tools are not cleaned between uses.
If you have a fungal infection, it is important to take extra care when cutting your nails. Use medical-grade toenail clippers or manicure scissors and cut straight across the nail. Clean your tools before and after use.
A fungal nail infection will cause the nail to become thick, discoloured (white or yellow), brittle, and crumbly. The nail may also be easy to break and the skin around it may become painful and swollen.
There are many over-the-counter treatments for mild fungal nail infections, such as medicated creams. For moderate or severe infections, you will need prescription drugs. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets or suggest removing part or all of the nail surgically or non-surgically.
To prevent fungal nail infections, avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools. Treat athlete's foot as soon as possible and keep your toenails short, clean, and dry.
