June 15, 2018
Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infection (onychomycosis) and are harder to manage than those of fingernails. This is due to the fact that toes are subjected to more pressure by shoes and walking. Wearing shoes that are too small for your feet and not keeping your feet dry are the major reasons for infection with fungi. There are several facts on fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie patients may be interested in If suffering from any of these conditions.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
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.
Treatment of ingrown nails begins with home remedies such as soaking the nails in warm water that contains a small amount of vinegar for ten to twenty minutes on a daily basis. Some may opt to use an alcohol soaked piece of cotton wool put at the corner of the affected nail. Drugs come in handy when there is evidence of inflammation or infection. Sometimes, simply letting your nails grow out first before trimming helps a great deal in controlling this condition.
Surgical options for ingrown toenails include removal of the affected margin, detachment and partial or total resection of the involved nail. Adequate local anaesthesia is injected before any of these procedures which means there will be very little pain. Surgery is ideal for persistent inward growth of toenails.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
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.
Treatment of ingrown nails begins with home remedies such as soaking the nails in warm water that contains a small amount of vinegar for ten to twenty minutes on a daily basis. Some may opt to use an alcohol soaked piece of cotton wool put at the corner of the affected nail. Drugs come in handy when there is evidence of inflammation or infection. Sometimes, simply letting your nails grow out first before trimming helps a great deal in controlling this condition.
Surgical options for ingrown toenails include removal of the affected margin, detachment and partial or total resection of the involved nail. Adequate local anaesthesia is injected before any of these procedures which means there will be very little pain. Surgery is ideal for persistent inward growth of toenails.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
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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.
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