Common symptoms and treatment of nail and toe fungus

Nail fungus affects many people and this condition is commonly seen in men than in women. Nail fungus starts at the tip of the fingernail or toenail as a white or yellow spot. Nail fungus causes the nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge when the infection becomes severe.

Normally there are no nail fungus-treatments if the infection is mild and does not cause any pain.

Symptoms of nail fungus are one or more than nails become thickened and the color of the nails change to yellow-brown. The nails become brittle; they become distorted. The infected nails can have a foul smell as the debris can get accumulated under the nails.

Fungal nail infections and toenail infections are caused by various fungal organisms. Yeast and molds can also cause nail and toe infections. Fungal nail infection is more common in older people than adults or children. Toenail fungal infection can also be caused by athlete’s foot and the infection can also spread to other nails.

Toenail and nail fungus treatment
Toenail fungus or nail fungus treatments can be done with over-the-counter medications if the infection is mild. Antifungal medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole can be used to for nail fungus-treatments. These antifungal medicines also help the new nails to grow by pushing off the infected nail. These medications should be taken for 6 weeks to twelve weeks to eliminate the infection.

Antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac) can be used for nail fungus-treatment or to treat toenail fungal infection as well. The nail paint has to be applied to the infected nails and also the skin around the nails once a day. The nail paint has to be applied for a year after cleaning off the old coat of nail paint once a week.

An antifungal cream can be applied on infected nails. Popular antifungal creams such as Tineacide antifungal cream or Lotrimin AF antifungal cream can be used to rub on the nails. The creams work effectively when the nails are thinned with a file or other kind of tool. In worst cases, the nail has to be removed to allow a healthy nail to grow.

Nail fungus-treatment and toenail fungus remedy depends on the type of infection. These are top 5 nail fungus cures.

• Applying an antifungal cream to the infected nails. 
• Using medicated antifungal nail paint to cure the infection.
• Taking medicated antifungal pills to treat the infection.
• Removing parts of the nail using some tools.
• Removing the entire nail if the infection is severe with surgery.

Steps to prevent nail fungus and toe fungus
Cleanliness can prevent many diseases and infections including nail fungus. Cleaning the nail that is infected and moisturizing the infected nails helps in preventing the infection.

The nails that are infected with nail fungus become thick and these nails should be cut using a nail clipper. Wearing socks made of cotton, which absorbs sweat, can help in preventing the infection or spreading of the infection to other nails. Changing the socks at least twice a day can also help in preventing the infection or spreading of the infection.

Choosing footwear that allows the feet to breathe can help prevent the infections as many of the infections are caused when the sweat is not absorbed or when the feet cannot breathe air. It is better to avoid wearing footwear that is closed all through the day as they can cause many infections. Choosing shoes that are made of leather or cotton material can help in allowing the feet to breathe. Wearing shoes made of artificial materials will not allow the feet to breathe which can cause many infections.

Shoes should not be worn for a long time and they should be discarded after prolonged use. Sprinkling the insides of shoes with antifungal powders can be an effective nail fungus-treatment that can help in preventing infection.

Locker areas, pool areas, and crowded areas are places where infections can occur. It is better to footwear in such places to avoid infection. Beauty parlors or nail salons are places where infections can occur. Choosing a clean nail salon that uses sterilized tools for manicure and pedicure can help in preventing infections.

Using nail polishes and artificial nails on a regular basis can cause damage to the nails and sometimes can cause infection. It is better to use these things occasionally and it is better to use nail polishes of good quality to avoid damage and infection to the nails.

Observing the feet, nails, and toes once in while helps in preventing severe infections as preventive steps can be taken when the infection is mild.