If you suffer from a nail fungus infection, also known as onychomycosis, it’s important to treat it promptly. This fungal infection mainly affects the big toe, causing pain and is often difficult to eradicate. For more details, visit nail fungus.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection causing various symptoms including:
- Nail discoloration (white, yellow, or brown)
- Nail thickening, curling, or shape changes
- Increased nail brittleness
- Pain and infection of the nail
- Residue buildup under the nail
Since nail fungus is hard to eliminate, podiatrists advise consulting a specialist when symptoms appear.
Causes of Nail Fungus
Nail fungus thrives in warm, humid environments and is often linked to excessive foot sweating. Major causes include:
- Athlete’s foot (foot mycosis)
- Mold contamination
- Excessive sweating
Certain groups, such as seniors and diabetics, with weaker immune systems are at higher risk.
Preventing Nail Fungus
Despite the difficulty in treating nail fungus, several preventive measures can reduce the risk:
- Keep shoes and socks dry
- Maintain clean and trimmed nails
- Do not share manicure tools
- Wear sandals in pools or public showers
- Choose orthopedic shoes over tight ones
- Thoroughly dry feet after bathing
Diabetics should especially monitor their condition to prevent onychomycosis. If prevention efforts fail, consulting a podiatrist is recommended.
Nail Fungus Treatments by Podiatrists
If home care treatments are insufficient, prompt professional intervention is necessary. Podiatrists offer effective treatments including:
- Professional nail care
- Topical antifungal prescriptions
- Laser therapy
- KERYFLEX nail restoration
- Oral antifungal medications