Top Five FAQs About Nail Fungus

What is nail fungus?

Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails. The fingernail and toenail are naturally built to be strong barriers, and resistant to fungi and other infections. However, because of how strong this barrier is, once the infection is present, it is sometimes very difficult to eliminate.

How can I prevent nail fungus?

One of the most important steps in preventing nail infections is to keep nails well trimmed, but not over trimming them. Cutting the nail too short can cause small cuts and tears, which could allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed. To prevent toenail fungal infections, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times. Change socks and shoes frequently. If you have athlete's foot, treat it regularly. Athlete's foot is a fungus which can spread to your toenails. Do not share nail clippers with anyone else, as it is possible to transmit the fungus.

How common is nail fungus?

No one knows for sure, but experts estimate that 30-35 million Americans are affected by this condition.

What are the symptoms?

Because nail fungus can affect the toenails' appearance, they are rather unsightly for an untrained eye. Usually people first discover the infection because of the nail discoloration. Nails may turn green or yellow, but in some cases they turn into an even darken color. Other rather common nail fungus symptoms may be: nails may get flaky, and chipped, bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails, your nails may smell bad, toenails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes pain, discomfort from the infection may make it hard to walk, or do other activities.

How can I cure my nail infection?

There are two primary methods of treating nail fungus. Topical treatments (liquids, creams) are commonly used for to treat less severe cases. These treatments are usually acid-based liquids or anti-fungal creams. Oral treatments are powerful anti-fungal medications, such as Lamisil or Sporanox. Prescription oral medications are usually used in more severe or difficult cases. Nail infections can be difficult to cure, but can usually be treated effectively. See the nail fungus treatments section at http://www.nail-fungus.org for more information.

If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should see your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor will do a test to tell if you do have a fungal nail infection, and if you do, make a recommendation on treatment options. The earlier that an infection is detected, the easier it will be to treat.

Article provided by http://www.nail-fungus.org, a resource dedicated to providing information on the symptoms, treatment options, and cause of nail fungus.

---

How To Save Money On Prescription Medications

If you are a regular user of prescription medications, you... Read More

Understanding Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is done using a local aesthetic. A large... Read More

Study Confirms IBS Improvement

Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which... Read More

Blood Pressure Treatment: High and Low Blood Pressure Tips and Medication!

High blood pressure is on the rise worldwide. But, doctors... Read More

Rebound Headache - Stop The Cycle

You've been getting headaches. Finally, you find some medications that... Read More

Overview of FDA Recalled Drug - BEXTRA

Bextra, also known as valdecoxib, is a... Read More

Rogue Online Pharmacies: The Internet War Of 2005

Online Pharmacy owners who haven't been working within moral and... Read More

Living Migraine Free

Don't treat your migraines, prevent them. A life without migraines... Read More

Online Pharmacies are Making it Possible for Internet Consumers to Acquire Prescriptions Online

Internet Pharmacies are convenient and quick, but some websites selling... Read More

Spin Control: What to Do When Youre Dizzy

Dizzy Dean, the great baseball pitcher of the 1930s-1940s, once... Read More

What Not to Tell Your Doctor?

For many years since medicine has been established as an... Read More

Antibiotics 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know

IntroductionAntibiotics are said to be the greatest contribution of modern... Read More

An Addition For Practitioners - How to Help Your Patients and Your Practice

Please feel free to comment, so I may modify this... Read More

Considerations in Distance Education for the Medical Assistant Instructor

Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands... Read More

Heart Disease: The Dangers Of Coronary Heart Attack And How To Avoid It

What is a coronary heart attack?Are you at the risk... Read More

Does Heel Pain Mean that I Need to Stop Running?

Heel pain, medically termed plantar fasciitis, is a common and... Read More

Jet Lag Pills ? Panacea or Placebo Effect?

We live in an age that demands an instant cure... Read More

Zicam Side Effects: Shortens Colds But Permanently Destroys Sense of Smell

Zicam is a homeopathic intranasal zinc remedy that is intended... Read More

Lipitor Lawyer: Statin Drugs Cause Muscle Damage in 98%

Doctors have been encouraged to prescribe the cholesterol-lowering drugs called... Read More

Army Report Validates Prediction of Vaccine-Induced Epidemic

"The more we do to you, the less you seem... Read More

Medical Billing PDA: 21st Century Convenience for Medical Practices

Medical Billing PDAOne of the first things I notice about... Read More

Zyprexa - History of the Drug

Since the beginning of mankind, mental illness has played a... Read More

Stem Cell Breakthrough: Can You Now Make Your Own?

Over the past few years, stem cells have been getting... Read More

How Safe Do You Feel Going To Hospital To Be Cured

There has been a lot of concern in Australia over... Read More

Back Pain & Muscle Pain - Effective & Natural Pain Treatment Alternatives

Pain and Stress. They seem almost to go hand in... Read More

Online Pharmacies and the FDA

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for overseeing... Read More

Seroquel Side Effects: Effects of Seroquel Worth the Risk?

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used to... Read More

Family Healthcare: The Dangers Of A Heart Attack & How To Avoid It

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to part... Read More

Lumbar Puncture: This (Really) Is Spinal Tap

I couldn't resist the title's corny riff on the name... Read More

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEIs)for the Treatment of Moderate and

Checklist of Treatments for Alzheimer's DiseasePart 1 of 8For approximately... Read More

New Surgical Treatment Options for Hernias

Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical... Read More

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe and deadly allergic... Read More

Toenail Fungus: Treatment and Prevention

A thick, yellowish nail with splotchy white areas is a... Read More