How to cure nail fungus and how much does it cost

 How to cure nail fungus and how much does it cost

I have been treating toenail fungus for five years - the disease goes away and then comes back again.

During this time, I have already tried, probably, all types of folk remedies, several times I went to the doctor. In the article I will tell you what nail fungus is, why it occurs, why it is dangerous and how to get rid of it.

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There will be photos in the article - they are not the most pleasant. But forewarned means armed, because most often the fungus can be suspected by the appearance of the nails.

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Our articles are written with a passion for evidence-based medicine. We refer to reputable sources and go for comments from reputable doctors. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We do not write prescriptions, we make recommendations. It is up to you to rely on our point of view or not.

What is nail fungus
Officially, this disease is called onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail. In 60-70% of cases, it is caused by special dermatophyte fungi; infection from molds and yeasts is less common. To live, reproduce and grow, dermatophytes need a protein called keratin. That is why these fungi live in the nail plates, hair and the stratum corneum - where keratin is produced.

Onychomycosis: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis  - article on Uptodate

Usually, the fungus begins to develop from the side of the cut of the nail. The tip of the nail gradually changes color: it becomes yellowish, light brown or milky. If left untreated, the infection spreads towards the cuticle. The fungus can also start from the lateral surface of the nail.

There is also white superficial onychomycosis. Outwardly, it looks like white or dull spots on the surface of the nail. It spreads from the center to the edges, if the disease is not treated, it can cover the entire nail plate.

Occasionally, proximal onychomycosis occurs - it affects the nail in the cuticle and root area. This usually happens in people with weakened immunity.

When the nail is completely destroyed due to the fungus, this condition is called general dystrophic onychomycosis. Outwardly, the nail looks terrible: it is thick, ribbed and an unpleasant dark color.

Nail fungus is not skin fungus
Fungus of nails should not be confused with fungus of the skin or "fungus of the feet", even if they are looking for it on the Internet under these requests.

Doctors call nail fungus onychomycosis, this word is derived from the Greek όνυχο - "nail" and μύκης - "mushroom". In the vast majority of cases, it affects the toenails. Fungi on the skin are called dermatomycosis - they settle not only on the feet, but also on other parts of the body.

These diseases are caused by similar pathogens, but they have different symptoms and different treatments. In this article, we will talk specifically about nail fungus.

Causes of occurrence
Nail fungus is a very common disease. Onychomycosis accounts for 50-60% of all nail problems. I do not know where I picked up the fungus myself, but here are the ways doctors give it.

Contact with contaminated surfaces. The causative agents of the fungus are very fond of dampness, and therefore live well in humid rooms - baths or swimming pools. Sometimes, as a bonus, the fungus is brought from beauty salons after a manicure or pedicure: just one micro-cut and poorly processed tools are enough - and that's it, the disease is right there. You can also get fungus if you put shoes on your bare feet after a sick person.

What to do?
Should beauty salon employees have medical records?

Intrafamilial infection. The fungus is highly contagious. If one of the household members is sick , the rest of the family can also become infected with onychomycosis. The risks are increased if you use the same slippers, a common washcloth or bath mat. However, the fungus can even be transmitted through carpets, which is why it is so important for a person with diseased nails to follow the rules of hygiene.

Poor hygiene. If a person does not wash his feet well, does not cut his nails on time, rarely changes socks, it will be easier for him to pick up the fungus.

Tight shoes. This is another factor that increases the risk of the disease. When we wear tight shoes, the blood supply in the foot and nail roots is disrupted. Onychodystrophy may develop - a condition that looks like nail fungus and is often associated with it.

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Certain professions. Fungus of nails is much more common in people of some professions - housekeepers, cooks, cleaners, car wash workers. They often come into contact with damp surfaces, wear rubber shoes and rubber gloves, and use chemicals that soften the nail plate. And the fungus is very fond of all this and actively grows in such conditions.

Comorbidities increase the risk of infection because they weaken the immune system. Fungus is more common in people who suffer from varicose veins, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or malignant neoplasms. Smokers and obese people are also at risk. Excessive sweating - hyperhidrosis - also promotes the growth of fungi.

Typically, the fungus occurs in people 30 and older, especially the elderly. Children get sick less often and respond better to local treatment: they have a thinner nail plate, and the nail itself grows faster. It turns out that with a shorter exposure to the drug, the effect in children comes faster.

Onychomycosis: Managemen  - Article on Uptodate. Section Dermatophyte Onychomycosis

Is it possible to get a fungus in the pool

Toenail fungus is really easy to get in humid rooms and places where there are a lot of people. This is due to the fact that the nail plates quickly soften, plus in such an environment the fungi themselves actively multiply.

To protect yourself, you must definitely wear shoes, thoroughly wash your feet and disinfect them - there are often baths or taps with special solutions before entering the pool hall. It is important to use only your own towels and never wear someone else's shoes.

Why the fungus is dangerous
Fungus of nails does not just spoil the appearance of the feet, it is a real disease that is dangerous to the body. If left untreated, the fungus on one nail will spread to the rest of the nails that are still healthy. In some people, a fungal infection can cause allergies  - the fungus itself becomes the allergen.

Dermatophyte fungi feed on keratin, so there is not enough of it for nail growth. Because of this, they become brittle, crumble and exfoliate. Over time, "keratin debris" will begin to accumulate between the nail and the nail bed - it is formed when keratin is destroyed due to the influence of fungi on it. From this, the nail becomes thicker and grows crookedly. Despite the fact that the nail is thick, it is still very fragile - it will catch on clothes and easily break.

Sometimes, with nail fungus, the feet begin to sweat more than usual - this leads to an unpleasant odor, so you have to change socks several times a day.

If the infected nail is left untreated for a long time, it will begin to separate from the nail bed. First , it just hurts. Secondly , a semblance of a wound will appear at the site of the removed nail, a moist warm environment will appear - just the kind that dermatophytes love. In it, they will grow even faster.

And neglected nail fungus is expensive to treat. Most likely, the person will have to buy medications and change all shoes after treatment is complete. If at the initial stages of onychomycosis it can be disinfected with the help of special disinfecting solutions, then after recovering from a neglected disease, all old shoes will have to be thrown away so as not to become infected again.

The fungus significantly reduces the quality of life. I was physically uncomfortable: my legs were sweating, my nails were thick, crumbled and broke. Even in the summer I had to walk in closed shoes so as not to frighten others. In addition, the fungus severely limited activity: I could not really play sports and go to the pool. I read that some people have such a feeling of shame, which sometimes even rolls into severe depression. Fortunately, I didn't get to that.

Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus

 Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus

In the summer we travel a lot, visit public beaches, visit swimming pools and showers. Sometimes we are even carried on long voyages to the seas, where, willy-nilly, we have to use public beaches or toilets. All these are places of increased accumulation of infections, where you can often catch nail fungus. Its treatment is far from an easy process, but do not despair - you can still get rid of the fungus on the nails!

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Nail fungus is a common condition that usually starts with a small spot under the tip of the nail. It comes in both white and yellow. Contrary to popular belief, the fungus occurs both on the legs and on the hands. If it is not noticed in time, the fungal infection begins to spread deeper. Over time, the fungus can lead to discoloration, thickening and crumbling of the nail plate. This can affect several adjacent nails, even if only one was initially infected.

When the condition is mild and does not bother you, you may not need serious treatment. If you have severe pain caused by nail fungus, popular care tips and various medications can help you. Be attentive to your feet, because even with successful treatment, nail fungus often returns. Another popular name for the fungus is onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). And the condition when the fungus affects the area between the toes and the skin of the feet is called mycosis of the foot (tinea pedis).

Even if you have never encountered nail fungus and have no idea what it looks like, then you will never miss this unbearable itch. It will not be superfluous to apply some kind of recipe for infection for prevention, so that the process does not take the stage of running. So, many people recommend using vinegar to disinfect the area where the fungus is likely to get. The main symptoms of nail and foot fungus are:

• Itching in the area of ​​infection;
• Changed color of the nail plate;
• Splitting and fragility of the nail;
• Painful sensations on the foot.

Effective treatment should be started at the very first symptoms of nail fungus; special creams and ointments with antifungal action will help you. The essence of professional remedies for getting rid of fungal infections on the feet is that they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also destroy the very source of infection.

A fungal infection can develop in people of any age, but is more common in older people. With age, the nail can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks on the nails allow fungi to penetrate inside. Other factors, such as decreased blood circulation in the legs, a weakened immune system, can also play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infection.

A fungal infection on the feet can start from the athlete's foot (foot fungus) and then spread from one toe to the other. At the same time, it is unlikely to become infected with a fungus from someone, you are more likely to pick it up in a public place, in contact with the environment.

How to Treat Nail Fungus?

 How to Treat Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is one of the diseases that many people face at some point in their lives. It is highly likely to occur during periods when personal hygiene and hygiene are disrupted. Nail fungus, which is also cosmetically annoying, negatively affects the health of hand and foot nails. In daily life, it causes people to be uncomfortable with its appearance and also causes bad odors. Therefore, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

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What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, which can occur in individuals of all ages, can be seen on the hands or feet. Since it is contagious, it is necessary to be more careful in order to prevent the transmission of the disease. Nail fungus has the ability to spread quickly and can be transmitted to all family members at once. In order to be protected from nail fungus, it is necessary to know why this disease occurs and how to prevent it.

The main reason why nails are exposed to fungal infection in healthy and normal individuals is fungi in wet and humid environments. Places such as gyms, showers, baths, swimming pools, changing rooms are the source points where fungi can infect. Fungi are likely to be transmitted from any crack or cut in the nail.

• As the nail fungus progresses, it changes the color of the nail and causes the nail to thicken.
• Over time, this situation may also begin to cause pain to patients.
• Fungi can occur in any nail, regardless of fingernails or toenails, but it commonly occurs on the feet as the feet are in a more humid and warm environment.
• · Unless these conditions change, the fungus continues to develop. Different types of fungi can affect different nails at the same time. Although this is not very common, it is possible.
• If left untreated, nail fungus can spread to the skin or other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
• Delaying the treatment of nail fungus causes darkening of the nail color, hardening and thickening of the nail, and fragmentation of the nail from the edges to the inner part. In an individual who has nail fungus once, the disease may reappear after recovery. This is common. For this reason, patients who have been treated for nail fungus before and who have overcome this disease should pay attention to nail hygiene and care.
• Nail fungus in babies progresses in the same way as adults. Nail fungus is common in babies as well as adults.

What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus symptoms are similar in many patients.
Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and grow unevenly.
Fractures and folds can be observed on the edges.
In addition, when trying to cut the nail, irregular breakage can be seen.

• The color of nails with fungus often begins to change. A yellowish, brownish and greenish appearance is formed that is far from the healthy nail appearance.
• Many fungi can infect the nails, but the most common is Trichophyton Rubrum, which tends to infect the skin as well. For this reason, the presence of this fungus on the nails causes the skin to become infected and change its color.
• Inflammation occurs on the skin affected by the fungus. In some cases, white dot formations are observed on the nail and these spots grow over time. If the treatment of the disease is delayed and continues to progress, inflammation may occur between the nail and the skin.
• These inflammations form discharges over time and these discharges emit a foul odor. Further growth of the inflammation can cause the nail to separate from the flesh and fall off.
• What Causes Nail Fungus?
• Many types of fungi can cause nail fungus. Considering that fungi are very common in our world, this disease is quite common in individuals. Although rare, some yeasts and molds can also cause nail infections. Their symptoms are almost the same as infections caused by fungi.

Nail fungus is likely to occur in individuals of all ages, but most commonly occurs in older people. As people age, nails age too, becoming more brittle and dry. Therefore, cracks and bruises cause fungi to penetrate the nails more easily. Decreased blood circulation in the hands and feet with age and weakening of the immune system cause nails to become more vulnerable to fungi.

It is very unlikely that nail fungus can be transmitted directly from an individual to a healthy individual, but the abundance of common areas increases this probability. Too much sweating increases the risk of fungal growth. Therefore, the risk of fungal infections in athletes is very high. Walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, baths, gyms and showers increases the risk of fungal infection.

People with diabetes are more likely to have a fungal infection because their immune systems are weak. Again, nail fungus is more common in smokers. However, nail fungus is more common in men. In addition, those who are under a lot of water face more nail fungus problems than others.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

• Diagnosing nail fungus is not difficult for doctors. Physical examination is often sufficient for diagnosis. However, a piece of the nail or under the nail can be examined to determine the type of fungus that causes nail fungus.
• As a result of the laboratory examination, the type of fungus that causes nail fungus can be determined and treatment can be applied accordingly.
•  Individuals with psoriasis can sometimes experience nail fungus-like conditions. As a result of this examination, nail fungus can be distinguished from psoriasis.
• Microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria are also likely to infect the nails. Identifying the cause of the infection is very important for the most effective treatment.
• There are no different procedures for hand nail fungus or toenail fungus. Diagnosis and treatment methods are the same for both nail fungus. As a result of examinations and tests, the doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment according to the type of fungus and apply it quickly.

What are Nail Fungus Treatment Methods?

• The question of how to get rid of nail fungus is quite common among those who often encounter this problem. Doctors start the treatment of the patient with nail fungus drugs according to the type of fungus found in the patient.
• It is possible to start treatment with oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they are more successful than other drugs at eliminating the infection. These drugs help the newly growing nail grow healthily and help rid the nail of the fungus over time. Usually this treatment continues for 12 weeks, but the doctor will determine the appropriate time.
• Since they have serious side effects such as skin rashes and liver damage, patients using these drugs are kept under constant control and tests are done regularly. If there is no negative result, drug treatment is continued. These drugs may not be recommended for patients with liver or heart disease. In such cases, different treatment methods are applied.
• One of these methods is known as nail fungus cream. After the nails are wetted, these creams are applied to the nails and the cream is expected to prevent the fungus. The thick upper part of the nail may be scraped a little before the creams are applied. Thus, it is easier for the cream to reach the underlying fungal tissue and the treatment becomes more effective.
• In addition, a medicated nail polish called ciclopirox is also used in the treatment of nail fungus. This nail polish is applied to the infected nail and area once a day. After a week, the upper layers are cleaned and the same treatment is continued. Thus, the cork tissue is gradually removed from the body.
• Treatment lasts approximately one year. If the disease progresses too much, nail removal surgeries are also among the options so that the drugs can be more effective.

Nail fungus invites gangrene!

 Nail fungus invites gangrene!

Nail fungus, which is seen as very simple problems, leads to serious health problems if left untreated.

Indicating that nail fungus infection, which generally starts with white and yellow spots on the nails, can cause significant damage to the nails, Wound Care Nurse Deniz Yahcı emphasizes that nail fungus infection even invites very important health problems such as gangrene in people with a weak immune system. He summarizes the important points about the treatment of nail fungus disease as follows;

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Nail fungus is mostly seen on the feet!

What is a fungal infection of the nail?

Nail fungus (Onychomycosis); Nail fungal infection, which is a disease, is mainly caused by organisms called dermatophytes. It is an infection of the nail bed and plate. It constitutes approximately 50% of all nail disease.

• It is commonly seen in toenails, rarely in fingernails.

Nail fungus usually starts under the nail, spreads linearly to the root of the nail, thickens, loosens the nail and causes separation. Eventually, the nail is completely damaged.

What are the causes of onychomycosis (nail fungal infection)?

Dermatophyte type fungi are the most common cause of nail fungus disease. Other less common causes of nail fungus disease are types of fungi called yeast. Yeast fungi often settle on weakened nails after previous trauma. Apart from these, fungal disease is more common in people with diabetes and those whose feet sweat a lot. Fungal infection in toenails is quite common, and it is less common in fingernails.

What are the symptoms of fungal infections of the nail?

• Thickening of the nails
• Distortion in color and shape
• Pain due to shoe pressure
• They become thick and crumbly
• Difficulty in cutting the

nails Diagnosis is important in the treatment of nail fungus

How are fungal infections of the nail diagnosed?

The appearance of many nail diseases initially resembles fungal disease; Therefore, the diagnosis of fungal disease should be confirmed before starting treatment. Definitive diagnosis is made by taking a sample from the crumbly part of the nail and looking at it under the microscope in the laboratory or by producing it in a culture medium.

What can a nail fungus infection cause?

Nail fungus infection can cause serious damage to the nails. Nail fungus infection can lead to very important health problems such as gangrene in diabetics, people who are treated with medication, and people with weakened immune systems. Fungal infections of the nail do not heal on their own, they must be treated. If left untreated, it may cause soft tissue infections (such as cellulitis, erysipelas). The goal of treatment is to get rid of nail fungus. The nails will then regain their normal appearance. However, if the nail is in an abnormal structure before the fungus is caught, it is very difficult to clean it completely and take its original form.

Nail fungus is not a disease that can be treated in a single session.

After cleaning the infected nail structures with sterile devices and milling cutters, the patient is followed up with appropriate care and therapeutic drugs recommended by the experts until the second session. Nail fungus is not a disease that can be treated with a single session application.

Toenail Fungus Treatment at Home

 Toenail Fungus Treatment at Home

Symptoms of toenail fungus usually start as a small white, yellow, green, or black spot under the nail and eventually cause the nail to discolor, distort, thicken, become brittle, and crumble at the edges. It is a persistent condition that can spread to other nails and lead to complications such as the loss of nails if you do not receive treatment. If seeing a specialist isn't possible, try one of these home remedies for toenail fungus to cure the infection and prevent it from recurring.

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1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Mix equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. Soak the infected nail in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes a day. If done daily, the infection should go away in a few weeks.

2. Tea Tree Oil or Oregeno Oil
Tea tree oil and thyme oil are both natural antiseptics. Mix both oils with a few drops of coconut oil. Do not apply with cotton, wait 10 minutes and brush the nail with a clean toothbrush. Apply daily and you should see improvement within a few weeks.

3. Listerine and White Vinegar
Listerine is a mouthwash that acts as a powerful antiseptic against bacteria and fungi. Mix equal amounts of Listerine and white vinegar. Soak in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Apply for a few weeks.

4. Lemon Juice
This acidic fruit is a natural antifungal. Apply fresh lemon juice once a day for several weeks. Wait 30 minutes and rinse.

5. Garlic
The two compounds in garlic, allicin and ajoene, have powerful antifungal properties. Mix equal amounts of garlic oil with white vinegar. Apply the mixture and put on a bandage. Repeat every day for a few weeks.

6. Coconut Oil
Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil kill fungus. 2 to 3 times a day, this is applied for several weeks.

Nail fungus

 Nail fungus

What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus , also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that begins as a white or yellow spot just below the tip of an individual's finger or toenails .
As the nail fungus infection deepens inside the nail, it can cause discoloration of the nail, thickening of the nail, and chipping or splitting at the edges of the nail. Nail fungus can be limited to a single nail, or it can affect more than one nail at the same time. If it expands and gets to nail fungal infection found in the area between the toes of the feet with this situation athlete or athletes foot or with medical name tinea pedis is called.

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Nail fungusdiabetes It is common in individuals with conditions that affect the immune system, such as
Under normal circumstances, if the condition of a healthy individual is mild and the fungal infection does not bother the individual, treatment may not be necessary. However, in cases where the individual feels pain or thickening of the nails, healthy hygiene habits, individual care measures and scientific and medical nail fungus drugs available in pharmacies can help in clearing the infection. However, even in cases where treatment is successful, nail fungus is a condition that can often recur.

Reasons
What Causes Nail Fungus?

• Nail fungal infections are caused by various types of fungal organisms. Among these fungal organisms, the most common cause of nail fungus is a type of fungus called a dermatophyte . In addition, various types of yeast and mold can cause nail infections .
• Nail fungus can develop at any age, but is more common in adults and the elderly. Depending on the aging of the individual, their nails can become brittle and dry.
• Cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter under the nail or in its interlayers. Other factors such as reduced blood circulation in the feet and weakened immune system observed in the individual may also play a role in the development of fungal, nail infection.

Toenail fungus infections also athletes or athlete's foot , called the nail fungus can be seen standing with the jump seen. Getting a nail fungus infection from another personis a common occurrence, although it is relatively rare.

Older individuals, individuals with slow blood circulation, individuals exposed to fungi for a long time, individuals with slow growing nails, individuals with heavy standing sweating, individuals with athlete's or athlete's foot infection , in humid public areas such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms Individuals who walk barefoot, individuals with minor injuries to the skin or nails, and individuals with conditions such as psoriasis , diabetes , circulatory or immune system problems are at higher risk of developing athlete's foot .

What Complications Can Occur with Nail Fungus?
A severely advanced case of nail fungus can be painful for the individual and can cause permanent damage to the nails. The condition can lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet to other parts of the body, especially in individuals who are immunocompromised by medications or diabetes or other conditions.

• Individuals with diabetes may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in their feet. These individuals are also at greater risk for bacterial skin infection. Therefore, any injury to an individual's feet, even relatively minor, can lead to a more serious complication, including a fungal nail infection. Individuals with diabetes should consult a doctor if they think they have developed nail fungus.
• How to Prevent Nail Fungus?
• Various measures can be taken to prevent nail fungus . These measures can also prevent the possibility of developing athlete's foot or various bacterial infections.
• Individuals should primarily wash their hands and feet regularly. After touching an infected nail, the individual should wash their hands. Moisturizing the nails after washing can prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Nails should be cut neatly and straight, their edges should be smoothed with a nail file. The thickened areas of the nail should be filed. Nail clippers should be disinfected after each use.

Individuals should wear sweat absorbent socks or change socks frequently during the day. In the same context, shoes made of materials that allow comfortable air circulation and do not cause perspiration should be preferred. Old shoes, possibly bearing fungal spores, should be discarded or carefully cleaned with disinfectant and antifungal powder.

It is important for individuals to avoid walking barefoot in pools and locker rooms, and to use shoes or closed slippers, especially in such places.

When choosing a beauty salon for nail care, a place that uses sterilized manicure tools should be preferred for each client and care should be taken to avoid using nail polish or fake nails.

Symptoms
What are the Symptoms and Types of Nail Fungus?

• Symptoms of nail fungus include thickened, discolored nails that lose their natural color to white, yellow or brown tones, break apart easily, are brittle, crumbly or rough, and show deterioration in their normal shape.
• In addition, a dark-colored, usually slightly foul-smelling rash can be seen under the nail of the individual. Although nail fungus is most commonly seen on the toenails, it can also occur on the hands in some cases.

In cases where healthy hygiene habits do not work, the area where the color of the nail changes gradually becomes wider, the nail becomes thick or deformed, individuals should come to the doctor and seek medical help. As well as diabetes, ie diabetes  that individuals should look necessarily a doctor in case of nail fungus development.

Diagnostic Methods
How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?
In the process of diagnosing nail fungus, the doctor will examine the individual's nails. The doctor may also take a piece of the nail or take a sample of the debris under the nail and send the sample to a laboratory to determine the type of fungus causing the infection.
Various other conditions, such as psoriasis ,can cause symptoms that can mimic a fungal infection of the nail . Microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria can also infect nails. Learning the root cause of nail infection always helps to determine the most effective treatment method.

Treatment Methods
How Is Nail Fungus Treated?
Nail fungus is not a medical condition that can go away on its own in most cases. It may require at least regular hygiene habits and medicinal fungicide remedies.

How to treat nail fungus?
Treatment of nail fungus infections can be difficult and challenging in many cases. If the personal care strategies, healthy hygiene habits, and over-the-counter antifungal products used by the individual do not work, the individual should consult a doctor.

• Treatment for nail fungus depends on the severity of the individual's condition and the type of fungus causing it. In the treatment of nail fungus, drug therapy or surgical intervention methods can be used. It can take months to see the results of treatment. However, it is common for the infection to recur, even if the individual's nail is healed.
• Your doctor may prescribe oral (taken by mouth) or topical (applied directly to the nail) antifungal (fungal remover) medications for the individual. In some cases, combining both oral and topical antifungal medications helps the treatment process to be successful.

Oral antifungal medications are often the first choice because they clear the infection faster than topical medications. Oral antifungal medication options include terbinafine and itraconazole. These drugs help the nail grow again without infection and slowly replace the infected part with clean nail.

Such drugs are usually used for 6 to 12 weeks, but the results of the treatment may not be seen until the nail is fully grown. It may take four months or longer for an infection to completely disappear. It has been observed that the success rates of treatment with oral antifungal drugs are lower in adults over 65 years of age.

Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects in individuals ranging from skin rash to liver damage. For this reason, the doctor may order a blood test from time to time to check the effects of such drugs on the individual. These types of medications are not recommended for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure, or who are taking certain medications.

The doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal nail polish for the individual in some cases. This nail polish is usually applied to the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days of application, the nail polish layers accumulated on the nails are cleaned by wiping with alcohol and the first layer of nail polish is applied again. It may be necessary to use this type of nail polish every day for almost a year.

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal cream that is applied after soaking the infected nails. These creams may give better results if the nails have been thinned beforehand. This filing helps the medication reach the fungal area under the protective and hard surface of the nail. A lotion can be used to thin the nails, or the doctor can thin the nail surface in a controlled way with a nail file or other tool.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend temporary removal of the nail so that the antifungal medication can be applied directly to the infection.

Some fungal nail infections do not respond to medication. If the fungal infection is severe or extremely painful, the doctor may advise the individual to have the nail removed permanently.

Lifestyle Changes And Home Care For Nail Fungus
In many cases, it is possible to deal with the fungal infection in the nails with home care methods. For this, individuals can try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments. If the individual sees white spots on the nail surfaces, it may be sufficient to file the nails, soak them in water and dry them and apply a medicated cream or lotion.

Trimming and thinning the nails helps to reduce the pain felt by reducing the pressure on the nails. If this is done before applying an antifungal, the drug used can reach the deeper layers of the nail. Softening the nail with a cream before thinning thick nails will make this process easier. However, individuals who have a condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet, such as diabetes , or who cannot cut their nails for different reasons, should consult a healthcare professional regularly to have their nails trimmed.

What is nail fungus? How is nail fungus treatment?

 What is nail fungus? How is nail fungus treatment?

Commonly observed nail fungus is a nuisance for both health and cosmetic reasons. Nail fungus can be seen in a single nail or spread to many nails, causing the nails to become discolored, thickened or the edges of the nails crumbled. In this article, we have compiled for you what you wonder about nail fungus and its treatments.

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What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is a common condition that starts as a yellow or white spot just below the nail tip. In mild cases, nail fungus may not bother people and may not require treatment. However, in some cases, nail fungus causes painful and thick nails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

• Nail fungus,
• observed on the nails;
• thickened tissue
• White-yellow or brown discoloration
• crumbly or irregular structure
• deformity
• slight fragrance
• presents with symptoms such as

Toenail fungus is a much more common condition than hand nail fungus.

When to see a doctor for nail fungus?
In cases where the treatments you can apply yourself for nail fungus do not work, you can see a doctor if the nail gradually changes color, becomes thicker or deformed. You should also see a specialist doctor if you have diabetes and think you have developed nail fungus.

What causes nail fungus?
Fungal nail infections are caused by various organisms called fungi. Apart from this, yeast and molds can also cause nail infections.

Although fungal infection of the nails can be observed in people of all ages, it is more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it becomes brittle and dry in texture. The dry texture causes the nails to crack, and fungi can enter and settle in these cracks more easily. Another reason why nail fungus is observed more in old age is factors such as decreased blood circulation in the feet and weakening of the immune system.

A toenail fungal infection can sometimes start in the feet and spread to the nails. It is very rare to get an infection from someone else.

What are the risk factors for developing nail fungus?
Factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

• Advanced age (more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails, for the reasons mentioned above)
• excessive sweating
• athlete's foot history
• Walking barefoot in damp, public areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and showers
• Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition such as psoriasis
• having diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system

Are there any complications of nail fungus?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and cause permanent damage to the nails. Having a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions can lead to other serious infections that spread from the feet to other places.

In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, blood circulation and the nerve network in the feet may be affected. There is also a higher risk of bacterial skin infection. Therefore, in such patients, minor injuries to the feet, including a fungal nail infection, can lead to a more serious complication. If you have diabetes and think you have developed nail fungus, seek medical advice immediately.

Can nail fungus be prevented?
The following habits can help prevent nail fungus, recurring fungal infections or athlete's foot:

• Washing hands and feet regularly: Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize your nails after washing.
• Trimming nails straight: After trimming the nails, trim the edges with a file and thin the thickened areas. Disinfect your nail file with nail clippers after each use.
• To prevent the feet from sweating: Wear sweat-absorbent socks or change your socks by carrying spare socks if possible. Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
• Pay attention to common areas: Wear slippers in pool areas and locker rooms. Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized manicure tools for each client.
• Paying attention to the products you use: Avoid using nail polish, nail polish and artificial nails.

How is nail fungus diagnosed?
Nail fungus is easily detected by physicians during examination. Sometimes physicians may want to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Therefore, a piece of the nail is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Other conditions, such as psoriasis, sometimes look like a fungal nail infection. Apart from this, microorganisms such as bacteria can also infect the nails.

Knowing the cause of the infection is an important step in determining the best treatment.

How to treat nail fungus?
Nail fungus infections can be difficult to treat. A physician should be consulted if self-care strategies and over-the-counter products have not helped. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of fungus causing it. It may take months to see results, and even if the nail fungus heals, re-infections may occur.

nail fungus treatment drugs
For such conditions, physicians usually prescribe antifungal medications that are taken orally or applied to the nails. In some cases, oral and topical antifungal treatments are used together.

Oral antifungal medications: These medications are often the first choice for treating nail fungus because they clear the infection faster than topical medications. For this purpose, drugs with active ingredients such as terbinafine and itraconazole can be prescribed. These drugs help keep a new nail free of infection, while allowing the infected part to change slowly.

Oral antifungal medications are usually used for 6 to 12 weeks to treat nail fungus. However, the result of the treatment may not be observed until the nail is fully grown. It can take four months or longer to eliminate an infection.

Since oral antifungal drugs can cause many serious side effects, regular blood tests may be required while using these types of drugs.

Medicated nail polish: An antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox is another option for treatment. This nail polish is applied to infected nails and surrounding tissue once a day. After seven days, all applied layers are cleaned with alcohol and reapplied. This type of nail polish may need to be used daily for almost a year.

Medicated nail cream: Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream that is rubbed into the nails. These types of creams work better when the nail is thinned. To thin the nails, the doctor may recommend a lotion containing urea or apply it himself with a nail file or a similar special tool.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION
In some special cases, the physician may recommend temporary removal of the nail in order to apply the antifungal medication directly to the infection under the nail. Some serious nail fungus infections do not respond to medications. If the infection is severe or extremely painful, permanent removal of the nail may be recommended.

What is good for nail fungus?
There are some applications for the treatment of the most common toenail fungus:

You can try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments: If you notice white spots on the surfaces of the nails; file, soak your nails in water, dry and apply medicated cream or lotion.

Trim and thin nails: This application helps reduce pain by reducing the pressure on the nails. Also, if you do this before applying an antifungal, the drug can reach the deeper layers of the nail.