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.
Onychocryptosis, simply referred to as ingrown nails, is caused by using the wrong technique to cut off those extra overhanging edges. It is wrong to dig into the skin when trimming. Also, it is important that one pays extra attention when shaping the nails. Ideally, nails should be trimmed in a straight line, without any curving at the corners. In growing has also been found to be common among people who wear improper sizes of shoes.
One of the common ways in which onychomycosis presents is the nails getting discoloured. Their normal consistency may also be altered (they become softer and more brittle). Other common pointers to infection include tenderness, swelling and oozing of pus. With this typical presentation, it is easy to make a diagnosis without having to do further tests. Lab investigations are only necessary to know the particular microorganism behind the condition.
Management of onychocryptosis includes proper trimming of nails and allowing them to grow out before they are trimmed. One can also soak the feet or hands in warm water combined with some vinegar for about fifteen minutes every day. Alternatively, although controversial, cotton soaked in alcohol can be placed at the corner of an ingrown nail. Drugs against inflammation are beneficial in case the area is severely inflamed. Antibiotics are also crucial for infected ingrown nails (paronychia) because of the high likelihood of co-infection with bacteria.
Another home remedy that has been shown to have satisfactory results is soaking the toes or fingers in a solution of warm water and vinegar for about fifteen minutes every single day until you achieve desired results. Alternatively, one can soak cotton wool in alcohol and position it at the corner of the ingrown nail. Medication against inflammation can also be used as part of supportive therapy.
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.
Onychocryptosis, simply referred to as ingrown nails, is caused by using the wrong technique to cut off those extra overhanging edges. It is wrong to dig into the skin when trimming. Also, it is important that one pays extra attention when shaping the nails. Ideally, nails should be trimmed in a straight line, without any curving at the corners. In growing has also been found to be common among people who wear improper sizes of shoes.
One of the common ways in which onychomycosis presents is the nails getting discoloured. Their normal consistency may also be altered (they become softer and more brittle). Other common pointers to infection include tenderness, swelling and oozing of pus. With this typical presentation, it is easy to make a diagnosis without having to do further tests. Lab investigations are only necessary to know the particular microorganism behind the condition.
Management of onychocryptosis includes proper trimming of nails and allowing them to grow out before they are trimmed. One can also soak the feet or hands in warm water combined with some vinegar for about fifteen minutes every day. Alternatively, although controversial, cotton soaked in alcohol can be placed at the corner of an ingrown nail. Drugs against inflammation are beneficial in case the area is severely inflamed. Antibiotics are also crucial for infected ingrown nails (paronychia) because of the high likelihood of co-infection with bacteria.
Another home remedy that has been shown to have satisfactory results is soaking the toes or fingers in a solution of warm water and vinegar for about fifteen minutes every single day until you achieve desired results. Alternatively, one can soak cotton wool in alcohol and position it at the corner of the ingrown nail. Medication against inflammation can also be used as part of supportive therapy.
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.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment