Nails Your Way

Nail Fungus: Part 2 - Prevention & Treatment

Prevention:

Good hygiene helps prevent fungus infections. Keep the skin clean and dry and take proper care of the nails. Always wash and dry the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungus infection. Nail fungus preventive measures include:

• Keep toes well ventilated
• Keep nails clean and trimmed but not too short
• Don't share unsanitized toenail trimmers or files with others
• Wear cotton socks
• Keep toes out of heat and humidity
• Avoid wearing others shoes
• Wear comfortable roomy shoes
• Wear flip flops whenever you use public showers and bathing areas
• Make a preemptive strike against nail fungus by applying anti-fungal cream to your feet or spray them with athletes foot spray before you head out to exercise or go to the pool, then re-apply after you get home.
• Use a crystal (glass) nail file and stainless steel nail clippers that can be easily washed with soap & water and disinfected in a solution of dilute ammonia or bleach, or rubbing alcohol.
• Apply nail fungus prevention tea tree or thymol cuticle oil daily. These procedures help prevent the spread of nail fungus infections.

Treatment:

Depending on the nature of the fungus infection and the severity of each case, treatment may vary. A daily routine of nail cleansing & liquid or cream treatment, over a period of months, can help mild or moderate infections. It takes a long time to grow out severely damaged nails. Fingernails require six months and toenails take twelve to twenty four months to completely grow new healthy nails. If the fungus has penetrated both the nail plate and the nail bed and continues to reappear then you should consider getting oral prescription medication.

Nail fungus should not be taken lightly. Traditional medical doctors can prescribe oral medications like Sporonox or Lamisil tablets. You must take the medication regularly for 3-6 months and there are possible side effects such as bone marrow damage, liver damage and heart arrhythmias associated with these treatments. As a result, you must have your liver and heart checked and rechecked during treatment because the level of drug toxicity is high. Unfortunately, oral anti-fungal prescription treatment doesn't come cheap, for example the cost of Lamisil is $800.00 or $900.00.

Nail care manufacturers have developed a topical liquid fungus treatment containing tea tree and thymol made specifically for mild cases of nail fungus. Drops are simply applied to the nails 2 times daily for 4-12 months. If topical treatments fail or if the fungus is severe you should get oral medication prescribed by your doctor. It's beneficial to get monthly professional pedicures at a high quality nail salon staffed by a licensed onyxologist that follows the state guidelines for safe sanitation & disinfection procedures. Untreated fungus infections cause the nails to eventually fall off and may cause permanent nail plate damage leaving them ragged and distorted. Whatever method you choose will require you to consistently follow the daily regimen for the recommended time frame in order to heal the nail fungus once and for all.

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Nails Your Way
Jeanne Grace Curtis
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Douglasville GA 30135-4726

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