Fungal infection is a particularly common condition in the toenails (as compared to finger nails) due to the less than ideal environment the toes are exposed to. Wearing tight-fitting, moist shoes predisposes one to fungal infection. When infected, toenails are harder to treat than fingernails because they have a slower growth and are subjected to more pressure. If struggling with this condition, there are some facts regarding fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie residents may find useful.
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.
In grown nails(or onychocryptosis) may also be caused by wearing undersize shoes. Cutting the nails too short or without an accurate straight outline is another well-known risk factor. Research has shown that some people are naturally born with nails that tend to grow inwards. Other causes include repeated trauma, especially amongst sportsmen, obesity and excessive sweating between toes and fingers.
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.
The basic management principle here is employing the proper approach to trimming the nails. One should be patient enough to allow the nails to grow out first before a trim. Precision is key when doing a trim; the nails are supposed to have a smooth and straight outline all across.
Surgical options for ingrown toenails include removal of the affected margin, detachment and partial or total resection of the involved nail. Adequate local anaesthesia is injected before any of these procedures which means there will be very little pain. Surgery is ideal for persistent inward growth of toenails.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
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.
In grown nails(or onychocryptosis) may also be caused by wearing undersize shoes. Cutting the nails too short or without an accurate straight outline is another well-known risk factor. Research has shown that some people are naturally born with nails that tend to grow inwards. Other causes include repeated trauma, especially amongst sportsmen, obesity and excessive sweating between toes and fingers.
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.
The basic management principle here is employing the proper approach to trimming the nails. One should be patient enough to allow the nails to grow out first before a trim. Precision is key when doing a trim; the nails are supposed to have a smooth and straight outline all across.
Surgical options for ingrown toenails include removal of the affected margin, detachment and partial or total resection of the involved nail. Adequate local anaesthesia is injected before any of these procedures which means there will be very little pain. Surgery is ideal for persistent inward growth of toenails.
If not treated early, complications are bound to arise. These include, among others, bacterial infection of adjacent soft tissues (cellulitis) and even bone infection (osteomyelitis). There may also be abnormal growth of surrounding skin. This infection responds well to antifungal drugs which can be given either orally or topically.
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.
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