If you develop a fungal infection, we reiterate the importance of coming to see us right away. Depending upon the extent of the problem, we can set you up with the tools you need to clear the infection, including:. Of the many complications caused by diabetes, those that affect your feet are among the most common and significant. Whatever the case, you want to avoid problematic bunions from developing.
These tips can help! Also see a doctor if you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus. Viven Williams: There's nothing like getting pampered with a pedicure. But before you dip your toes in the water, check to be sure the spa is licensed properly. Rachel Miest, M. Dermatology Mayo Clinic: Oftentimes, those licenses come with the appropriate education, and following the appropriate protocols for how to keep you safe and how to prevent infection.
Williams: Dr. Rachel Miest says bacterial and fungal are the two most common infections. To avoid them, she says, don't be afraid to ask to make sure the spa cleans all equipment between customers.
Williams: To reduce your risk, Dr. Miest says don't shave 24 hours beforehand and don't have your cuticles cut. Miest: Ask that they only either leave your cuticles alone or gently push them back but not to aggressively push them back or clip them because that cuticle is a very, very important seal. Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms fungi. The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte.
Yeast and molds also can cause nail infections. Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but it's more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter.
The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age. Distal subungual infections are the most common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both fingernails and toenails. White superficial infections usually affect toenails. A certain type of fungus attacks the top layers of the nail and creates well-defined white spots on the nail.
Eventually these white patches cover the entire nail, which becomes rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. Spots on nail may become pitted and flaky. Proximal subungual infections are uncommon but can affect both fingernails and toenails. Yellow spots appear at the base of the nail as the infection spreads upward. This infection can commonly occur in people with compromised immune systems. It can also result from minor injury to the nail. Candida yeasts cause this type of infection. It can invade nails previously damaged by a prior infection or injury.
More commonly, Candida affects fingernails. It often occurs in people who frequently soak their hands in water. These infections usually start by the cuticle around the nail, which becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The nail itself may partially lift off the nail bed, or fall off completely.
Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of a fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to see a doctor. Instead, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:. Your doctor may prescribe other antifungal treatments, such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions.
Some of these topical treatments are available over-the-counter and can come as antifungal creams or as a nail polish. Nail fungus is spread in warm moist environments, so for those people who wear shoes and socks where the foot and toes can sweat, a nail fungus infection has a higher chance of spreading to other areas of the body.
So, if you do find that you have nail fungus, then it is a good idea to keep your fingers and toes dry, to reduce the chance of the infection spreading to adjoining appendages.
Often people catch nail fungus from others via close contact, such as in public showers in gym locker rooms or at swimming pools.
So, if you have nail fungus you should be careful to not share it with others. Special socks or flip-flops can help here. You can identify nail fungus relatively easily since the fungus causes discoloration to occur. If you find that the edges of your nails have become yellow, then this may be a sign of nail fungus.
Over time the nail can thicken, become brittle and even split away from the nail bed which can be a painful side effect. With this kind of nail injury, areas around the cuticle can also become painful. Learn more about how to diagnose nail fungus. These are all good reasons to ensure that nail fungus and toenail infections are treated swiftly before they develop and become worse over time. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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