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Understanding
and Curing Nail Fungus
(November 1998)
Nail fungus is a common condition that usually presents in mid-life or later years. Generally, nail fungus involves the toenails. It often presents as a yellowing or crumbling or thickening of the nails, especially at the edge nearest to the area where the nails are cut. This sometimes results in discomfort, but usually is painless. Nail fungus is unsightly. Although the large toenails are most frequently involved, other toenails can be involved as well. It is not usual for several toenails to be fairly severely involved and other nails not to be involved at all. It is also frequent to see one foot involved and the other foot completely clear of the infection. Sometimes fingernails are also involved and they have a similar appearance. Frequently, two feet and one hand will be involved with nail fungus and the other hand will be uninvolved. The exact reason why this occurs is unknown. Nail fungus is often seen in association with fungus on the feet and occasionally on the hands. This fungus is typically not the blistery, itchy, "athlete’s foot" so often described in commercials. Rather it is a chronic infection, which is recognized by thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet, with scaling and occasional cracking.
Treatment for nail fungus has advanced significantly over the past five years. Newer, safer and more effective medications are currently available. These medications are generally taken for three months. During that time, the medicine incorporates into the nail tissue. This prevents the fungus from continuing to grow into the nail. As the nail grows out normally, the diseased nail is displaced and removed.
Nail fungus is thought to often result from a long lasting infection with fungus of the feet extending slowly into the nails. Because of this, doctors often recommend that patients with nail fungus continue to use antifungal creams on the feet daily after showering, even after the pills have eradicated the nail fungus. Some of these pills work so well that manufacturers of one particular medicine has a current promotional campaign that offers a money back guarantee if the nail fungus is not eradicated in one year. For further information or to schedule an appointment to evaluate and treat toenail fungus, consult with your dermatologist.
The risk of fungus infection of toenails is decreased by the same methods used to decrease the risk and severity of fungus infection of skin on the feet (athlete’s foot). Below are some tips on keeping feet dry and healthy.
- Avoid wearing shoes indoors and consider wearing open footwear when appropriate.
- Change shoes daily – alternate between at least 3 pairs of shoes, allowing time for shoes to dry out.
- Change socks midday if socks become damp.
- Avoid high top boots unless needed for work or other activities.
- Consider applying Zeasorb-AF powder to feet daily before putting on socks.
- Treat any foot fungus promptly – some patients require daily application of anti-fungal creams to keep fungus away.
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