How Do I Know I Have Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a relatively common condition that disfigures and sometimes destroys the nail. This problem can be caused by several different types of fungi (microscopic organisms related to mold and mildew). These fungi thrive in the dark, moist and stuffy environment inside shoes. As they grow, fungi feed on keratin, the tough protein that makes up the hard surface of the toenails. In most cases, the fungus belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Other, less common causes of onychomycosis include yeasts and molds.
Toenail fungus affects 2% to 18% of all people worldwide and 3% to 5% of people in the United States. It is relatively rare in children, affecting only about 1 out of every 200 people younger than 18. However, the likelihood of getting toenail fungus increases with age. Up to 48% of people have at least one affected toe by the time they reach age 70. Although 2.5 million Americans see a podiatrist annually for treatment of toenail fungus, many more are infected but never seek help. Some people consider toenail fungus just a cosmetic problem and don't bother seeking treatment.
Almost anyone who wears tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery is more likely to develop toenail fungus, especially if they also practice poor foot hygiene. Another risk is wearing layers of toenail polish, which doesn't allow the nail to breathe. Also, because toenail fungi may spread from foot to foot on the floors of showers and locker rooms, fungal infections of the toenails are especially common among military personnel, athletes and miners. The condition also tends to affect people with chronic illnesses, such as HIV or diabetes as well as people with circulatory problems that decrease blood flow to the toes. However, many people have no clear risk factors.
Of all the toenails, those on the big toe and little toe are the most likely to develop a toenail fungus. This may be partly because the big toe and little toe are constantly exposed to the mild trauma of friction from the sides of shoes.
Symptoms
When a toenail develops a fungal infection, it typically turns yellow or brown and becomes thick and overgrown. Foul-smelling debris also may accumulate under the nail, especially at the sides and tip. As the infection continues, the nail either may crumble gradually and fall off or become so thick that the affected toe feels uncomfortable or painful inside shoes.
In a less common variety of toenail fungus, called white superficial onychomycosis, the nail turns white rather than yellow or brown, and the surface becomes soft, dry and powdery.
Diagnosis
After you describe your foot symptoms, your doctor will ask you about any factors that may increase your risk of toenail fungus. These include a high-risk occupation, sports participation, tight-fitting shoes or hosiery, poor foot hygiene or the use of heavy toenail polish. Your doctor will ask whether you have a history of poor circulation, diabetes, HIV or any other illness that may decrease your resistance to infection or interfere with blood flow to your toes.
Because peorisos sometimes can cause nail problems that look similar to a fungal infection, your doctor may ask whether you or anyone in your family has psoriasis. In some people with psoriasis, the nails are the only part of the body affected. The skin is largely spared. Also, it is possible for psoriasis and a fungal infection to affect the same toenail.
If you and your doctor decide that your nail problem is important, the doctor will examine your affected toenail or toenails. To confirm that you have a fungal infection, your doctor will take small samples of the affected nails and send them to a laboratory. The nail samples will be examined under a microscope and will be checked for fungi and other microorganisms. CLICK HERE

Toenail Fungus (Just The Facts)

Fungal infections make up about 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. Known medically as onychomycosis, nail fungus often causes the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Debris - white, green, yellow or black - may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. Fungal infection of the toenails occurs four times more frequently than that of the fingernails, due to the warm, moist environment in shoes that promotes fungal growth.
An estimated 11 million Americans suffer from onychomycosis, and up to 48 percent of individuals have at least one affected toe by the time they reach age 70.
As the fungi grow, they feed on keratin, the tough, horny protein that makes up the hard surface of toenails. In about 78 percent of cases, the infecting toenail fungus belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Other culprits include yeast, mold, and bacteria.
Because toenail fungi can spread from foot to foot on the floors of showers and locker rooms, toenail fungal infections are especially common among military personnel and athletes. The condition also tends to affect individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, and those with circulatory problems that decrease blood flow to the toes. However, many people have no clear predisposing factors.
Toenail fungus is a chronic condition that gradually progresses to involve more and more of the nail, rarely healing on its own. Even if the affected nail spontaneously falls off or is knocked off, the nail that regrows is usually infected with fungus. In severe cases, surgical removal of nail may be necessary.
Presently, the best treatments (although still not very effective) are expensive oral prescription medications with potentially adverse side effects - itraconazole (Sporanox®), terbinafine (Lamisil®), and fluconazole (Diflucan®) - or topical treatments - ciclopirox (Penlac™ Nail Lacquer), the first topical agent approved in the U.S. for this disorder.
You should make an appointment with your physician, who may wish to refer you to a dermatologist - a physician who specializes in the treatment of skin disorders. You can help to prevent toenail fungus by:
Washing feet with soap and water daily and drying them thoroughly.
Wearing rubber shoes or shower clogs in communal areas.
Selecting well-ventilated shoes that allow feet to "breathe." Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials. Wear proper fitting shoes with sufficient toe space.
Alternating pairs of shoes to allow them to air out between wearings. Get out of wet shoes immediately.
Wearing socks made of cotton or materials that "wick" away moisture. If your feet sweat, change socks twice a day and wash them in hot water after each wearing.
Using drying powders to help keep feet dry, but avoid corn starch, which feeds any bacteria or fungi that may be present. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

NATURAL TREATMENT FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS

I just read in Andrew Weil, M.D.'s newsletter that tea tree oil, or grapefruit seed extract can be used successfully on toenail fungus. He notes, however, that it can take up to a year of daily treatment (and comments that it is much cheaper than the recommended pharmaceuticals). I just saw a sprizter of the grapefruit seed extract at Whole Foods today, and it lists fungi as a use. I believe his article said to apply it twice daily, but check the bottle. Good luck.
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Tips To Keep You From Getting Toenail Fungus Again

Wash your feet every day. Clean between your toes then dry your feet well, and wear clean socks, or hosiery. Dry, clean feet help stop Toenail Fungus from taking root, growing, or spreading. An extra tip: Socks made of nylon and other synthetic materials shed moisture, wicking it away faster.
Use a talcum foot powder to keep your feet clean and dry. Moisture and sweat help the infection take root and grow. Talcum powders help more than cornstarch powders.
Wear shower shoes (flip-flops) when walking in public swimming and shower areas. This helps keep you from picking up a toenail fungus infection from someone else. (Or from spreading an infection if you have one.)
Clip your toenails straight across so that the toenail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe. This will reduce the risk of breaking, cracking, or splitting the toenail.
Get manicures and pedicures only at salons and spas that sterilize their tools. This will reduce the risk of picking up a fungus from a tool that was recently used on an infected nail. You may even want to keep a set of your own tools to bring with you for the manicurist to use.
Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and are made of materials that breathe, such as canvas, leather, or mesh materials. The less moisture that's trapped in your shoes, the less chance a fungus has to take root, grow, and spread.
Examine packages of artificial nails and nail polishes before buying and using them. Some trap moisture under the nail and create good conditions for a fungus to grow. CLICK HERE

Diet Can Help Toenail Fungus

Diet plays a large role in curing and treating any illness or health issue. People suffering from toe nail fungus should include more probiotics which is good bacteria, in their diet. This will help your body to get rid of the fungus. Yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics. You will need to Reduce intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar. Olive leaf extract is an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.
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