Nail Fungus:
Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problem. Moreover, many do don't seek treatment. Still, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem.
Such infections can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish, but it can present serious problems if left untreated.
Also referred to as Onychomycosis, fungal nail infections are an infection underneath the surface of the nail, which can also penetrate the nail. In addition to causing difficulty and pain when walking or running, fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate.
A group of fungi called dermophytes easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail's protein substance. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.
Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete's foot and excessive perspiration.
Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails often are the result of trimming your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes.
While they are common, ingrown toenails can be painful. When trimming your nails, avoid tapering the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. The sides of the nail will curl down and dig into your skin. Shoes that are too tight or short also may cause ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenail start out hard, swollen and tender, and later, may become sore, red and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.
Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times each day is usually a good way to treat an ingrown nail. Also, you can try inserting some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. Please contact our office to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail plate avulsion) may need to be surgically removed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.
Visit us at
http://www.footdoctorsnj.com
Black Toenails:
Black toenails can result from a variety of things. Athletes will often encounter a problem with their toenails turning dark. Darkened nails often occur from the toe hitting the end or the top of the shoe toe area. The darkened nail is essentially a bruised nail. Sometimes, the bruise can lead to a fungal nail infection. If you are a diabetic, any change in the color of your toenail should be evaluated. Contact our office to set up an appointment. The pressure, which caused the bruising of the nail, can cause a small sore under the toenail, and the sore can become infected.
Treatment may include trimming the loose nail back and applying a topical anti-fungal medication. If the skin under the nail is ulcerated, a topical antibiotic ointment should be applied. Patients with diabetes should not treat this condition themselves and should contact our office.
Alison DeWaters is returning to the Affiliated Foot and Ankle practice after completing her residency training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. DeWaters began working with the practice at the age of fourteen. Since that time she has obtained her Bachelors of Science at the Cook College, Rutgers University, and her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University. She then did a four year surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in foot and ankle trauma as well as reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Her special interests include sports medicine, pediatrics, wound care and reconstructive surgery. She also serves as a review editor for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and has authored a chapter on Tarsal Coalitions in McGlamrys textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son and volunteering for several local charities.
Loading...
1:35World's Worst Toe Infectionby abailey13245,451 views
Link to this comment:
All Comments (1)