Fungus Infections: Preventing Recurrence

Doctors have excellent treatments for skin fungus infections that occur on the feet, nails, groin, hands and other locations. Unfortunately, there is a strong tendency for fungal infections to recur in many people even after effective clearing with medication. This is because we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Some people are prone to allergies. Others get lots of colds. Others get stomach ulcers. And some people are prone to recurrent skin fungus infections.

The tendency for fungus to recur in many adults, especially on the feet and toenails, is a genetic condition. Their skin cannot recognize the fungus as foreign and get rid of it. After having a fungus there for a while the body's immune system learns to live with the fungus and no longer tries to get rid of it.

Children only rarely get fungal infections of the feet, especially before the age of five. Their bodies still react vigorously to the fungus. For some reason, they are more likely to get it on the scalp than adults are.

Fungus is all around us, on floors, in dirt, and on other people. It is hard to avoid forever. It likes warmth and moisture, making certain parts of the skin more vulnerable. A fungus is a superficial skin problem, not an internal one. It does not spread by going inside the body. Cortisone creams, tried by many patients, help fungus grow! The rash may get less red and itchy at first, but spreads out and recurs, itchier than ever, when the cortisone is stopped.

A fungus sheds "spores", like tiny seeds, which wait for the right moment to grow into new fungus. The most common place for these spores to collect is in shoes. Therefore, after effective treatment, a fungus may recur quickly where spores are present. Fungus doesn't care what color the socks are. White socks offer no advantage. Absorbent cotton or wool socks are best.

Some Rules for Prevention: Remember, nothing works one hundred per cent. Try combinations of these ideas.

1. Use the medicine completely and as recommended. The fungus may till be present long after it is no longer visible as a rash.
   
2. Keep feet clean, cool and dry. Change socks. Wear shoes that "breathe" like leather, rather than plastic.
   
3. Make sure shoes fit correctly and are not too tight.
   
4. Apply an anti-fungal cream, like Lotrimin or Lamisil, or a prescription antifungal cream to the bottom of the feet, and on the nails, about twice a week. This may help prevent early re-growth of the fungus. In some cases, an oral medication may be prescribed.
   
5. Avoid walking barefoot, especially in bathrooms, locker rooms, gyms, on carpeting, and in public bathing areas. Wear slippers or stand on a towel or piece of paper.
   
6. Keep toenails short, cut straight across and avoid ingrown nails. Do not use the same clippers on abnormal nails and normal nails.
   
7. Family members and close personal contacts should treat any fungus infections they may have to avoid trading back and forth.
   
8. Apply an anti-fungal powder, like Zeasorb-AF to the shoes every day, to keep spores from growing.
   
9. Discard old shoes, boots, slippers and sneakers. Do not share footwear with others.
   
10. If one has had a body fungus, in the groin or elsewhere on the skin, consider using an anti-dandruff shampoo, like Selsun Blue on this area twice a month. Lather up and leave it on the skin for about five minutes, then wash off completely. In some cases a preventive medication may be prescribed.

Nail fungus

An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus.

An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and infections may recur. But medications are available to help clear up nail fungus.

Nail Diseases

Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. Your nails' health can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can signal various lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.

Nail problems that sometimes require treatment include bacterial and fungal infections, ingrown nails, tumors and warts. Keeping nails clean, dry and trimmed can help you avoid some problems. Do not remove the cuticle, which can cause infection.

Nail Fungus & Nail Health

THE LONG AND SHORT OF NAILS

Our nails serve many important roles. They protect and support the tissues in our fingers and toes. Having nails allows us to scratch an itch. A look at your nails can warn a doctor of an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.

NAIL BASICS

Nails are essentially hardened skin cells. Made mostly of keratin, a protein found in the skin and hair, nails are made by living cells in the fingers and toes. These living cells begin in the matrix, the hidden (half moon) area under the cuticle. As new skin cells grow in the matrix, the older cells are pushed forward, harden, and form a visible nail.

NAIL GROWTH

How quickly a person's nails grow depends on several factors. Nails grow faster in summer than winter. Men's nails grow more quickly than women's, except possibly during pregnancy and old age. The nails on a person's dominant hand (hand most used) grow faster. The growth rate of fingernails outpaces toenails. On average, fingernails grow 2 to 3 millimeters in one month, and toenails grow 1 millimeter per month. Disease, hormone imbalance, and aging can slow nail growth.

COMMON NAIL DISORDERS

While uncommon in children, nail disorders affect a large number of older adults. As we age, nails thicken and become more susceptible to fungal nail infections. Circulatory problems and use of medications, which also tend to increase as we age, raise the risk of developing a nail condition. The following describes common nail conditions and the causes:

• WHITE SPOTS

Most often caused by mild trauma, such as catching one's finger in a door, these small spots appear when the base (matrix) of the nail is injured. Such white spots are very common, eventually grow out, and are no cause for concern. If you suddenly see a number of white spots and do not remember injuring your nail or the white spots do not seem to grow out, be sure to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. White spots also can indicate an infection or other medical condition.

• SPLINTER HEMORRHAGES

Appearing as a red to reddish-brown fine, vertical line that resembles a splinter beneath the nail, this disorder occurs when blood vessels in the nail bed are damaged. The most common cause is nail injury. Certain medications and medical conditions also can cause a splinter hemorrhage, so these should be examined by a dermatologist.

• INGROWN TOENAIL

This common nail disorder occurs when the corner of the nail curves downward into the skin. The big toenails are particularly vulnerable. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or a poor stance can lead to this common nail problem. Ingrown nails may be painful and sometimes lead to infection. Proper treatment can avoid problems.

Fungal infections of the nail can cause discoloration and abnormal growth

• FUNGAL INFECTIONS (ONYCHOMYCOSIS)

When a nail infection develops, the most common cause is a fungus. More frequent on the toenails than on the fingernails, fungal nail infections affect about 12% of all Americans. Onychomycosis tends to run in families because of an inherited tendency, but not everyone is susceptible. It is rare in children unless one or both parents are infected.

The two most common types of fungi affecting the skin are dermatophytes and yeast (Candida). While both types infect nails, dermatophytes tend to be more common in toenails. Yeast infections are seen more frequently in fingernails. While some fungal nail infections may respond to topical antifungal creams, lotions, gels, and lacquers, most infections of the nail plate require oral medicines such as itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole.

• BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Redness, swelling, and pain of the skin folds around the nails often indicate an infection caused by bacteria. The most common cause of a bacterial infection is injury to the nail or surrounding skin. Frequent exposure to water and chemicals is a common cause of these bacterial infections. Sometimes a green discoloration of the nail occurs. A bacterium called pseudomonas causes this discoloration.

• TUMORS AND WARTS

These may be found in any portion of the nail and can cause the nail plate to change shape. When a growing tumor or wart interferes with nail growth, it can destroy the nail.
Warts are viral infections that affect the skin surrounding or underneath the nail. They can be painful and sometimes limit use of the affected finger or toe. Treatment usually involves destroying the wart with freezing or chemicals. If a wart or tumor extends into the nail folds or is located under the nail plate, surgery may be necessary to remove it.

Warts can be on the skin surrounding
the nail and underneath the nails.

• MUCINOUS CYSTS

Appearing as clear, jelly-filled papules at the base of the nail, these cysts can become painful and may damage or deform the nail. Treatment involves removing the cyst.

• DARK SPOTS OR STREAKS

If a dark spot or streak appears on any nail, and is not the result of an injury, it must be examined by a dermatologist. This could be melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer.

Psoriasis can also affect the nails

• PSORIATIC NAILS

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. Approximately 10% to 50% of people with psoriasis, and 80% of people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis have nail problems, especially with their fingernails. The most common signs include pitting, rippling, and discoloration of the nail. With psoriatic nails, it is common
for the skin beneath the nail to develop a reddish-brown discoloration. Splinter hemorrhages can form. The nail may separate from the nail bed, crumble, and/or split. Swelling and redness of the skin surrounding the base of the nail also are common.

NAIL BITING:
A HARD HABIT TO BREAK

If you develop a nail disorder or find yourself susceptible to nail conditions, it is especially important to break the nail-biting habit. Not only does nail biting ruin the look of the nails, it can damage the skin surrounding the fingers, allowing infections to enter and spread. Nail biting also is an easy way to transfer infectious organisms from the fingers to the mouth and vice versa.
Applying bad tasting nail polishes or liquids to the nail may help some to break the habit. If nail biting is constant and severe, it may be a sign of anxiety or a compulsive disorder. In such cases, behavioral therapy may be appropriate.

TREATING NAIL DISORDERS

While most minor nail injuries heal without treatment, severe nail disorders require medical care. The following nail problems should be reported to a dermatologist:

• Change in the color or shape of a nail
• Swollen skin or pain around a nail
• White or black line visible in a nail
• Dents or ridges in a nail

If treatment is prescribed, it is important to know that therapy can be a challenge. Nails grow slowly, so they respond slowly to treatment. Due to their thickness, nails do not absorb topical medications very well. Oral medication is often necessary. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors and correct structural abnormalities.

A WINDOW ON HEALTH

The nails can reveal much about a person's overall health. Many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails. This is why doctors often check the nails carefully during a physical examination. The most common health conditions that the nails may be revealing are:

Condition	Nail Appearance
Liver Diseases	White nails
Kidney Diseases	Half of nail is pink, half is white
Heart Conditions	Nail bed is red
Lung Diseases	Yellowing and thickening of the nail, slowed growth rate
Anemia	Pale nail beds
Diabetes	Yellowish nails, with a slight blush at the base

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about nail fungus and nail health, log onto www.aad.org or call toll free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.

NAIL CARE TIPS

Many nail disorders result from poor nail care, so developing good nail habits can help. To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend:
1. Keep nails clean and dry. This helps prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.

2. Cut nails straight across, rounding them slightly at the tips for maximum strength. Be sure to use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Filing the nails into points weakens them.

3. Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with a "fine" textured file.

4. Avoid biting fingernails, and do not remove the cuticle.

5. Trim toenails regularly to keep them short. This minimizes trauma and injury.

6. Soak feet in warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per pint of water) for five to 10 minutes when toenails are thick and difficult to cut, then apply urea or lactic acid cream. This softens the nails, making them easier to trim.

7. Avoid "digging-out" ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. See a dermatologist for treatment.

8. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate pairs.

9. Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could signal a serious problem.

10. Be especially vigilant of nail problems if you have diabetes or poor circulation. At the first sign of a problem, see a dermatologist.

Skin Conditions: Nail Problems

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections occur in toenails more often than in fingernails.

Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people over the age of 60. Nail fungus is especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. For people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks.
What Causes Nail Fungus?

Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. If you notice an infected nail, don't pick at it or even trim it, as both of these activities can cause the fungus to spread. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is obtained. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.
What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?

A nail fungus infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly, you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips.
How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some tissue from your nail and send it to a lab in order to determine for certain what kind of infection you have.
How Is Nail Fungus Treated?

Treatment may include topical creams or oral medications (antifungal drugs), but topical antifungal agents may only help treat very mild cases. Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal.

Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.
How Can I Prevent Getting Nail Fungus?

* Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms
* Keep the inside of your shoes dry and change your socks frequently (100% cotton socks are recommended)
* Wear proper fitting shoes (shoes with a wide toe area and ones that don't press your toes)
* Use absorbent or antifungal powder

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness and swelling. Infection can occur in some cases.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the toenails.
How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Treated?

In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with a 15-20-minute soak in warm water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling and drainage of the area. Minor surgery can be performed to remove the part of the nail that is poking into the skin.
How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?

You can prevent ingrown toenails by:

* Wearing shoes that fit properly
* Keeping your toenails at a moderate length and trimming them straight across
* Wearing protective footwear

Reviewed by doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology.

Stop Nail Fungus

For years I had sought to cure myself of ugly nail fungus, which makes nails thick, brittle and discolored. Some treatments seemed to work while others didn't do a thing. This site was put together to help those suffering from embarrassing nail fungus. It's a collection of tips and hints from others just like you that should help in fighting this stubborn infection. I was surprised to learn from doctors that nail fungus can NOT be killed. That's right, you can not kill nail fungus. Too late to change the site name now. The only way to get rid of fungus is for a healthy nail to grow completely thus eliminating the infected fingernail or toenail.
Tips to Get Rid of Nail Fungus

While fungus under nails can't be killed, one can stop nail fungus and have healthy nails once again with the tips and hints compiled here from others who have tried and tested antifungal treatments such as Lamisil (Lamasil) tablets, topical solutions as well as home-made remedies from vinegar and Vicks VapoRub... Do you have a tip or tried something that worked well? Help others get rid of onychomycosis - toenail fungus or fingernail fungus by being active and posting comments and telling us which treatments work in getting rid of your nail fungus. Spread the word not the fungus.

DISCLAIMER: Kill Nail Fungus.com is not a medical site and not intended to take the place of a qualified doctor. Information contained here is simply the personal experiences of those who have had to deal with nail fungus and come with no guarantees. Use at your own risk, but more importantly, consult your doctor before trying anything mentioned on this site.

Nail fungus

Treatments and drugs

Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, but they aren't very effective.

Oral medications
To treat nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:

* Itraconazole (Sporanox)
* Fluconazole (Diflucan)
* Terbinafine (Lamisil)

These medications help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected portion of your nail. You typically take these medications for six to 12 weeks but won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Recurrent infections are possible, especially if you continue to expose your nails to warm, moist conditions.

Antifungal drugs may also cause side effects ranging from skin rashes to liver damage. Doctors may not recommend them for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure or for those taking certain medications.

Other treatment options
Your doctor may also suggest these nail fungus treatments:

* Antifungal lacquer. If you have a mild to moderate infection of nail fungus, your doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it onto your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. Daily use of Penlac for about one year has been shown to help clear nail fungal infections, but researchers found that it cured the infections in less than 10 percent of people using it.
* Topical medications. Your doctor may also opt for other topical antifungal medications. In some cases, you may be advised to use these creams with an over-the-counter lotion containing urea to help speed up absorption. Topical medications usually don't provide a cure, but may be used in conjunction with oral medications.

If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, your doctor may suggest removing your nail. A new nail will usually grow in its place, though it will come in slowly and may take as long as a year to grow back completely.Treatments and drugs

Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, but they aren't very effective.

Oral medications
To treat nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:

* Itraconazole (Sporanox)
* Fluconazole (Diflucan)
* Terbinafine (Lamisil)

These medications help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected portion of your nail. You typically take these medications for six to 12 weeks but won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Recurrent infections are possible, especially if you continue to expose your nails to warm, moist conditions.

Antifungal drugs may also cause side effects ranging from skin rashes to liver damage. Doctors may not recommend them for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure or for those taking certain medications.

Other treatment options
Your doctor may also suggest these nail fungus treatments:

* Antifungal lacquer. If you have a mild to moderate infection of nail fungus, your doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it onto your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. Daily use of Penlac for about one year has been shown to help clear nail fungal infections, but researchers found that it cured the infections in less than 10 percent of people using it.
* Topical medications. Your doctor may also opt for other topical antifungal medications. In some cases, you may be advised to use these creams with an over-the-counter lotion containing urea to help speed up absorption. Topical medications usually don't provide a cure, but may be used in conjunction with oral medications.

If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, your doctor may suggest removing your nail. A new nail will usually grow in its place, though it will come in slowly and may take as long as a year to grow back completely.Treatments and drugs

Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, but they aren't very effective.

Oral medications
To treat nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:

* Itraconazole (Sporanox)
* Fluconazole (Diflucan)
* Terbinafine (Lamisil)

These medications help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected portion of your nail. You typically take these medications for six to 12 weeks but won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Recurrent infections are possible, especially if you continue to expose your nails to warm, moist conditions.

Antifungal drugs may also cause side effects ranging from skin rashes to liver damage. Doctors may not recommend them for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure or for those taking certain medications.

Other treatment options
Your doctor may also suggest these nail fungus treatments:

* Antifungal lacquer. If you have a mild to moderate infection of nail fungus, your doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it onto your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. Daily use of Penlac for about one year has been shown to help clear nail fungal infections, but researchers found that it cured the infections in less than 10 percent of people using it.
* Topical medications. Your doctor may also opt for other topical antifungal medications. In some cases, you may be advised to use these creams with an over-the-counter lotion containing urea to help speed up absorption. Topical medications usually don't provide a cure, but may be used in conjunction with oral medications.

If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, your doctor may suggest removing your nail. A new nail will usually grow in its place, though it will come in slowly and may take as long as a year to grow back completely.