A fungal nail infection can be seen, smelled, or even felt once it takes hold. Here is a list of some of the most common signs and symptoms of finger and toenail infections:
- The fungi may affect the appearance of the nails. They might look yellowish, or even darker.
- Nails may get flaky, brittle or chipped. - Debris sometimes collects under the nails causing them to smell bad.
- Sometimes this condition causes the nails to split.
- Sometimes toenails get so thick that even wearing shoes or walking will be painful.
If you think that you have this problem, see your podiatrist or dermatologist and they will perform a diagnostic test. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a nail fungus.
How to prevent nail fungus from affecting your toe nails?
Well-fitting shoes are a good defense against a nail fungus. Shoes are well-fitting where there is space (about the width of a thumb) between the end of the shoe and the tip of the longest toenail, preventing the nail from being damaged by any trauma. Another way to prevent the nail fungus from getting under your nailbed is to change socks on a very frequent basis. Also, buy new shoes frequently if possible.
What are my options for a nail fungus remedy or treatment?
Nail Fungi is very difficult eliminate and should be treated as soon as possible once it establishes in your nail bed. Unfortunately, in most cases, anti-fungal creams applied to the nail are not effective because they do not penetrate the nail bed killing the fungus at its source.
There are strong oral medications that sometimes need to be taken for months in order to be effective. These oral tablets are more effective on severe nail fungus. But, be careful as most medications have side effects to other body organs like the liver or the skin, etc. Your physician will monitor side effects during treatment. This consists in periodic blood tests. Any of the following symptoms suggests organ damage and should be reported immediately to your physician: nausea, unusual fatigue, severe loss of appetite, skin rashes, yellow eyes, dark urine, bleeding.
Keep in mind that this list is far from being complete. If you are taking oral medications such as Lamisil or Sporanox, your doctor will monitor your health and liver function.
