What You Can Do to Stop Toenail Fungus

Better known as athlete’s foot, onychomycosis is an infection of the nails with a fungus. Where and how does it develop? Why does it attack the nails? What are the treatments to get rid of this fungus?

The onychomycosis is a fungal infection in the nails. It concerns 5% of the population and more than 40% of people aged 70 and over.

A yeast infection is an infection with a fungus. There are several kinds of fungi, such as yeast or mold. The best known are candida and aspergillus. They attack the surface of the skin, mucous membranes, or nails.

The nail is made up of two parts: the nail tablet, in the surface, and the matrix, in-depth, which manufactures the nail. Between the two is the lunula. We see a small white crescent at the base of the nail.

A protective role. The nail is made up of keratin, a protein that is also found in the skin or hair, and other elements, such as iron, zinc, or even calcium.

When left untreated, onychomycosis can destroy the nail. It can also spread and one can infect oneself on other parts of the body or contaminate other people.

Fungal nail infections should be treated as soon as possible. The best is to do it as soon as the fungus appears between the toes before it reaches the nail. We can then treat toenail fungus fast with local treatments.

But you have to see a doctor be sure it is onychomycosis and start the right treatment. Only a sample proves the presence of the fungus. An analysis then makes it possible to adapt to the treatment.

When the fungus is underdeveloped and localized on a toe or two, a varnish can be applied to the nail, daily or several times a week. You can also use special creams. Follow-up should be done by a dermatologist or podiatrist. In any case, it lasts several months.

When the fungus is too large, the dermatologist will prescribe an antifungal tablet, a drug that must also be taken over a long period.

Getting rid of onychomycosis, therefore, requires rigor on the part of the patient. It is perhaps for this reason that many people delay in seeking treatment, despite the unsightly side of this fungus.

Once cured, recurrences must be prevented. Preventive varnish, monitoring of spaces between fingers and leather shoes are important. Dry your feet well and the famous spaces between the toes, especially with an individual towel. Do not walk barefoot and do not lend your shoes!

Used for over ten years across the Atlantic, the laser technology to treat nail fungus is arriving in France. The principle consists in heating the nail and the adjacent tissues to destroy the fungi responsible for the mycoses.

The laser produces heat at 75 ° C which crosses the nail to burn the fungi responsible for the fungus. The surrounding tissues are also treated to avoid further contamination. However, the laser is programmed not to burn the skin. By regrowing, the nail will make disappear the last traces of mycosis.

The technique has no major contraindications and is almost painless. It usually takes two sessions to overcome a yeast infection. The price of a session is around 180 euros, a financial investment necessary for some patients because their yeast infections are real complexes.

To prevent fungal spores from contaminating healthy nails, the patient should apply an antifungal cream for several weeks. He must also disinfect his shoes and socks.