Toe Nail Infection

Toenail infection, otherwise known as onychomycosis or "ringworm nail", affects about 3 percent of the U.S. population, and up to 50 percent of people over 70. It starts when microscopic fungi get into a nail and then spread in the warm moisture of socks and enclosed shoes. It can also be picked up in locker rooms and swimming pools. A few pharmaceuticals and home remedies can kill fungus, but it can take several months.

Causes

• Trichoplyton rubrum is the most common fungus affecting toenails. It also causes athlete's foot. If you don't dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, particularly after walking around in public areas, such as locker rooms, athletic clubs or swimming pools, you could begin an infection that spreads to all your toes.

  Tight shoes or hosiery that constrict the feet can also lead to infection. Men are more likely than women to get it, especially those who regularly wear heavy work boots.

Predispositions

• People with compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS or diabetes, are susceptible to nail infection. Usually, the big toe is affected first. Though an infected toe may not seem serious, it can have major consequences for a diabetic.

Other Diseases

• Not every toenail disease is caused by onychomycosis. Other causes of discolored nails are eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus. A doctor can take a fungal culture to determine the exact cause.

Symptoms

• Initially, the nail separates from the nail bed. Yellowing, swelling, thickening and crumbling nails with streaks or spots may occur. Toenail color can vary from yellow or brown to white with this condition. The entire toenail could fall off.

  Left untreated, a toenail infection can lead to toe infection and even spread deep down through the skin to the bone tissue. In the worst cases, if the infection penetrates bone, it is possible it might become necessary to amputate.

Treatments

• Any open sore should be kept clean and dry. Homemade treatments could work, but require systematic cleansing over several months. Try a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and Gold Listerine. You can paint your toenails or soak your feet morning and night.

  Tea tree oil has powerful anti-fungal properties. If the infection has not progressed too far, trim the nails and treat with tea tree oil combined with a carrier oil such as lavender, which will absorb through the keratin.

  Vicks VapoRub Ointment is a powerful antiseptic that can be rubbed on toenails with some demonstrated success.

  Zetaclear offers a money-back guarantee and combines many natural ingredients, including undecyclenic acid (castor oil), tea tree oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, clove oil, vitamin E and lemongrass oil.

Pharmaceuticals

• Certain oral drugs that can be prescribed for toenail infection, including Lamisil (terbinafine) or itraconazole (Sporanox), which must be taken at least three months. Both have side effects. Lamisil is hard on the liver. Or you can try topically applied drug, Benzalkonium chloride.

Prevention

• Keep nails trimmed, don't use polish that protects the fungus, sterilize nail clippers.

  Wear sandals in the shower and swimming pool, locker room or gym.

  Don't borrow shoes or towels from others.

  Dry feet thoroughly after you shower or swim.

  Wear shoes that fit properly.