Toenails are made of a material called keratin, which is a protein found in the skin, fingernails, and hair. Keratin makes toenails tough and resistant to regular wear and tear. Still, your toenails are prone to various problems, especially toenail fungus Bakersfield. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungus is a common toenail issue that affects about 10% of Americans, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
It is estimated that about half of people aged 70 and above develop toenail fungus.
When toenail fungus appears, the signs you may notice include whitish or yellowish spots underneath the toenail’s tip and toenail thickening and discoloration.
With more time, the fungal infection worsens, leading to the crumbling of the affected nail, which is also highly likely to have jagged edges. The condition can spread to adjacent toenails and affect the surrounding skin.
Subsequently, below are a few other essential things you should remember about toenail fungus.
How a toenail fungus occurs and its causes
A toenail fungus occurs when fungi enter between the toenail and its bed. The fungi can enter through a cut in your skin or a crack in your nail.
According to My Cleveland Clinic, more than 85% of cases of toenail fungus result from dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are fungi that can only grow in the presence of keratin, the protein that helps form your nails.
Still, a fungal toenail infection may be due to mold, yeast, or bacteria.
People at risk of toenail fungus
You may be more susceptible to a fungal toenail infection if you have physical nail damage, high blood glucose, a weak immune system, an athlete’s foot, poor circulation of blood, or excessive sweating.
Moreover, you may be at risk of toenail fungus if you frequently wear shoes that cause your feet to sweat excessively or walk in damp outdoor spaces, including gyms, locker rooms, and bathing rooms, which promotes the spread of infections.
Complications of toenail fungus
The good news is that most toenail fungus infections do not pose any serious complications.
But, if your toenail fungus infection is severe, the pain may be unbearable. Also, your affected nails may appear unattractive because they have cracks, are discolored, and are thicker.
The severely affected nail may also separate from the nail bed. An exposed nail bed is susceptible to injury, fungal attack, or irritants that may cause irritation and infection of the surrounding skin of your toes.
Prevention of toenail fungal infections
Because it is often challenging to eliminate a toenail fungal infection or because you may require surgical interventions, focus more on preventing the condition.
You can prevent toenail fungal infections by keeping your toenails and feet clean and dry. Always wear the recommended shoes in wet public spaces, like swimming pools.
Furthermore, wear shoes that allow free breathing of your feet and do not retain moisture, maintain trimmed nails, use sterilized tools for your pedicure, and treat your foot disease such as athlete’s foot.
Treatment options for a toenail fungal infection may include oral medication, topical treatments, and removal of the affected nail.
Contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in toenail fungus.
