DIET AND FITNESS:
Nail the Problem --The Prevention
and Cure of Fungal Toenail
Infection
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February 13, 2010
By Muireann Prendergast, Contributing Columnist
We generally think of yellowing, brittle toenails as an
aesthetic issue and our first reaction is to cancel our
pedicure and resort to band aids, socks, and full shoes to
cover up unsightly toes. However, this shouldn’t be the case
as these can be signs of nail fungus. While it may sound
unpleasant, it is curable and can be prevented from recurring
with some straightforward practices.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, happens when
fungi infects the nails. Fungus is caused by our dead hair and
nail tissue as well as by the flora that lives on our skin at a
microscopic level. The Mayo Clinic explains that nail fungus
has the appearance of thickened, brittle, crumbly, discolored
nails, sometimes accompanied by pain, even itching and an
unpleasant odor. The American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD) explains that fungal nail infections affect about 12%
of all Americans.
It is important to note that not all nail disorders are caused
by fungus. Nail thinning, Koilonychia, or “spoon nails” is
caused by anemia while nail whitening can be associated
with liver or kidney problems. White lines on nails can
indicate a protein deficiency. For any queries about nail
discoloration, a doctor or dermatologist, rather than a nail
beautician to technician, should be consulted.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOENAIL FUNGUS
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) explains
that there are four main types of toenail fungus. The most
common is called Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO)
which causes the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.
The nail then becomes discolored as a result. According to
the AAFP this is called by a fungus called Trichophyton
Rubrum, which can run in families.
The second type of toenail fungus is called White Superficial
Onychomycosis, and it is less common, accounting for 10 %
of all fungal infections according to the AAFP. It is caused by
an infection called Trichophyton Mentagrophytes which
affects the superficial layers of the nail plate causing them to
become discoloured and brittle. This is the easiest kind of
fungal nail infection to treat as it affects only the nail plate
and can be treated with over the counter remedies.
The third type of toenail fungus infection is called Proximal
Subungual Onychomycosis which is also caused by
Trichophyton Rubrum. It is the least common form of fungal
nail infection and involves a white or yellow discoloration
near the nail cuticle.
The fourth kind is yeast nail infection, caused by the Candida
Albicans fungus and called Candidal Onychomycosis. With
this infection the nail plate can become discolored and the
skin surrounding the nail can become swollen and painful.
PREVENTION TIPS
1. NAIL HEALTH
The American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) suggests
that good nail maintenance is crucial to avoiding fungal toe
infections. This includes trimming toenails regularly and
doing so by cutting them straight across and rounding the
tips to strengthen nails. The AAD also stresses the
importance of keeping toenails clean and dry in order to
avoid the growth of infection.
2. WEAR PROPER FITTING SHOES
The AAD also stresses the importance of wearing proper
fitting shoes. Shoes that are too small hinder the air supply
to the feet causing fungi to thrive. It is also recommended
that shoes be changed regularly to prevent the spread of
fungi.
3. VISIT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST REGULARLY
Dermatologists are trained to detect early signs of foot fungi
so regular visits will prevent a minor toenail issue from
growing into an embarrassing and even painful problem later
on.
4. USE FLIP FLOPS
Flip flops encourage air circulation to feet and so are crucial
for healthy toenails. Dermatologists suggest that they be
worn in locker rooms and also around swimming pools so
that feet can be washed easily before going home to avoid
the growth of infection afterwards.
5. BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL
Infections can be contagious, so it is always a good idea not
to share towels when spending a day at a beach or a
swimming pool or an afternoon in the locker room.
ELIMINATION TIPS
1. LACQUER YOUR TOES
Some doctors recommend anti-fungal nail lacquers like
Penlac, to be used once a day, to eliminate fungal nail
infections.
2. SOAK IN VINEGAR
The Mayo Clinic suggests that soaking feet in a mixture of
two parts warm water and one part vinegar for 20 minutes
daily for 15-20 minutes can help. Feet should be thoroughly
rinsed and dried afterwards.
3. OVER THE COUNTER ANTI-FUNGAL REMEDIES
The Mayo Clinic lists Lamisil and Sporanox as effective over
the counter oral anti-fungal medication for killing toenail
fungus.
4. TEA TREE OIL
Tea Tree Oil is an effective natural anti-fungal remedy and
can also relieve any itching that might occur. Homeopaths
recommend rubbing it undiluted on affected nails.
5. LASER TREATMENT
While lasers have been used in the treatment of toenail
fungus since the 1980’s, recently this process has become
somewhat more widespread. The efficacy of this approach is
currently undergoing a series of clinical trials to better
determine its efficacy as well as the direction of future laser
treatments. Talk with a Dermatologist for more information.
You're just getting started. Learn more about the
relationship between your diet and your risk for other
diseases and conditions: What to Eat for Great Eye Health
/How Much Is Too Much Salt? /Sugar-The Disease
Connection / Are Diet Sodas Bad for Your Health? / Ideal
Breakfast for Diabetics / Ideal Breakfast for Arthritis
/Healing Foods Links / Foods That Shrink Your Waist /
Foods That Lower Cholesterol/ VLDL-The Other Cholesterol/
Foods That Reduce Blood Pressure
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