Polish Problems

If you are dealing with fungal toenails, you have probably painted over the fungus with nail polish in order to wear your cute new sandals.  No big deal, right?

You may or may not be surprised to learn that most over the counter polishes contain many harmful ingredients like formaldehyde.  Polishing up your discolored toenail may actually contribute to the problem! 

Dr.'s Remedy polish is the only doctor approved polish, as it contains anti-fungal ingredients and vitamins and oils to treat your nails.  You're probably thinking that a polish approved by a doctor must only come in ugly colors.  Fear not my polish lovers!  Dr.'s Remedy enriched nail polish comes in a multitude of colors from Blissful red to healing gray.  The polish is available in our office as well as through our online product store. 

If you are experiencing any problems with your toenails, make an appointment with a podiatrist.  It is important to see a doctor to ensure the problem doesn't spread or is not being caused by an underlying problem with your feet.  Contact us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

How Do You Get Fungal Toenails?

If you are dealing with fungal toenails, you may be wondering how you got them in the first place.  Fungal toenails are caused by a group or fungi called dermatophytes or yeasts and molds.  Fungi live in warm, moist areas, can invade your skin through cuts or between your nail and nail bed, and cause problems when your feet are continually exposed to moisture and warmth.  Fungus can develop on your toenails because your feet are usually confined in shoes; a dark, warm environment perfect for those pesky fungi. 

These things will put your more at risk for developing fungal toenails...

• Aging
• Diminished Blood Circulation
• More Years of Exposure to Fungi
• Slowly growing, thicker nails are more susceptible to fungus
• Heavy Perspiration
• Working or Living in a Humid Environment
• Wearing shoes and socks that don't breathe
• Going barefoot in public areas like pools or showers
• Athlete's foot
• Diabetes
• Circulation Problems
• Weakened Immune System

If you have fungal nails, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.  Fungal nails can cause complications, especially in those with diabetes or poor circulation.  Call our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment if you suspect you may have fungal nails. 

To prevent fungal nails from recurring make sure you use proper foot hygiene.  Keep nails short, dry, and clean, wear properly fitted socks, don't go barefoot in public places.  It is also smart to avoid the temptation to wear nail polish over your fungal toenails as it may cause the problem to worsen.  If you go to a salon for a pedicure bring your own tools, like the kit pictured above which can be purchased through our online product store.

Tips for Healthy Nails

It is important for most people to have clear toenails for cosmetic reasons.  However, don't forget about the importance of getting your nails healthy.  Try these little tips for getting healthy nails and preventing fungal infections from occurring.

• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others. You may want to purchase a personal pedicure kit for yourself, like the one pictured above.  It includes several items including, all natural tea tree and lavender essential oil, a nail brush, a nail file, pummace sponge, toe separators, orange stick, sliding tray case for all tools and is available through our product store.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).

If you begin to experience any problems with your toenails, make an appointment with your podiatrist.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit us on the web at vailfoot.com. Don't forget to check out Stepalivecenter.com for lots of other tips and tricks on getting healthy feet!

Prevent Fungal Nails

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.

Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails. Laser treatment may also be an option.  As you may know, the use of the medication available today for treatment of fungus toenails, carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser does not!  Noveon laser treatments consist of 3 - fifteen minute sessions at day 1, day 14 and 60 days from initial treatment.  Depending on the severity of your onychomycosis a fourth treatment may be necessary.  Some people also have a predisposition to the disease and may require periodic treatments to kill any new fungal infection that may arise.  Visit the Ohio Nail Laser Center to learn more about Laser Therapy and how it can help you.

Ohio Nail Laser Center

A fungus infection of the toenail, also known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affecting the foot. Whereas Ringworn is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the skin, onychomycosis is a dermatophyte fungus infection of the nail. The disease is characterized by a thickening of the toenail plate, debris under the toenail, a lifting of the leading edge of the nail, a change in nail color and occasionally an odor. Patients complain that toenail fungus is ugly and embarrassing. This condition is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain.

If ignored, the infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet (ringworm or tinea pedis) and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one's ability to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. Secondary bacterial infections may occur on or around the toenail plate.

Contributing factors for developing nail fungus infection include:

• A history of athlete's foot
• Injury to the nail bed
• Sports / Shoe trauma
• Excessive perspiration
• Diabetes
• Circulatory problems
• Immune-deficiency conditions

The best offense is a good defense. Prevention is key to avoiding fungal infection.
Prevention tips include:

• Proper hygiene, i.e. washing the feet with soap and water.
• Dry thoroughly; use powder as a drying agent.
• Daily inspection of the feet and toes
• Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
• Wear shoes that are breathable.
• Bring your own instruments/nail polish to a pedicurist

Treatment for Fungal Nails

Historically, treatments for fungal nails included topical medications, oral agents (pills) or surgical removal of the nail plate. The topical medications were largely ineffective. Oral agents have been known to affect the liver and blood tests needed to be monitored to prevent damage. Removal of the nail plate was painful and debilitating.

Now with the Noveon dual wavelength laser, treatment for fungal nails is easy, effective and without the risk of side-effects from oral medication.