Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infection (onychomycosis) and are harder to manage than those of fingernails. This is due to the fact that toes are subjected to more pressure by shoes and walking. Wearing shoes that are too small for your feet and not keeping your feet dry are the major reasons for infection with fungi. There are several facts on fungal and ingrown nail treatment Grand Prairie patients may be interested in If suffering from any of these conditions.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
Abnormal discolouration of nails is one common pointer to fungal infection. The nails may be brittle and some of them appear eaten up. The affected individual may also experience redness, swelling and oozing of pus from the affected site. The condition is usually a clinical diagnosis but can be confirmed through a laboratory test that entails the scraping of dead tissues from the affected nail and examining under the microscope. This also helps in ruling out other conditions such as tumours .
The basic management principle here is employing the proper approach to trimming the nails. One should be patient enough to allow the nails to grow out first before a trim. Precision is key when doing a trim; the nails are supposed to have a smooth and straight outline all across.
When conservative measures fail to alleviate the problem, surgery is indicated. Surgery usually only takes a few minutes. The operation entails detachment, removing the matrix and total nail resection, among other options depending on the severity of the condition. Nail removal helps a great deal in preventing recurrence. A localized form of anesthesia is used to minimize pain during the procedure. It should be noted that surgery can result in new infections if sterile measures are not observed.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
The underlying factor in nail infection is damage to the overlying skin exposing deeper structures to the outside non-sterile environment. This is illustrated in the fact that most victims have a history of wearing shoes that do not properly fit them. In the long run, the feet develop infection secondary to peeling off of the skin due to too much friction. People living with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible.
Wearing an inappropriate shoe size is also a major culprit in the occurrence of ingrown nails. The method used in the trimming of nails is very important in promoting healthy growth. It is recommended that one trims off only the overgrown bits without going into the skin. In addition, trimming them straight is good way of making them grow well.
Abnormal discolouration of nails is one common pointer to fungal infection. The nails may be brittle and some of them appear eaten up. The affected individual may also experience redness, swelling and oozing of pus from the affected site. The condition is usually a clinical diagnosis but can be confirmed through a laboratory test that entails the scraping of dead tissues from the affected nail and examining under the microscope. This also helps in ruling out other conditions such as tumours .
The basic management principle here is employing the proper approach to trimming the nails. One should be patient enough to allow the nails to grow out first before a trim. Precision is key when doing a trim; the nails are supposed to have a smooth and straight outline all across.
When conservative measures fail to alleviate the problem, surgery is indicated. Surgery usually only takes a few minutes. The operation entails detachment, removing the matrix and total nail resection, among other options depending on the severity of the condition. Nail removal helps a great deal in preventing recurrence. A localized form of anesthesia is used to minimize pain during the procedure. It should be noted that surgery can result in new infections if sterile measures are not observed.
One of the complications of ingrown nails is infection of surrounding tissues. If untreated, it can result in nail dystrophy (wasting away) and skin and bone infection (cellulitis and osteomyelitis respectively). Antibiotics should be given if there is an accompanying bacterial infection. Otherwise, topical and oral antifungal agents are used. An example of a common antifungal with good response is terbinafine.
It is important to state that prevention is far better than cure. People who are at high risk of injury should be given priority. These include poorly controlled diabetic patients, morbidly obese patients and people who engage in sports. Simple measures such as keeping your feet free from moisture should not be overlooked. Education on proper nail care goes a long a way in preventing serious soft tissue infections.
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