Toenail Fungus Hits Madonna? - The Texas Foot Specialists
/Madonna the Queen of Pop, hit-making icon, and a performer that created a legacy of hard to forget songs. Who would have thought that this feminist force of nature had all the classic symptoms of toenail fungus?
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is the common term for Onychomycosis. It is a very common foot problem caused by fungi. Toenail fungus usually affects the tissues under the nails and the infection spreads quickly. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with toenail fungus and other types of foot conditions.
What are some the causes of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus usually occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, on, or under the nail. The warm and moist environment can cause fungi to overpopulate. These fungi can cause nail infections especially if you come in contact with someone with a fungal infection. You are at high risk if you walk barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
What does it look like?
The following are the visible signs of toenail fungus:
- Scaling under the nail
- Crumbling corner or tip of the nail
- Yellow spots at the bottom of the nail
- A distorted nail
- Brittle or thickened nail
- White or yellow streaks of the nail
- Flaking white areas on the nail’s surface
- Loss of the nail, and
- An odor coming from the infected nail
Some infections that affect the nails also have the same symptoms as toenail fungus. The best way to confirm a diagnosis is to visit a doctor and let him examine you.
What are the treatments for toenail fungus?
The following are the treatment options for toenail fungus:
- Oral anti-fungal drugs. These drugs will help a new nail to grow free from infection and will replace the infected part.
- Medicated nail polish. Paint it on your infected nail and the surrounding skin once a day to cure the infection.
- Medicated nail cream. Rub the antifungal cream into your infected nails after soaking.
- Nail removal. Your doctor may suggest removing your nail if the infection is severe and is extremely painful.
- Laser beams. This method will help your nails to improve.
How to prevent toenail fungus?
These habits may help prevent toenail fungus and reinfection:
- Keep your nail clean and well-trimmed
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching an infected nail
- Choose a trustworthy salon that you can have a manicure and pedicure
- Wear socks that minimize moisture
- Reduce using artificial nail and nail polish
- Regularly use antifungal sprays or powders
- Dry your feet well after shower
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people suffering from toenail fungus and other foot conditions. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.