Since nail and foot fungus is not always readily observable by the untrained eye; a careful examination by a podiatrist is important. If foot fungus is left untreated, thick and discolored nails, as well as, chronic skin problems can take root.
Discoloration and thickening of the nail is a gradual process and often takes years to develop and spread to other nails. Normal toenails are typically the same thickness as finger nails. Upon self-examination, if your toenail is yellowing, brittle or is appreciably thicker then your fingernail, there is a good chance that a fungal infection has taken hold.
Other symptoms of foot fungus include:
Cracking and splitting of the skin: between the toes, on the heel or sole of the feet
White, dry or flaky skin
Redness on the bottom of the foot
Patients often wonder if they take the pill (oral antifungal medication), if it will cure the fungus infection. The simple answer is no. If you are lucky and have success with the pill, (success rate 50%), reinfection rates are very high since fungus is abundant in the environment and the pill only fights fungus during the course of treatment.
Since fungus is a mold/plant. It's important to completely dry your feet after a shower and not to wear wet, sweaty shoes after working out. If so, you are "watering the plant", causing the fungus to grow and spread.
Relative to other treatments there is an effective way to treat this problem that seems to work those seeking a treatment to their ugly toenails. It is a safe, cost effective and with very few (if any) side effects.
The four-part process includes:
Daily Antifungal Foot Wash
There a multiple foot washes formulated for healthy foot maintenance; the rich lather cleans and disinfects to improve foot health and appearance. Tea Tree Oil helps the Foot Wash fight athlete's foot and to soothe and protect dry, itchy skin. It is easy to use and is applied prior to taking a shower.
Daily Antiperspirant Foot Spray
There are also many foot sprays that are both anti-fungal and antiperspirant and is ideal for fighting smelly, sweaty feet. Use it after showering (it is commonly recommend to dry your feet with a blow dryer). Spray the bottom of the feet and between the toes. Also use before athletic activities to keep your feet and shoes dry and comfortable. Tea Tree Oil and antiperspirants help your feet stay dry and fungus-free!
Twice Daily Nail Gel
Use a nail and foot gel for a powerful anti-fungal treatment that clears fungus nails like never before! Using Mother Nature's natural fungus fighting ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus Oil, this specially formulated gel is also an ultra-rich moisturizer that can be used to help painful cracked heels. Cover the toenail with a band aid to optimize treatment.
Twice Daily Foot Balm
Using a foot balm is useful as well. The silky-smooth emollient cream that is formulated for dry, cracked, flaky, and callused skin. The balm soothes and moisturizes feet while also containing a natural antiseptic that fights microbials. Tea Tree Oil and other natural ingredients help protect feet from fungus and infection.
Remember, fungus is a plant and that the solution is based in making the environment on the foot difficult for its survival.
Imagine your garden is full of weeds. You remove the weeds and the garden looks great. Soon, the wind blows in unwanted seeds and again weeds become a problem.
Fungus spores are everywhere, so to prevent reoccurring fungus infections a regimen of personal daily foot maintenance needs to be established.
It is also important to cut your nails as short as possible. It's highly recommended to visit a podiatrist monthly for nail cutting and for a complete removal of fungus from under the nail. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment can take between 2-18 months. It's advisable for patients to continue some portion of their daily foot hygiene even after their nails appear healthy.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked as a podiatrist and foot surgeon for the past 14 years and written hundreds of articles about various foot conditions including plantar fasciitis.
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