The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible - Arthur C. Clarke
If you are suffering from yellow, distorted crumbing toenails, then it’s likely you have a toenail fungus. It’s an unsightly and embarrassing condition but the good news is that you’re not alone. It is estimated that as many as 10% of the population suffer from nail fungus at any one time.
The fungus that causes the infection thrives in moist, dark and damp conditions. So sweaty toes, enclosed in tight-fitting shoes deliver the perfect environment. Nail fungus infections can also affect the fingernails, but as these are more often exposed to flowing air and to sunlight, the incidence rates are lower.
Nail fungus is commonly picked up in public showers and gym changing rooms. It’s a good idea to never walk around barefoot in these environments. Wear thongs or a neopreme foot cover. Good hygiene is also important for prevention. Wash your feet every day and use a nail brush on the nail. Remember also to dry your feet thoroughly after washing, including between the toes.
If you are diagnosed with a nail fungus, there are a good number of topical treatments available to you. Some of these, such as Loceryl cream and Penlac contain known antifungal agents that have been clinically proven to destroy fungi when they come into direct contact with them. A wide range of natural remedies and home based treatments also exist but may not be backed up by clinical tests.
It’s a good idea to debride the nail before treatment to help the fungal treatment to penetrate deeply into the nail. Unfortunately treatment times are long. It is only after a complete healthy nail re-growth cycle that you can be considered completely free of infection. Fingernails take around 6 months to grow out, but slower growing toenails may need 12-18 months for a full nail cycle.
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