Nail fungal infections (known as onychomycosis) are common, affecting up to 14% of the general population. In advanced cases, nails can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged, or even separate from the nail bed. While completely curing these fungal infections is difficult, the right treatments can discourage the problem from spreading and make your nails look better. However, toenails are a more common target because of certain habits, including wearing shoes, so we’ll concentrate on them in this post. Feet are more likely to be sweaty and damp, which provides a better environment for the fungi, yeasts, and molds that are naturally present on your skin to flourish. People also can be exposed to various fungi, known as dermatophytes, by walking barefoot in locker rooms, spas, or near swimming pools, or getting a pedicure at a nail salon, she says. A fungal overgrowth can infect the area between your toes and the skin or your feet, causing athlete’s foot. The fungus can then spread to the toenails. While antifungal creams can easily treat skin infections, toenails are another story. Nail tissue is harder and thicker, so these medications don’t penetrate very well. That’s also true for antifungal drugs taken as pills. Toenails grow slowly and the tissue isn’t very metabolically active. So although the medication gets into your bloodstream, only small amounts end up in your toenails. That’s why it’s hard to get rid of toenail fungus once it takes hold. Research reports so-called clinical cure rates between 60% to 80%, but this means only the absence of symptoms — that is, your toenails return to their normal appearance. The fungal infection may still be lurking under your nails. Soaking your toes to soften your nails before applying a fungus-fighting agent will help the remedy penetrate the nail. For the soak, it is recommended to mix one- part white or apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water. Soak your toes for at least 10 minutes (but up to 40 minutes is better). Then dry your feet well and apply an antifungal substance to all the affected nails. During and after treatment, people are advised to use two sets of toenail clippers — one for infected nails and one for non-infected nails — to prevent fungal spread. If you’re embarrassed by the appearance of your toenails, it’s okay to use nail polish for short periods of time. Once you finish treatment, buying new shoes will help avoid reinfection.
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