Cracked and Brittle Toenails? Fight Back Against Fungal Nail Infections With These Tips

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Sandals and flip-flops are summer wardrobe essentials. They may also reveal some secrets normally hidden beneath your socks.

While healthy nails have a rosy, strong, smooth, and shiny appearance, they may not receive proper care during the colder seasons, while tucked within your boots and insulated shoes.

When you finally pull off those shoes and socks and slip your feet into sandals you may find your nails looking grey. If so—more than needing a simple pedicure—you may be dealing with a fungal nail infection called onychomycosis.

Sometimes known as “grey nails,” onychomycosis is indicated by changes in the color, thickness, brittleness, and fragility of the nails.

Who Is Prone to Fungal Nail Infection?

Onychomycosis is a common condition. It can affect older people and those with a weakened immune system, such as AIDS patients, people with diabetes, and those who have trouble walking.

Since fungi love to live in warm, damp places, people who work and live in humid environments are more susceptible to fungus—also people who wear tight, non-breathable socks and shoes. People who share socks, shoes, towels, and other personal items are also susceptible to becoming infected with grey, brittle nails.

How to Treat Fungal Nail Infection

Onychomycosis is not a severe disease and is generally painless. However, if you do not treat the condition early on, it can cause other health issues, such as thyroiditis or cellulitis. Therefore, if you should seek medical treatment.

The primary treatments for fungal nail infections are topical and/or oral antifungal or antimycotic prescriptions. Per your doctor’s advice, you must complete the course of medication.

Some patients may experience side effects from the oral medication, such as headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Always consult your physician before taking any medication.

You can purchase some topical antifungal medications over the counter. Topical treatments are available in ointment and cream. Follow the instructions that come with the product package. Complete the whole course if needed. You can consult your doctor for recommendations.

Before applying topical drugs, you should do the following:

• Cut the infected nails short and thin.
• Use a nail file to remove the white spots on the nails to ensure the antifungal cream can penetrate deep into the nails for maximum results.

The advantage of topical creams is that they have fewer side effects than oral drugs. However, it usually takes several months to eradicate fungal nail infections.

If the fungal nail infection has affected the entire nail, or even the surrounding tissues or area, minor surgery may be performed to remove the nail before treatment.

Natural Treatments for Fungal Infected Toe Nails

Try these natural DIY foot-bath treatments at home:

Tea Tree Oil: 

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to some warm water and soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes once a day.

Vinegar:

Household white vinegar can remove fungi. Combine two parts warm water with one part vinegar. Mix well before soaking the affected foot/feet.

Soda water:

Mix 1/4 cup baking soda into a small tub of warm water. Soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes.

(Sruilk/Shutterstock）

How to Prevent Fungal Nail Infection

• After cleansing and other water activities always ensure your feet and nails are thoroughly dried.
• Regular trimming of the nails is essential to keep them clean and healthy.
• Keep socks and shoes clean and dry.
• Wear open-toed shoes like flip-flops to avoid contact with bacteria and mildew on the ground when using gym showers or public bathhouses.
• Add vitamin E-rich food to your diet, such as nuts, cod, and oats. Avoid drinking alcohol or eating spicy food.
• Exercise can promote blood circulation and improve the itching of hands and feet. Avoid high-impact exercise. Low-impact exercises include walking or yoga.
• Avoid prolonged standing.
• Massage hands and feet to improve blood circulation and the immune system.

Modern medical researchers have established that many diseases stem from stress and anxiety. Therefore, one of the best ways to avoid being sick is to regulate your mood and stay positive even during troubled times. Relieve stress and anxiety with outlets such as chatting with family and friends, listening to music, reading, and practices like gentle yoga and meditation.

Seek professional help if you are in a constant state of anxiety or restlessness.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.