Made of the same tough keratin as the top layer of our skin, our nails are thickened extensions of these. Your nails grow out from the blood vessel and nerve-rich area below the skin and nail bed. Our toenails are frequently subjected to stress through stubbed toes, rubbing against shoes, and other daily movements which can occasionally cause toenail problems. Read on for the most common toenail problems and how to handle them as they arise.
Toenail Fungus
One of the most common toenail problems is toenail fungus. It may sound hard to believe, but toenail fungus is surprisingly easy for this fungus to creep up on you. Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is an infection that grows slowly, spreading either from the nail to the skin beneath it or vice versa. Seek proper toenail fungus treatment and removal immediately if you think you may be affected.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
So, what causes this unsightly infection? Surprisingly, the same culprit that causes athlete’s foot also causes toenail fungus. This may be caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, but toenail fungus can happen to anyone and it’s more likely to occur with age. Those dealing with certain conditions that affect circulation or the immune system such as diabetes are much more susceptible to contracting fungal infections than others.
Common Risk Factors:
- Those with circulatory conditions
- Complications from diabetes
- Immune disorders or those with low immunity
- Those affected by hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet)
- Shoe wear in which a moist environment allows fungus or bacteria to thrive
- Trauma to the nail(s)
- Lack of hygiene
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus:
- Crumbled or broken nail(s)
- White, yellow, or brown discoloration beneath the nail(s)
- Loose nails that become separated from the nail bed
- An increase in the white debris (keratin) beneath the nails
- Thickening of the nail
Other Common Toenail Problems
Although toenail fungus is one of the most common toenail conditions one can be afflicted with, there are numerous others. Ingrown toenails may occur for a variety of reasons, but causes may include improperly fitting shoes, fungal infections, toenail trauma, clipping toenails too short, and, of course, age.
Toenail trauma is another concern that may occur throughout life and the main cause is sudden injury such as stubbing your toe on a door or having a heavy weight dropped on it in an accident. Other ways to cause toenail trauma include exercise such as running or high impact workouts while wearing shoes that are too small, too tight, or improperly fitted which cause friction against your toenail during said workout.
Treatment
Treatments for toenails will depend on the ailment. The most commonly deployed treatment for toenail fungus include trimming any portion of the dying nail as well as any debris in order to decrease nail thickness and relieve any pressure that may be causing pain or discomfort. Topical medications, oral antifungal medications, or prescription strength topical treatments may also be required.
Of course, depending on your toenail problems, treatments may vary. You may be afflicted by one or several toenail issues and that may alter any given procedure. Common treatments include topical treatments, laser treatments, and other innovative therapies to help heal nails, improve nail health, and to rid your toenails of any infection completely painlessly with little to no downtime. If you are suffering from toenail fungus and want to know if you’re a candidate for toenail fungus treatment it is important to do your research.
If you are concerned about potential toenail issues or infections, contact Juvanail for a consultation and experience our revolutionary approach today. See our results on our Before and After Toenail Fungus Treatment Gallery.
About Juvanail: Juvanail has created an innovative and revolutionary approach to healing all toenail issues, including toenail fungus treatment, utilizing the most effective treatments and therapies. Equipped with time-tested treatments and their renowned state of the art therapies, Juvanail has worked tirelessly for over 22 years to offer patients combined therapies to give sufferers peace of mind. We offer treatments which can result in clearer toenails faster, healed and strengthened nails, and an end to toenail pain.
