how do you treat nail disease

How do medications treat nail disorders?

Medications to treat nail disorders can be topical or oral. Antibiotics or antifungals are prescribed to treat underlying fungal and bacterial infections. Sometimes they are applied to the nail area through a cream or ointment, and other times they are ingested on a daily schedule.

Is there cure for nail disorders?

The most common remedy is for people to use moisturizer, and keep the nails protected from chemicals and repeated exposure to water. Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe. It can cause one portion of the nail to grow longer than the other part.

How to get rid of fungus on toenails fast?

What To Do When You Have Fungus On Your Toenails

1. Foot hygiene. Proper foot hygiene along with wearing proper fitting footwear is one of the best ways to stop the problem.
2. Epsom salt. Some other ways to eliminate this trouble include dipping and soaking of foot in warm water consisting of Epsom salt.
3. Using bandage. Ingrown toenails can be a nightmare for those affected. ...

How to soften thick toenails?

you can start by following these steps:

• You can start by soaking your feet in a gallon of warm water in your tub or basin, make sure the water is enough to properly cover your feet. ...
• Let your foot soak into the solution for about 20 to 30 minutes. ...
• You can now remove and pat your feet and nails completely dry with a soft towel.
• Now you can apply Miracle Toenail Softening Cream. ...

What is the best way to treat nail diseases?

MedicationsOral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. ... Medicated nail polish. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ... Medicated nail cream.

What kills fungus on fingernails?

Effective products include efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin) and ciclopirox (Penlac). All require daily applications, and it may take as long as a year to see noticeable improvement. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail.

What is the cause of nail fungus?

Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black.

What are the 5 common nail problems?

Tips to treat the 5 most common nail disorders: brittle nails, onycholysis, paronychia, psoriasis, onychomycosis.

Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?

Even before that, a study of some of the essential oils in Vicks VapoRub showed that they are active against five different species of fungus that infect nail tissue (Phytotherapy Research, April, 2003). Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of eucalyptus are effective against these organisms.

How do you use Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus?

Using Vicks VapoRub for Toenail FungusTake a small amount of Vicks from the jar with a Q-tip. ... Place a THIN coat of Vicks on top of the nails.Make sure only the nails are covered with the Vicks. ... Apply the Vicks once a day either in the morning or the evening.

Can nail fungus go away on it's own?

Though it would be convenient, toenail fungus simply won't resolve on its own. That's because your toenails are made of multiple layers, and the fungus can spread into and in between those layers, as well as underneath your nail. Without proper treatment, the fungus gets worse and can also infect your other toes.

Does nail fungus go away by itself?

But nail fungus doesn't go away by itself. And if you don't treat it, there's a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.

Can a nail fungus be cured?

Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.

What diseases show up in your nails?

Changes in Nail Shape It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS. Puffy redness near the cuticle can indicate inflammation, a bacteria or yeast infection, Lupus, or other connective tissue disease.

How do you know what nail disease you have?

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:discoloration (dark streaks, white streaks, or changes in nail color)changes in nail shape (curling or clubbing)changes in nail thickness (thickening or thinning)nails that become brittle.nails that are pitted.bleeding around nails.swelling or redness around nails.More items...

What diseases affect your nails?

Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), lichen planus or lupus can affect the nails. Abnormalities may include pits, grooves or crumbling nails.

What kills fungus fast?

Here are six of the best natural remedies:White Vinegar. White vinegar other wise known as Acetic Acid can help eliminate fungus when diluted in lukewarm water. ... Listerine and White Vinegar. ... Tea Tree Oil. ... Urea Paste. ... Pau D'arco Tea. ... Vicks VapoRub. ... Time.

Does vinegar help with fingernail fungus?

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually.

Is it OK to put nail polish on a fingernail with fungus?

Some products used to treat fungal infections on fingernails or toenails are not recommended for use with nail polish, such as Penlac (ciclopirox) Nail Lacquer, which is painted onto the affected nail and surrounding area. Other topical products, however, may be suitable to use.

What does nail fungus look like on fingernails?

With toenail fungus, your nail becomes thick and yellow and may show white spots and streaks. A type of mold called a dermatophyte causes tinea unguium, the most common nail fungus. Tinea unguium most frequently targets your toenails, but it can also affect your fingernails.

How to reduce pain from nail fungus?

Trim and thin the nails. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails. Also, if you do this before applying an antifungal, the drug can reach deeper layers of the nail. Before trimming or using a nail file to thin thick nails, soften them with urea-containing creams.

How to get rid of fungus on nails?

Medicated nail cream. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, which you rub into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails. This helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus.

How to get rid of white spots on nails?

Try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available. If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion.

How long do you need to use nail polish?

After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. You may need to use this type of nail polish daily for almost a year. Medicated nail cream. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, which you rub into your infected nails after soaking.

What causes a nail to get infected?

He or she may also take some nail clippings or scrape debris from under your nail and send the sample to a lab to identify the type of fungus causing the infection. Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a fungal infection of the nail. Microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria also can infect nails. Knowing the cause of your infection helps ...

How long does it take for a fungus to go away?

It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Treatment success rates with these drugs appear to be lower in adults over age 65. Oral antifungal drugs may cause side effects ranging from skin rash to liver damage. You may need occasional blood tests to check on how you're doing with these types of drugs.

Can you take antifungal medication on your nails?

Your doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs that you take orally or apply to the nail. In some situations, it helps to combine oral and topical antifungal therapies.

How to treat fungus on nails?

Combination therapy: Sometimes, nail fungus is hard to clear. Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone.

How do dermatologists treat a fungal nail infection?

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail (s), cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

What is the outcome for someone who has nail fungus?

Even when the fungus clears, your nail (s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

How long does it take for a toenail to heal from a fungal infection?

Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely. You’ll also need to have blood tests every month to check for problems.

What is the best medicine for nail fungus?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus: 1 Amorolfine 2 Ciclopirox 3 Efinaconazole 4 Tavaborole

How long does it take for a nail to grow?

Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Can a dermatologist remove a nail?

Your dermatologist will use one of the following techniques to remove the nail: Nonsurgical nail removal (a chemical is applied to the nail) Surgical nail removal. Your dermatologist can perform both types of nail removal in a medical office or a clinic. With either procedure, the nail can grow back.

How to prevent ingrown toenails?

Your doctor may need to lift the nail or perform a partial or complete removal of the nail, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and trimming your toenails straight across and not too short can help you prevent an ingrown toenail .

What is the purpose of toenails?

Overview. Your toenails serve a purpose, which is to protect your toes. They’re made from keratin, which is the same protein that makes up your skin, hair, and fingernails. It’s keratin that makes them tough and resilient to daily wear and tear. Friction from your shoes, your level of physical activity, and the heat and moisture they’re exposed ...

What is the term for the whitening of the nail plate?

Leukonychia is the whitening of the nail plate. The condition can be divided into types based on the extent of the whitening:

Why is my toenail yellow?

You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails. It can also spread to the surrounding skin.

Why do my toes look clubbing?

Nail clubbing refers to changes under and around the toenails that cause your toes to take on a widened, club-like appearance. Clubbing is most often caused by an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. It can also be an inherited trait in some people.

What are the symptoms of toenail trauma?

Symptoms. Symptoms of toenail trauma depend on the type of injury and may include: pain or throbbing. dark red or purple spot under the nail. split or torn nail. nail lifting away from the skin.

Why do my toenails turn white?

Whitening of the nail can be caused by underlying medical conditions or injury to the toenails. An inherited gene mutation, certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, and heavy metal poisoning can also cause leukonychia. In some cases.

How to treat discolored nails?

Afterwards, you are carefully exposed to UVA rays. PUVA can be effective for treating discolored nails and nails that are separating from fingers or toes. It does little to treat nail pitting.

What treatments are available for nail psoriasis?

There are many treatments for nail psoriasis. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following. Treatment you apply to the nails: This can be helpful for mild or early nail psoriasis. Nails grow slowly, so you’ll need to apply these treatments for several months, often once or twice a day. Because nail psoriasis can be stubborn, you may need to use more than one treatment. Sometimes, two medicines are combined to give you a faster response.

How to get results from nail psoriasis?

It often takes time to treat. To get results, you need to treat your nails as directed and for as long as directed. Some patients need to try a few treatments to find one that works .

What is the best treatment for psoriasis?

Psoriasis medicine that can help clear the skin and nails includes: 1 A biologic 2 Methotrexate 3 Retinoid 4 Cyclosporine 5 Apremilast

How do you know if you have psoriasis on your nails?

Common signs of nail psoriasis. This nail also has 3 signs of nail psoriasis: Tiny dents in the nail (pits), white discoloration, and lifting (the nail is separating from the finger).

What does it mean when you have ridges under your nails?

If you have psoriasis, ridges and a thin line of blood beneath the nail (black arrow) can be signs of nail psoriasis.

What is the best treatment for pitting and discoloration?

Tazarotene: This treatment can be especially helpful for treating pitting, a separating nail, and discoloration. If you need stronger treatment, your dermatologist may recommend treatment given in a dermatologist office or clinic. This treatment may include one of the following.

How to treat nail psoriasis?

For nail psoriasis, the treatment is called PUVA. First, you soak your hands or take a medication called psoralen. Then, you’re exposed to UVA light. This treatment can be helpful for treating nail separation and discoloration.

Why do you keep your nails clean?

Keep your nails clean to prevent infection.

Why do my nails crumble?

Psoriasis can cause lines called Beau’s lines to form across your nails. Weakness of the structures that support nails can cause your nails to crumble.

What causes pits on the top of your nails?

The nail plate is the hard surface that forms the top of your nails. It’s made of keratin cells. Nail psoriasis causes your nail plate to lose cells. This results in small pits forming on your fingernails or toenails. The number of pits varies from person to person.

How to prevent psoriasis flares?

Don’t bite or pick at your nails or push back your cuticles. Injuries to the skin can set off psoriasis flares. This is called the Koebner phenomenon. Wear protective gloves when you garden or play sports and when you wash dishes or work with your hands in water. Keep your nails clean to prevent infection.

What type of laser is used for nail psoriasis?

Laser therapy may be helpful for nail psoriasis. The type of laser used in nail psoriasis is called the pulsed dye laser (PDL).

Why is my nail a dark color?

The color will eventually go all the way down to the cuticle. Bacteria can get into the space under the nail and cause infection, which can turn the whole nail a dark color.

How to get rid of a swollen toe?

Run warm — not hot — water over your fingers and toes. Massage your hands and feet. If stress triggers an attack, get out of the stressful situation and relax. Practice a stress-relieving technique that works for you, and warm your hands or feet in water to help lessen the attack.

How to treat Raynaud's disease?

Exercise. Exercise can increase circulation, among other health benefits. If you have secondary Raynaud's, talk to your doctor before exercising outdoors in the cold. Control stress. Learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations might help control the number of attacks. Avoid rapidly changing temperatures.

What to do if you have Raynaud's?

If you have severe Raynaud's, your doctor may recommend surgery or injections. Nerve surgery. Sympathetic nerves in your hands and feet control the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in your skin. Cutting these nerves interrupts their exaggerated responses.

How to get rid of Raynaud's attack?

Lifestyle and home remedies. A variety of steps can decrease Raynaud's attacks and help you feel better. Avoid smoke. Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke causes skin temperature to drop by tightening blood vessels, which can lead to an attack. Exercise. Exercise can increase circulation, among other health benefits.

What does a doctor do when you have a symtom?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. Your doctor might also order tests to rule out other medical problems that can cause similar signs and symptoms.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment