Black toenail fungus is a contagious infection that commonly affects toes and nails, causing discoloration, brittleness, and foul odor. Natural remedies and foot baths can help, but severe cases may require prescribed medication. Prevention is key, and treatment should begin at the first sign of infection.
Black toenail fungus, although called onychomycosis, is a type of fungus that commonly infects the toes and nails, although it can sometimes affect the fingers as well. It is highly contagious and is often spread by those who use public showers or walk in public places without shoes. Injuries to the toe or nail can also make you more prone to getting a fungal infection.
Toenail fungus symptoms may start as a small dark spot under one or more nails, brittleness, a foul odor, and peeling or chipping of the nails. The discoloration often spreads and sometimes shows up as a yellow and black color scheme. Due to the contagious nature of toenail fungal infections, these symptoms should be investigated by a doctor as soon as they are detected.
Many who suffer from black toenail fungus experience intense pain under the toenail. Discoloration can also be a problem for those who enjoy wearing sandals in warm weather. Treatments may vary based on the severity of the condition. Natural remedies are often tried first as medicinal options can cause serious side effects in some patients.
There are foot baths that have been shown to relieve toenail fungus in some individuals. Vinegar, antiseptic mouthwash and other natural remedies can be combined with water. You may need to soak your feet several times before the results become noticeable. There are also specially prepared natural foot baths that can be purchased in some health food stores and online. These may not work permanently for all individuals.
Severe cases of black toenail fungus may need to be treated by a doctor using prescribed medications. These have been known to cause negative reactions in some individuals. Side effects vary, but serious complications can sometimes arise. In rare cases, kidney and liver damage can occur.
The best way to fight black toenail fungus is to prevent it from the beginning. It is important to wear shoes in public areas, wash your feet thoroughly, and avoid toenail injuries by wearing protective footwear when playing sports or lifting heavy objects. Treatment should begin at the first sign of infection and a doctor should be notified to make sure the symptoms are caused by fungi and not something else. Over-the-counter treatments are available, but these are often ineffective at getting rid of the fungi.
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