What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection in one or more of your nails. An infection with nail fungus may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and it may recur. There are medications are available to help clear up nail fungus.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus

There are different classifications of nail fungus — depending on type of fungus and manifestation — which may have somewhat different signs and symptoms. In general, however, you may have a nail fungal infection — also called onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis) — if one or more of your nails are:

• Thickened
  
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
  
• Distorted in shape
  
• Dull, with no luster or shine
  
• A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail
  
• Infected nails also may separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. You may feel pain in your toes or fingertips and detect a slightly foul odor.

When to see a doctor
Once a nail fungal infection begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated. See your doctor at the first sign of nail fungus, which is often a tiny white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail.

Causes of Nail Fungus
Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

What are fungi?
Fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection.

All of these microscopic organisms:

• Live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers
  
• Can invade your skin through tiny visible or invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed
  
• Cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture — conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi
  
• Toenails vs. fingernails
  
• Nail fungus occurs more in toenails than in fingernails. 
  

Toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes — where fungi can thrive.  Diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers makes it harder for your body's immune system to detect and eliminate the infection.

Risk factors of Nail Fungus
Aging is the most common risk factor for nail fungus for several reasons, including:     

  Questions and Answers 

 Q.  I consider myself to be a clean person.  How come I still get nail fungus? 
 A:  This is a very common infection.  And, cleanliness doesn't always mean you can avoid nail fungus.  A family history of infections or a health condition, like diabetes, could be the cause.  Fungal infections thrive on moisture and closeness.  Be careful to dry your feet and toes thoroughly after bathing (consider using a blow dryer on a low setting to dry the folds around your toes).  Make sure your shoes fit properly; don't wear the same ones every day.

Q:  I've tried all kinds of medications; nothing seems to work.
A: Nail fungal infections are difficult to treat. Medication needs to reach all the nail areas where the fungus may hide. Damaged nails are also subject to reinfection.  Since it takes many months for a healthy nail to grow out, it is important to stick to your treatment program.

Q.  How can I keep from getting nail infections? 
A:  There's a handy list of prevention suggestions below. Just remember to keep nail areas clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot in public places, change your footwear frequently and tell your doctor about any nail changes, swelling or pain.

Q:  My infection isn't so bad; no one even knows I have it. Besides, I don't care whether I can wear sandals. So, what's the big deal?
A:  Your mild case of nail fungus (onychomycosis) could turn severe and cause nail chipping and loss on more or more toes, making treatment more complicated -- you may have to have the nail chemically or surgically removed -- and giving you more than a cosmetic problem.  Losing a toenail can expose soft toe tissue to injury and affect daily activities.

Nail Care Tips  

Easy Steps Can Avoid a Path to Infection

Here are some general suggestions about caring for your hands and feet to help you avoid most nail infections.

While being treated for nail fungal infections, start a nail care routine that can help keep nails free from other infections and disorders.

• Trim nails carefully by cutting them straight across and rounded slightly at the tips.  Keep them clean and dry so fungi and bacteria can't get under the nails.
• Soak toenails if they are thick or difficult to cut.
• If you are diabetic, you may need a health care professional to help with trimming diseased nails.
• Tell your doctor about any nail changes, swelling or pain.

TOENAILS

• Avoid injuring and irritating the toes and nails by wearing protective shoes at work and at other times, such as when playing sports.
• Avoid going barefoot in health clubs, public showers, locker rooms or on hotel carpets-use thong sandals.
• Keep feet cool and dry; if they sweat a lot, regularly use a medicated powder.
• Avoid narrow or high-heeled shoes, or shoes that don't fit properly.
• Air shoes out daily and switch them often; clean hosiery and socks thoroughly
• Don't ignore athlete's foot infections -- get them treated as soon as possible.
• Regularly treat the insides of shoes with antifungal spray or powder.

Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer Ingredients:

·         4 tablespoons cornstarch  or Arrowroot
·         4 tablespoons baking soda
·         20 drops Tea Tree therapeutic essential oils
·         10 drops Lemon therapeutic essential oils
·         10 drops Lavender therapeutic essential oils

Put the cornstarch and baking soda in a zip lock sandwich bag – add the essential oils slowly – close the bag and mix until the oils and dry ingredients are mixed well.

Or use 30 drops of Healthy Nail Blend (7 therapeutic essential oils) with the cornstarch or arrowroot and baking soda.

Instructions for Use:

·         Sprinkle the deodorizer lightly into shoes in the evenings or at times when the shoes will not be worn for a few hours. You will not see a "cure" for smelly shoes the first time you use the deodorizer. The magic occurs after regular uses.

·         You can also use the same oils in 2 oz of distilled water and spray your shoes.  These oils have anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal properties.  Shake the bottle before each use.

·         You may also use these oils in a footbath.

FINGERNAILS

• Avoid injuring and irritating the fingers and nails by wearing gloves or other protection at work and at other times, such as when gardening or using strong cleaners.  If you use plastic gloves you may consider using the oils above in the powder.
• Bring your own equipment when having nails manicured; use different nail care tools for infected and healthy nails.
• Use acrylic or sculptured nails with caution.

For more information about Nail Fungus or Healthy Nail Blend go to

http://healthynailblend.com

You may get away with unsightly toenails in cold weather, but the summer months will likely have those little piggies out for all to see. You don't want to keep them locked up all season, plus it is good for them to get a little fresh air. Warm summer weather, wet or moist feet, and going barefoot can increase the risk developing athlete's foot, fungal toenail infections, warts and even parasites. Yuck. Here are some tips to ward off infection and natural remedies for feet you'll want to show off.

Also called tinea pedis, athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections and is closely related to jock itch and ringworm. Symptoms include:

• Itching and burning between your toes and cracked and peeling skin.
• It is contagious and is commonly picked up in locker rooms and pools or anywhere you may go barefoot.
• This fungus loves a moist, warm environment so change out of your socks and sneakers after exercise and let those feet breathe.
• Always wear sandals in hotels, pools, locker rooms, etc.
• Change socks regularly if they become sweaty and blow dry your feet.
• Athlete's foot fungi as well as other types of fungus can get under the toenail and cause discoloration, thickening, and cracking of the nails.
• Fungal toenail infections are called onychomycosis and treatment can be difficult and lengthy so talk with your healthcare provider.

For mild cases of athlete's foot, these home remedies may help you get rid of it and can be used as a preventive measure.

 Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. A study published in 2002 in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology tested tea tree oil in varying concentrations (25% or 50% tea tree solution) against a placebo on those with athlete's foot. It was applied 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Both groups saw marked improvements. The cure rate was 64% in the 50% solution group, compared to 31% in the group receiving the placebo.

100% Tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as 1% clotrimazole for onychomycosis (fungal toenail infections). The researchers in the study concluded that topical therapy combined with debridement was an appropriate initial therapy. Filing down a thickened toenail can help topical treatments get closer to the nail bed where the infection is hiding. Champhor, eucalyptus, and thyme essential oils also have anti-fungal properties and can be found in some anti-fungal toenail products. Oral medicines for treating fungal toenail infections can be costly and have serious side effects, but may be required for more serious infections. Those with diabetes, poor circulation, and those with lower immune function are at an increased risk of difficult to treat fungal infections.

There are many anecdotal reports of people having success with common household vinegar or apple cider vinegar, either by soaking their feet in a solution of vinegar and water or dabbing affected areas with vinegar. Theoretically the acidity of the vinegar makes your foot (or toenails) an inhospitable place for the fungus to thrive. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) soaks are not only a good way to relax; they may also help clear up athlete's foot and fungal toenails. Although not an anti-fungal, it can increase circulation and can be used in conjunction with other therapies. Many of these home remedies need to be done daily, preferably twice daily, in order to be more effective. It can take many months to grow out a bad toenail, patience is a must!

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which loves a warm, moist environment and enters through little cuts or cracks in your skin. Plantars warts occur on the bottom of feet and are often painful and difficult to treat, but sometimes they can resolve on their own. The treatments themselves are also painful including salicylic acid, cryotherapy (freezing), or even surgery. But, before trying any of these you may want to consider applying duct tape over the wart which may stimulate an immune response. Although studies have been mixed on the effectiveness of duct tape, it certainly may be worth a try, especially now that duct tape comes in a variety of designs and colors. Leave the duct tape on for up to 6 days followed by soaking and removal of dead skin with an emery board or pumice stone. Leave the wart open to air for half a day and repeat as long as the wart remains. Some have combined this therapy with salicylic acid or Imiquimod, a medicine that stimulates an immune response around the wart.

This article is for information only and is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any conditions. Please seek the advice and care of a qualified healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the health of your feet.

References:

PubMed Health – Athlete's Foot

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878

Healthy Nail Blend has 7 Powerful Essential Oils including Tea Tree with Vitamin E Oil and can used for Athlete’s foot as well as Nail Fungus.

Nice Toes – Are YourToenails Ready for Exposure?

Is toe nail fungus making you crazy?
Do your feet clear the room?
Stop staring at your toes and do something!

ELIMINATE these problems forever!

Healthy Nail Blend Powerful Essential Oil fights Nail Fungus.

It's a fact that stubborn foot fungus thrives during the winter months. Summer is almost here and it's time to do something NOW!  Healthy Nail Blend can get rid of pesky fungus now and forever. You'll feel great about yourself and be proud to wear sandals this summer!

How to prevent smelly feet

Get rid of that embarrassing odor once and for all

Nothing ruins your entryway, date night, or a good pair of shoes like a stink. And once the smell starts, it’s hard to keep it from invading the rest of your footwear. That’s because even the most delicate shoes are a dark, sweaty breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. You can’t completely remove it, but you can control the stench. Before you lose another pair of pumps, try these expert tips for nipping smelly feet in the bud before it starts. So the next time a hostess says, “Would you mind taking your shoes off,” you can do so in confidence.

• Try to stay dry

“The best way to prevent smelly feet is to keep your feet dry,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board certified dermatologist. Towel off your feet—especially in between toes—after the shower, and dab them with anti-fungal powder that keeps you dry while warding off odor-causing fungus.

•   Wear socks when you can

Socks and pumps aren’t exactly a fashion statement. But when you skip out on socks there’s nothing to absorb the sweat your feet naturally produce, trapping it between your toes and inside your shoes. If you know you’re going sockless, try dotting antiperspirant on the bottoms of your feet and between toes.

• Prep your shoes

Sprinkle baby powder (or a more targeted odor-eating powder) on the insides of your shoes before and after you wear them. And get them out of your dark, damp closet! Just like your aching dogs, your shoes need to be aired out, too.

• Head to the liquor cabinet

If your feet end up smelling less than swell no matter what, wipe them down with a vodka-soaked washcloth to get rid of the stench. It's the same principle as rubbing alcohol (which works equally well if you'd rather drink your Grey Goose).    Vodka contains alcohol, which is antiseptic and drying, so it destroys odor-causing fungus and bacteria and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow.

• When to see a doc

If you still can’t get your sweat under control, see your dermatologist and ask her about Drysol, an anti-sweat prescription in the form of a roller ball specifically formulated for reducing the amount of sweat your foot produces.

Nail Fungus - (also Thrush, Jock-Itch, Athlete’s Foot
and rashes in embarrassing places)

Often featured on TV programs glorifying ‘The Most Embarrassing Illnesses’, our old friend candida albicans is back – this Jekyll-and-Hydian bowel yeast with Napoleonic ambitions for the total control of your organism. If you suffer from any of the above, then yeast, fungus and chaotic blood sugar are your problem. As for the all-pervading silence on the subject of crispy toenails and ravaged testimonials, one could be forgiven for thinking no-one else on the planet has got what you’ve got. You would be wrong. Schoolboy titters at adverts punting the latest vaginal creams are silenced years later when the dreaded rash appears across your own buttocks or privates in cosmic revenge for your inappropriate hilarity.

Symptoms: Yellowed, crispy toenails with a waxy texture. Itching between the toes, around the groin, vaginal or buttock area. Vaginal discharge. Buttock/waistline rashes can look linear; a red line demarking an inner area slightly darker than the surrounding, unaffected skin. These conditions are almost always accompanied by gas and bloat in the bowels, indicating candida overgrowth and disturbed bowel flora. You are probably addicted to sugar due to

Fungus is a natural part of the skin. It is always present in certain amounts. This is why it can be difficult to know how or why you have developed a toenail fungus. While it can appear to occur for no apparent reason, there are many variables that do contribute to this infection.

Significance

·         Toenail fungus is a common problem because it is extremely contagious. It is considered harmful due to the fact that it leads to discoloration and disfigurement of the toe; the two toes most commonly affected are the big and little toes.

Function

·         Toenails can easily crack and rupture because of the amount of wear and tear they sustain. Because a fungus likes

It may seem like you're the only who's got it, but you're not! Nail fungus is a common problem, affecting almost 30 million Americans. Anyone can become infected, but most are between the ages of 40 and 65. It is usually seen most often in the toenails of men and the fingernails of women. However most people don't know what they can do to eliminate the fungus. To date most creams have not worked because they could not penetrate the toenail to reach the main section of the fungus. Healthy Nail Blend is the most effective blend of highest quality essential oils to date. It penetrates the nail and carries with it healing properties and other natural ingredients that combine to eliminate the fungus and clear the toenails

Those who become infected vary by occupation. Generally, people who work or play where their hands are continually exposed to moisture are at greater risk. Also, if you have a relative who had it,   continue ......