Pretty Toenails for Pretty Sandals - Remedy to Combat Yellowing Toenails

Carol Belanger

With summer fast approaching, hopefully, it is time to get out the pretty sandals and show off well manicured toes. Unfortunately there are those that suffer from a disease called Onychomycosis. This disease is commonly known as toenail fungus, and it causes nail discoloration, yellowing, lack of rigidity and in extreme cases of nail disfigurement.

Toenail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection 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. Additionally, toenail fungus can spread from one toe to the other.

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

All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture - conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

You may have a nail fungal infection 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


Risk Factors - Nail fungus is more common among older adults for several reasons, including diminished blood circulation and more years of exposure to fungi. Also, nails may grow more slowly and thicken with age, making them more susceptible to infection. Nail fungus tends to affect men more often than it does women, particularly those with a family history of this infection.

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

  • Perspiring heavily

  • Working in a humid or moist environment

  • Having the skin condition psoriasis

  • Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration

  • Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms

  • Having athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

  • Having a minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection

  • Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system


Remedies:

A home remedy is a baking soda paste - mix water and baking soda to form a paste and apply to infected toenail once a day. Leave on 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Eventually you may find that your infected toenail will loosen and fall off. Underneath a new nail will already be growing to replace the infected nail.

KeriDerm Rx Toenail Fungus Cream - This advanced anti-fungal cream helps destroy toenail fungus and heals Keratin (a extremely strong protein which is a major component in skin, hair, nails) and dermal layers! Active ingredients such as tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, grapefruit seed extract to name a few. Tea Tree Oil is shown to kill fungi and bacteria, including those found resistant to antibiotics. It is also effective against all three infectious organisms: Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses. Peppermint essential oils active component, Menthol, gives a soothing and calming sensation and has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties. Grapefruit Seed extract is an anti-fungal, antibacterial and stops the growth of yeast. It is also paraben free!

Source: Mayo Clinic
Skin Energizer


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