Learn
Nail Fungus
- Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of the nails caused by organisms such as dermatophytes, yeast or mold
- Estimates show ~10%-15% of adults are affected by nail fungus
- Fungus thrives in dark, warm and moist environments
- Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails – as sweaty feet, damp socks and lack of light from shoe wear are all contributing factors
- Nail fungus causes unsightly appearance to the nails including:
- Thickening
- Brittleness
- Layering
- Discoloration – yellow/white/darkened
- Build up called “subungual debris” under the nail
- Nail fungus is rarely associated with pain or foul odor
- Lab tests can confirm or rule out the presence of a fungus infection of the nails
- Onychomycosis often lasts months to years and will worsen if not treated adequately
- Treatment includes:
- Topical medications – OTC and/or Rx
- Oral Antifungal drugs
- Laser Nail Therapy
- Mechanical Breakdown / Filing the nails – this creates cracks and crevices in the nails in addition to decreasing the associated thickness of the nail plate and can advance the effectiveness of topical treatments
- In severe cases, nail removal may be necessary due to significant deformity of the nail and or pain
- Nail fungus can spread from one nail to another and eventually infect all of the nails
- Nail fungus can spread to the skin causing Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis)
- Early recognition and treatment leads to improved outcomes
- Ways to prevent nail fungus:
- Change socks regularly to limit moisture
- Use of drying agents to decrease sweat build up on the skin
- Keeping nails short and trimmed
- Regularly washing your nails and making sure they are fully dry before applying socks
- Wearing slippers in public pools, locker rooms & showers
- Avoid sharing socks, shoes, nail clippers and nail polish with others
- Pedicures should be performed by nail salons whose practice is to use sterile instruments for each individual
Skin Fungus
- Fungal infections of the skin can occur in many locations including, but not limited to, the feet, underarms, groin and torso.
- Common Names for Fungal infections of the skin::
- Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis)
- Ringworm
- Jock Itch
- Tinea Versicolor
- Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) most often affects the areas between the toes and the sides and bottoms of the feet – called Mocassin distribution
- Athlete’s foot is more prevalent in those with excessive perspiration, as well as those suffering cracks, abrasions or friction to the skin
- Athlete’s foot does not only occur in athletes
- Athlete’s foot can be highly contagious
- Tinea Pedis causes a rash to the skin including:
- Redness
- Itching
- Scaling
- Blister formation
- Sometimes dry, flaky skin
- Lab tests can confirm or rule out the presence of a fungus infection of the involved skin
- Treatments for Tinea Pedis include:
- Topical creams / ointments / sprays
- Drying emulsions / wipes / antiperspirants
- Topical steroids
- Oral antifungal drugs
- Ways to prevent Athlete’s foot:
- Change socks regularly to limit moisture
- Use of drying agents to decrease sweat build up on the skin
- Regularly washing your feet and making sure they are fully dry before applying socks
- Wearing slippers in public pools, locker rooms & showers
- Avoid sharing socks and shoes with others
Neuropathy
- The term neuropathy most often refers to peripheral neuropathy – involving damage to the peripheral nervous system
- Many conditions can cause symptoms of peripheral neuropathy – the most common being Diabetes Mellitus
- About 60-70% of people with Diabetes suffer with mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy
- There are more than 3 million US cases of Diabetic peripheral neuropathy diagnosed annually
- Symptoms vary depending on what type of nerves are involved:
- Motor nerves – control movement (conscious control)
- Sensory nerves – transmit sensation
- Autonomic nerves – control organs to regulate unconscious activities ie. breathing, sweating, etc
- Sensory neuropathy symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, burning, etc
- Neuropathic pain can be worse at night leading to disruption of sleep
Treatment / Prevention of peripheral neuropathy include
- Addressing the underlying causes is paramount e.g.:
- Strict blood glucose control in diabetes
- Smoking cessation
- Topical patches and creams
- TENS devices
- Increased exercise
- Oral medications / supplements
- Daily foot care