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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