One of the most commonly experienced conditions of the feet is toenail fungus. It is also called onychomycosis and is an infection that is known to grow very slowly. It is brought about by dermatophytes. These are fungi that normally infect nails, hair and also the skin. There is also a possibility that yeast and molds may cause this infection. Luckily, a Chattanooga podiatrist can help in managing the condition.
The first thing is to determine if one is suffering from the condition. Infections by fungi occur under the nails and start at the end where nails get trimmed. At times, the infection may be seen as white discolorations that are powdery at the top part of nails. The most common observations with toenail fungi infection are thickening of nails, loosening of infected parts and discoloration beneath the nail.
On visiting a podiatrist, the existence of the infection is determined both by its appearance and its general appearance. If there is still no surety whether it is toenail fungus, laboratory tests are conducted from samples taken from affected areas. This gives definite conclusion. Given that the fungus affects not only nails but skin underneath, management can be a challenge.
The use of oral anti-fungal medications has been the norm for a long time. These drugs are effective but are not the preference of many people. This is because of their potential to bring about with side effects. There are a host of over-the-counter medications that are helpful in management of toenail fungi. The fact that fungi infestation occurs deep in nails makes these drugs less effective.
There may be a scheduled meeting with the podiatrist at the office. Such a session may involve debridement, removal of debris and trimming of affected areas. In so doing, thickness is reduced and discomfort relieved. Other available modes of therapy are oral medications and laser therapy.
After being controlled by a Chattanooga podiatrist, it is not likely that the problem will recur at any given time. Nonetheless, preventive pleasures ought to be taken to prevent re-infection. Symptoms should be reported as soon as they are seen.
The first thing is to determine if one is suffering from the condition. Infections by fungi occur under the nails and start at the end where nails get trimmed. At times, the infection may be seen as white discolorations that are powdery at the top part of nails. The most common observations with toenail fungi infection are thickening of nails, loosening of infected parts and discoloration beneath the nail.
On visiting a podiatrist, the existence of the infection is determined both by its appearance and its general appearance. If there is still no surety whether it is toenail fungus, laboratory tests are conducted from samples taken from affected areas. This gives definite conclusion. Given that the fungus affects not only nails but skin underneath, management can be a challenge.
The use of oral anti-fungal medications has been the norm for a long time. These drugs are effective but are not the preference of many people. This is because of their potential to bring about with side effects. There are a host of over-the-counter medications that are helpful in management of toenail fungi. The fact that fungi infestation occurs deep in nails makes these drugs less effective.
There may be a scheduled meeting with the podiatrist at the office. Such a session may involve debridement, removal of debris and trimming of affected areas. In so doing, thickness is reduced and discomfort relieved. Other available modes of therapy are oral medications and laser therapy.
After being controlled by a Chattanooga podiatrist, it is not likely that the problem will recur at any given time. Nonetheless, preventive pleasures ought to be taken to prevent re-infection. Symptoms should be reported as soon as they are seen.
About the Author:
Find a summary of the advantages you get when you consult a podiatric physician and more information about an experienced Chattanooga podiatrist at http://www.rebyfootcare.com now.