Toenail fungal infections are a common condition that can be unpleasant and sometimes painful. When it is treated in the early stages, it is easier to eliminate the fungus that causes this. Fungal nail infections can affect both fingernails and toenails, but it is more prevalent on the latter. Infections are caused by the occurrence of fungal spores that enter the body through the space between the toenail and the nail bed. They feed off keratin found in the nail. Toenail fungus infections can be caused by fungal microorganisms like fungi, yeasts, and molds. The most common type of fungus that causes it is called dermatophytes.
How common is toenail fungus infections?
Toenail fungus infections are quite common, especially among older adults. According to medical experts, it can affect 1 out of 10 people and 2 out of 10 in people who are over 70. Most types of toenail fungus infections are contagious. It can be passed on from one person to another through direct contact or from touching an infected area.
What are its symptoms?
Several symptoms of toenail fungal infections include thickening of the nail, distortion of its shape, redness and swelling in the infected area, the nail starts to set off the nail bed, crumbling on the edges and tips of the nails, darkening or discoloration of the infected nail, the appearance of white or discolored spots on the nail that are not caused by injury, the occurrence of unusual yellow or white spots in the nail, foul odor coming from the affected nail, and in severe cases pain when wearing shoes or walking.
What are some risk factors?
Several factors can increase the risk of getting infected with toenail fungus. These include heavy perspiration; having an athlete’s foot; having diabetes, psoriasis, circulation issues, and a weakened immune system; walking barefoot in public areas that are warm and moist like gyms, shower rooms, and swimming pools; and having minor skin or nail injury.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a toenail fungal infection, a doctor will examine the debris scraped from under the infected nail. This will be sent to a lab for a potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear test or fungal culture. Physicians have to be wary in diagnosing fungal infections since other medical conditions can result in similar symptoms. Some of these conditions are psoriasis, contact dermatitis, nail bed tumor, yellow nail syndrome, and eczema.
How is it treated?
Some people rely on over-the-counter products for treating a nail fungus infection. This may not provide positive results all the time. Doctors, on the other hand, prescribe oral antifungals such as Itraconazole (Sporanox), Griseofulvin (Gris-Peg), Terbinafine (Lamisil), and Luconazole (Diflucan). Other toenail fungus treatments may also be prescribed by a doctor such as medicated nail lacquers and creams. This can be applied by brushing it on the toenail just like when you apply regular nail polish. Nail fungus treatment may take months. It requires one to be diligent and patient since the infection can reoccur or it leads to complications.
Are there ways that could help in treatment?
Home remedies can also be done to help eliminate the fungus. Some over-the-counter products can be bought to treat the infection at home. Some natural cures can also treat the toenail fungus infection such as some common plants, herbs, seeds, essential oils, and even kitchen condiments.
1How can Baby Foot peel socks help?
Some common practices can also help address the infection, such as wearing the right footwear. One of the many products to remember for getting rid of toenail fungus is the Baby Foot peel mask. Foot peel masks are also known as exfoliating socks. These are plastic socks that contain a special solution for dead skin. This can break down and eventually eliminate dead skin in time. This foot peel has ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and alcohol.
Instructions are given on the label when you receive the foot peel masks. They are pretty straightforward. It’s imperative to make your feet clean and dry them off. All you have to do is cut at the designated area as per the instructions. This will allow you to put your feet inside. Keep your feet inside the socks for 45 to 60 minutes. When the time is up, just simply clean your feet. Results are not visible right away. However, once they start showing up, the results may surprise you. The foot peels may start to show results within 5 days to two weeks. The results may vary from one person to another and the mask you use.
The Baby Foot peel mask has been sold in Japan for more than a decade already. It started selling in the US in 2012. Along with the acids mentioned above, the foot peel mask also contains 17 types of natural extracts like grapefruit, ivy, sage, and lemon. All these ingredients penetrate the multilayers of dead skin cells. They also break down the cell structures that are responsible for holding the skin together. It acts as a potent exfoliant and at the same time, it also has moisturizing effects that can make the soles of your feet soft like a baby’s.
If you want to boost the effects of the baby foot peel, you can soak your feet in warm water with diluted Epsom salts. You can commence the foot soak routine a day after you use the Baby foot peel mask. Do this for a week until you see substantial changes. The Epsom salt and water solution can help the foot peel begin removing the dead skin, maximizing its results. The Baby Foot peel mask is great for people who are having dry, cracked, and rough feet. It works as a good alternative to a pedicure when you have sensitive feet.
For most people, it is safe to use a foot peel mask. However, it is crucial to consider that it has acids as active ingredients. It is highly recommended to consult with a physician before you start any treatment using the Baby Foot peel mask due to its chemically exfoliating regimen. It is also significant to be cautious when you have warts, sensitive skin, open pores, and corn calluses.
