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.
Most importantly, one ought to determine if they are suffering from the condition as early as possible. The infections take place under nails and tend to begin from where the nails are trimmed. Less often than not, the infections appear as whitish discolorations which are powdery. These are found at the top part of the nails. Common symptoms of the infection are thickening of nails, infected parts getting loose and areas beneath nails getting discolored.
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.
Over time, oral anti-fungal medicines have been used. They are very effective. However, they may not be an option for most people given that they have potential side effects and are also costly. Numerous over-the-counter topical medications are used for toenail fungus. Nonetheless, since the fungi are found deep in the nail, the effectiveness of this medication is limited.
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.
Most importantly, one ought to determine if they are suffering from the condition as early as possible. The infections take place under nails and tend to begin from where the nails are trimmed. Less often than not, the infections appear as whitish discolorations which are powdery. These are found at the top part of the nails. Common symptoms of the infection are thickening of nails, infected parts getting loose and areas beneath nails getting discolored.
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.
Over time, oral anti-fungal medicines have been used. They are very effective. However, they may not be an option for most people given that they have potential side effects and are also costly. Numerous over-the-counter topical medications are used for toenail fungus. Nonetheless, since the fungi are found deep in the nail, the effectiveness of this medication is limited.
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.
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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.
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