Nail Fungal Infections: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment

Nail Fungal Infections: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment

How Nail Fungal Infections Occur

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common problem, affecting an estimated 40 million Americans. Most susceptible are men, individuals over forty, athletes, women who use acrylic nails, and those with a family history of infections or conditions which affect circulation, such as diabetes. Some individuals may also have inherited tendencies which make them more susceptible to developing nail fungus. The culprits are called dermatophytes, and they're found virtually everywhere in the environment. These are the same organisms that cause athlete's foot - a common skin infection of the feet.

Symptoms of a fungal nail infection typically begin with nail discoloration. Fungal dermatophytes convert healthy nail into keratin debris, upon which they live and feed. As keratin debris collects beneath the nail(s), they become thickened and may cause mild to severe discomfort, depending on the degree of infection. In advanced cases, nails become crumbly and may lift completely off the nail bed. As nail fungus advances it can become a social as well as a cosmetic problem. People with nail fungus will often shy away from pool or beach activities to avoid the embarrassment of ugly nails. For women in particular, fingernail fungus creates an even more serious social embarrassment. Hiding the problem behind false nails can make matters worse, as moisture becomes trapped between the acrylic surface, cement and the normal nail.

Changes You Can Make in Your Daily Routine to Help Prevent A Nail Fungus Infection:

Avoid going barefoot in public places, especially health clubs, swimming pools and spas

Dry toenails thoroughly after bathing or showering: Fungus thrives on moisture and warmth

Don't wear shoes that fit too tightly and don't wear the same shoes every day; Throw away old shoes that may harbor fungus

Regularly treat the insides of shoes with antifungal spray (an athlete?s foot spray will work well)

Don't let athlete's foot infections go untreated, which can spread to the nails where it is much more difficult to get rid of

Avoid injuring nails; dermatophytes look for opportunities to invade through damaged cuticle margins. Wear protective shoes when playing sports or doing construction projects and gloves when gardening or doing other chores that may lead to nail injury or irritation

When having nails manicured, bring your own nail care tools to avoid picking up infections from others. Use caution with acrylic or sculptured nails to avoid breaking the skin barrier which protects against fungal invasion. Use separate tools for healthy and infected nails

Treatment Options

Nail fungus infections have been notoriously difficult to treat, and it takes time for new, healthy nail to emerge. It is important to be patient and stay with the course of treatment you have chosen, to let it run its full course. Toenails can take between twelve to eighteen months to grow out, while fingernails normally grow out in about five and a half months. Also remember that damaged nails are more susceptible to reinfection, so try to avoid further injuring nails during the treatment period. The older you are, the slower your nails grow.

Prescription oral antifungals, such as Terbinafine (Lamisil), Itraconazole (Sporanox) and Griseofulvin (Fulvacin, Grinactin). Though the rate of effectiveness is reported to be high, be aware that the use of systemic antifungals carries with it the risk of potentially serious side effects, including liver damage. Elderly individuals and those with conditions such as diabetics or compromised immune systems are not good candidates for this course of treatment. Cost ranges from $350. - $700. Further information on these antifungals may be obtained at www.us.janssen.com (Sporanox); www.pharma.us.novartis.com (Lamisil) and www.doctorfungus.org/thedrugs/Griseofulvin.htm.

Penlac Nail Lacquer (ciclopirox 8%) is a topically applied lacquer available through a prescribing physician. Though without the side effects associated with systemic antifungals, clinical trials of Penlac indicate its effectiveness is much lower. Further information may be obtained at www.dermik.com/prod/penlac/penlac.html.

NonyX Nail Gel is an all natural, non-prescription topical gel, which takes an exfoliating approach to the problem. NonyX Gel penetrates the nail and removes keratin debris - the food supply of fungus. NonyX is a less expensive alternative, and the manufacturer's website indicates a podiatrist-conducted study achieved good results. Further information may be obtained at www.xenna.com.

A final note: It is important not to let a fungal nail infection go untreated, because nail fungus will not resolve on its own and the condition will only become worse if ignored. See your podiatrist or physician who may wish to perform lab tests to be certain that you have nail fungus instead of another nail or skin condition, such as psoriasis.

Dana Lawrence is a freelance writer and public relations consultant.

Healing Children's Ear Infections Naturally

Using natural healing techniques to cope with one of the most common childhood ailments.
Ear infections. Just the mention of it can inspire dread and fear in the hearts of many parents. And no wonder - ear infections are a very common ailment, with over 70% of children experiencing at least one before the age of two.

To properly understand ear infections, it's important to know what causes them. Most infections occur in the eustachian tube. These tubes allow secretions from the nose and throat to drain away; when blockages occur due to swelling or irritation, they become blocked with these secretions and a breeding ground for bacteria. Infants and young children have shorter eustachian tubes, and they are positioned horizontally, making it harder to drain easily. This may explain why babies and children are more prone to ear infections versus adults.

Most children are prescribed antibiotics by their physicians, but many researchers are starting to become concerned at the overuse of antibiotics creating more problems in the long run. The creation of "super bugs," or antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic allergies to name but a few. in fact, recent research performed in the Netherlands suggests that children prescribed antibiotics for the typical ear infection did not heal faster or better than those children given a placebo.

So what is a parent to do? Avoiding the antibiotic dance can be a difficult task when your child is suffering from a particularly bad infection. But many natural remedies can help ease the pain and boost the immune system without the long term negative effects of pharmaceutical remedies.

At the first sign of a problem, administer an echinacea and goldenseal herbal combination. Echinacea is antiviral, while goldenseal is a powerful antibiotic. Both help sooth irritated membranes while building up the natural immunity in the body.

To ease the pain, give several drops of warm oil in the ear. Traditionally "sweet oil" was used - this is simply almond oil sold under a different name. To speed healing, try olive oil warmed with a clove of garlic. Garlic is a highly regarded as an antibacterial as well, and the warm oil helps the eardrum membrane to relax, lessening the pain.

Many parents have also had good results with homeopathy. Children who have fevers and a red face, along with a throbbing earache should be given Belladonna 30x or 9c, two to three times daily for one day. Earaches with teething require Chamomilla - children with this type of earache are often crying and irritable. Use 12x, 30x, 6c, or 9c three times daily for up to two days.

It's helpful to keep your child well hydrated. Many experts recommend avoiding dairy products as it can increase mucus secretions, making it harder for the ear to properly drain. This does not include breast milk, as it is considered a clear fluid and extremely beneficial for ear problems.

Prevention is an important factor in fighting future ear infections. Multiple studies show that exposure to cigarette smoke is the highest risk factor for children's ear infections. Bottle feeding is also a large risk factor for ear infections, although the exact reason behind it is a bit unclear. Breast milk is the ideal food for an infant, and studies have shown that breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from ear infections versus bottle fed infants. Limit pacifer use too - the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that pacifier use after six months can contribute to ear infections. Some children have found relief by chiropractic or cranial-sacral work as well.

Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is the owner of http://www.AttachedMamas.com and http://www.BeachDesigns.net. She is an attached mama to two children, Alexander and Elizabeth.

Herbs For Sinus Infections

Sinuses Infections

This is the time of year that I always come down with a
sinus problems. They are hard to treat with herbs and take
long term use of the herbs for six months or more usually
before you see some permanent results.

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected
by a painful and often debilitating condition called sinusitis
or sinus infection. Acute sinusitis, which usually lasts
for 3 weeks or less,can be caused by a bacterial infection

and usually occurs as a latecomplication of the common cold.
Nasal congestion produces swelling in he sinus cavity,
obstructs drainage and causes mucus to stagnate which
provides a perfect breeding ground for infection For many people,sinusitis occurs often and can become a persistent
that may problem cause pain, frustration, and time away
from work, friends,

or family. As with any serious medical condition, see a
health practitioner first before treating yourself,infections.
especially if you experience recurrent

Here are some herbs that have worked for me:
Angelica: Expectorant (loosens mucus in (Angelica
throat and lungs); relieves conges- dahurication in
inflamed nasal passages.

Astragalus: Tonic for the immune system. Controls spread of
infection, especially in upper respiratory tract. branaceus)

Bi yan pian: While magnolia helps expel phlegm, (Xanthium
Xanthium (which is the roadisde weed and magnolia
cocklebur) quells nasal inflammation formula) and
fights headache. Indicated for flare-ups,
runny rose, yellow mucus.

Echinacea: This native American root functions
(Echinacea as an antibacterial and anti-inflam-
angustifolia) matory agent as well as an immune-system
booster.

Slippery elm: Expectorant. The inner bark of the (Ulmus
rubra) slippery elm tree soothes inflamed nasal and
throat tissues. Helps drain mucus from nasal passages.

Yarrow:Anti-inflammatory and antispas- (Achillea
modic (controls coughing). millefolium