Elderly Toenail Fungus

Aging is a risk factor for many diseases. Seniors take more medications, have weaker immune systems, and are more apt to suffer from pre-existing medical conditions, as well as mobility issues. While elderly nail fungus is not generally severe, it can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated, complications such as permanent nail damage or more serious infections can develop. Nail infections are caused by fungal organisms called fungi. These fungi can feed on keratin, present in the nails, hair, and skin. Such infections can also be caused by yeast and mold spores. The fungi get into the skin and nails from direct contact with infected materials, whether from animals, people, or clothes. Elderly nails are more likely to become brittle and have more cracks, and this makes it easier for the organisms to get inside and spread. Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. Symptoms typically include thick, discolored, brittle and damaged nails, with jagged edges and possibly a bad odor. Pain may also be present. Toenail fungus may be more prevalent in those with diabetes, recurring skin conditions, and circulation problems as these hinder the body’s ability to fight infection. If you are elderly or taking care of someone who has toenail fungus is a concern, contact a podiatrist who can help you with all foot and ankle-related conditions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus

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Elderly nail fungus: Prevention and early treatment

With aging, the body is subject to more difficulties, such as elderly nail fungus. According to B. E. Elewski, of the Case Western University Department of Dermatology, just being over the age of 60 exposes a person to the risk of nail fungus.

There are several reasons for this. The immune system of elderly persons, generally, is less hardy than younger people. Not only does this make elderly persons more prone to nail fungus, but it makes a recurrence of this condition more likely. The Mayo Clinic notes that elderly people often have other health problems, such as diabetes, compromised circulation, or other skin conditions that contribute to enhanced vulnerability. The nails of elderly persons also grow more slowly, which hinders the production of new skin cells to replace infected ones.

Symptoms of nail fungus, on the finger or toenails, are thickened nails with discoloration as well as the crumbling nails, which appear and feel brittle or look ridged or misshapen.

Treating nail fungus

The most common treatment for nail fungus is anti-fungal tablets taken orally. However, oral anti-fungal medications take long to work. The Mayo Clinic says they are less effective in older adults and side effects can include liver damage, which is frightening. Disclosing any liver or heart conditions before the treatment is vital.

Elewski notes that drug treatments tend to be ineffective against nail fungus because nails are so protected by their hard sheath. Fungi are readily trapped and pressed against the skin by the nail, which grows slowly. In fact, new nail growth is one of the best treatments for nail fungi.

Oral anti-fungal drug treatments usually involve nail growth stimulation. The Mayo Clinic warns the treatments may take up to four months to work, as may others such as topical nail polish with medications. A last resort, surgery, involves removal of the entire nail and may take a full year for the nail to grow back.

If the nail fungus is not painful or disfiguring and not accompanied by other diseases, the Mayo Clinic recommends home remedies such as spreading Vicks Vaporub on the nails because it has been shown to be fairly effective. Other home remedies include snakeroot extract and tea tree oil.

Preventing initial and recurring nail fungus infections

It is difficult to dispose of nail fungus. According to Diana Arevalo, writing for the Global Nail Fungus Organization, 20% to 40% of patients experience a recurrence after initial treatment. Thus, prevention is key.

The steps to preventing nail fungus are like those of preventing recurrences, including cleanliness and protection. Keeping hands, fingers, toes, and toenails clean and dry is vital. Well-trimmed nails are less prone to fungus than those allowed to grow long.

Because toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus, rubber slippers should be worn always in the shower or in public bathing areas. It is also important to avoid injury to the nails because a cracked toenail can invite fungus or a recurrence. Fungal spores can penetrate even minute cuts on the feet. Used shoes are tempting hiding places for fungus, so even comfortable old favorites should be replaced regularly. Changing socks often and wearing shoes that allow air in to circulate around the feet are sound preventive measures.

Protecting caregivers from contracting nail fungus

Caregivers and family members can contract a fungus from an infected senior person, especially when caregiving involves bathing, putting on socks and shoes, or trimming nails. Caregivers should wash their hands often, especially after contact with an elderly person’s feet or clothing when the person has a nail fungus. Thin latex gloves, which are inexpensive and come in large quantities in a small box, are helpful when handling the extremities of an elderly person with nail fungus. They are available at most pharmacies. Using them protects caregivers from contracting or spreading the infection.

More from Seasons.com on senior health issues

Sources

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Fungus Infections: Preventing Recurrence. Available online at http://www. aocd.org/?page=FungusInfectionsP. Accessed February 17, 2017.

Arevalo, D. (January 27, 2017). 5 easy Steps to Avoiding Nail Fungus Recurrence. Global Nail Fungus Organization. Available online at https://nationalnailfungus.org/5-easy-steps-to-avoid-nail-fungus-recurrence/. Accessed February 17, 2017.

Elewski, B. E.. (July 1998). Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Clinical Microbiology Review, 11(3): 415-429. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88888/. Accessed February 17, 2017.

Mayo Clinic. Nail Fungus. Available online at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319. Accessed February 17, 2017.

Patient. Who Develops Fungal Nail Infection (tinea unguium)?

Available online at: http://patient.info/health/fungal-nail-infections-tinea-unguium. Accessed February 17, 2017.

How to soften and trim the toenails of an elderly person?

Unfortunately, very often elderly people have problems with toenails. Sometimes they are no longer able to perform the functions that a person needs nails for, and then treatment is necessary. In this article, we will look at why the nail plates on the legs become coarse and how to cut the toenails of an elderly person.

Typical problems are:

• Toenail thickening;
• Change in pigmentation;
• Onychocryptosis;
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis)

Often, due to the above problems, trimming results in a difficult task. In order to avoid discomfort and disease, nails need regular care. To maintain hygiene, they should be moistened, trimmed and, if necessary, treated.

Let us consider in detail why the nail plates on the legs thicken.

Why does an elderly person’s nails get hard?

If the toenail plates thicken, their shape and pigmentation change, then there can be a lot of reasons for this. In each case, it is necessary to find out the source of the deformity and develop an individual treatment plan. The most common causes of nail disease in the elderly are:

• Onychomycosis, fungal infection. The nail in this case loses pigment, becomes dull and uneven, flakes off and may break at the base;
• Psoriasis. Causes rashes and flaking on the skin, on the nails and under them;
• Lichen scales. The first sign is uneven and rough plates on the legs. They can begin to crumble, compact, thicken, ribbing increases;
• Violation of blood flow in the nail bed. It causes systematic violations of the structure and thickening of the base of the plate;
• Regular contact with chemicals;
• Flat feet and foot injuries;
• Chronic metabolic diseases;
• Regular wearing of shoes that put pressure on the toes. For this reason, the nail on the big toe is most often deformed;
• The deposition of salts in the bones due to age. In this case, the plate may thicken due to the accumulation of salt in it;
• Malnutrition or dietary disturbances. The lack of vitamins, minerals and nutrients can affect the health of the nails;
• Stress and increased anxiety. Intense experiences due to hard work, family conflicts, etc. can undermine the health of the whole body and nails in particular.

How to soften toenails before cutting: treatments and products

If the thickening of the nail plates is caused by any disease, it is necessary to begin its treatment.

With a fungal infection of the nail plate, it is necessary to destroy the spores of the fungus. For this, the use of antifungal tablets and ointments, such as Fluconazole, Bifosin and analogues, is recommended.

With anemia, it is supposed to take vitamin complexes with elements missing in the body (for example, with iron).

If the cause of the disease is an allergy, then you should donate blood for allergens and find out what the reaction is happening to. Usually, specialists prescribe antihistamines for allergies.

If the nail is deformed due to wearing inappropriate shoes, immediately change your wardrobe and find a comfortable pair.

Before cutting hard nails at home, softening procedures should be carried out. To do this, you need to know how to soften the nail plate. Steaming and softening nails in warm water, baths using natural oils, polishing, compresses and special ointments to soften the horny coating are perfect.

These procedures will help get rid of pain when cutting the nail and significantly improve its appearance. Now we will look at how to soften the nail with a fungus and how to soften and remove the nail correctly.

What to do in case of fungal infection?

To start treatment of the fungus should be immediately after its first symptoms were detected.

The process of damage to the nail proceeds as follows. Microorganisms penetrate under the nail plate and begin to multiply rapidly, infecting all the nails on the leg or hand. The infection develops from the open tips of the nails towards their bases. The slower the growth of nails, the faster the disease spreads. Therefore, onychomycosis most often occurs in old age.

Microorganisms require moist and nutritious conditions to grow. Therefore, the feet of an elderly person should be kept clean and dry – then the fungus will not grow.

With a fungus, the nails break off, exfoliate, coarsen and turn yellow-brown.

In the treatment of onychomycosis, it is necessary to follow an integrated approach. The patient is prescribed fungicidal drugs and antifungal ointments. They include various acids (lactic, benzoic, salicylic), sulfur and thymol. They are the most effective in fighting infection.

Treatment cannot be done through the sleeves, sore nails require daily care. If you need qualified assistance, you can contact the boarding house for pensioners in the Leningrad region.

Ointments and creams

Ointment is one of the most effective methods in the fight against fungus. You can buy them at the pharmacy or you can make your own at home. The ointment should be used after processing and preparing the nails. It is important to understand how to soften a fungal nail and why toenails are thick.

• Salicylic ointment. A popular remedy for fungus. Treatment is carried out twice a day – in the morning and before bedtime. Before applying, steam the nails in a bath with soda, soap and potassium permanganate. The nails are smeared with a thick layer of medication and a breathable bandage is applied for 1-1.5 hours. The rest of the ointment should be removed with a cotton pad.
• Ichthyol ointment, popularly known as Vishnevsky’s ointment. Relieves abscesses and helps in the treatment of ingrown nails. It is applied and used in the same way as salicylic ointment.
• Vitamin cream. Prepared at home in the simplest way. For it, you need to mix any moisturizer, a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and vitamins A and E. The nutrient mass is applied to the compacted areas of the legs, and after moisturizing, soft excess skin is cut off. The treatment is suitable for the initial stage of nail thickening.
• Uroderm. The urea in this ointment softens the keratinized plates on the legs. The ointment should be applied twice a day in a thin layer. With a fungus, the ointment is applied half an hour before using a local preparation.
• Kanespor. This antifungal kit provides a complete nail treatment. Once a day, nails should be treated according to the instructions. In a few hours, the nails are completely softened, then the nails are removed, and the wounds are sealed with antibacterial patches. Remember that patches need to be changed daily!
• Nail. Nail softener. Before use, you should steam your nails in a bath with soap and soda. The drug is applied exclusively to the nail plates, the skin around them should not be touched. Then the fingers should be sealed with a plaster and not touched for 3-4 days. After a few days, the patch can be peeled off and the softened parts of the nails can be cut off.
• Nogtimycin. Salicylic acid and urea in the composition effectively fight nail fungus. With the help of such a mixture, you can remove a diseased nail, preventing further infection.
• Home remedy. Ointment for softening nails based on melted butter and beeswax. It needs oil, 1 clove of garlic, some beeswax, an aloe leaf and a small onion. Chop the ingredients, mix and heat in a water bath for 2-3 minutes. Let the mixture cool down. Before use, the legs are steamed in warm water, and then the ointment is smeared and wrapped with cling film with a warm towel and left overnight. In the morning, softened nails can be trimmed. If one procedure is not enough, it must be repeated 3 to 5 times.
• Ultra nourishing gel. The tool has a deep penetrating effect and is suitable for especially hard nails. You can buy it at a pharmacy.
• Exoderil. A popular anti-fungal agent. It is made in the form of an ointment or solution. Treatment with exoderil lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. The medicine is applied strictly to the affected areas of the nails.
• School. Treatment for ingrown nails. The medicine is applied for 10 minutes, and then the softened parts are cut off.
• Loceryl. Expensive, but effective varnish for the treatment and maintenance of healthy nails. Treatment can take from several months to a year. Lacquer is applied several times a week.

Baths and compresses

Traditional medicine recipes can help here too. Remember that any disease requires mandatory consultation with a specialist, and folk methods play only a supporting role. However, they can help with fungus and thick toenails. The treatment is gentle and comfortable.

There are several recipes for softening nails:

• Kombucha compress. One mushroom should be taken out of the jar, cut into several small pieces and applied to the coarsened places. From above, the compress is wrapped in a bag, put on socks and wear for 8-10 hours. After that, the nails will be more convenient to file or trim.
• Compress with aloe leaves. Choose a small juicy aloe leaf, wash and cut it into pieces and apply the pulp to problem areas. From above, the leaves are conveniently fixed with a band-aid. Usually, such a compress is put on at night and removed in the morning.
• Soda bath. 3 tbsp mix soda with a third of a piece of tar soap and steam your feet for 20 minutes.
• Bath with chamomile. Brew a glass of chamomile flowers in 2 liters of boiling water, strain and boil. Pour the resulting broth into a basin, cool slightly and lower your legs into it for 20 minutes. This bath will disinfect and soothe tired feet. Suitable as a means of softening the nail with a fungus.
• Apple cider vinegar compress. Cotton pads are moistened at 9% apple cider vinegar and stick to problem nails. Wrap cling film on top for warmth and put on socks. After 2 hours, the compress is supposed to be removed, rinsed with clean water and anointed with cream.
• Tray based on potassium permanganate. A few crystals are dissolved in warm water, the precipitate is removed and diluted to a light pink shade. A warm solution is used to steam, disinfect and soften toenails.
• Hydrogen peroxide. Helps in the treatment of nail fungus and feet, softens rough skin. For a couple of liters of boiling water add 5 tbsp. peroxides and soar in the foot solution for a maximum of 15 minutes. After the procedure, it is recommended to lubricate the legs with a nourishing cream.
• Vinegar bath. Dilute 250 ml of vinegar into 2 liters of water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.

Prevention: how to keep your nails healthy

• Once a week take herbal foot baths without salt.
• Get a pedicure every month.
• Do not cut too short. Carefully file the edges with a nail file.
• For pedicure use tools: nail clippers or nail scissors.
• Cut hard nails only after steaming them. This reduces the likelihood of microtrauma: cracks and delamination.
• Seek medical attention at the first warning signs.
• Go to public places in clean rubber slippers.
• Keep feet dry and clean. Dry feet thoroughly after contact with water.
• Do not try on strangers’ shoes.
• Wear comfortable shoes with low soles.
• Change socks regularly and, if necessary, treat shoes with an antibacterial agent.

In order for the pensioner’s nails to remain healthy, carefully monitor them and, if necessary, treat them with ointments and preparations. We at the boarding house “Golden Time” pay special attention to the hygiene of the elderly. I would also like to note that in our boarding house it is possible to place a pension, which will reduce the cost of living.

causes, first signs, main symptoms. Treatment of onychomycosis in Moscow

Take care of your nails

Nail fungus (medical name onychomycosis) is a fairly common disease. According to doctors, more than 15% of the world’s population suffers from it, although this pathology is diagnosed much less frequently (in 2% of people). This discrepancy is explained simply: the nail fungus does not threaten life, and if it worsens its quality, then in most cases it is very insignificant. Therefore, they do not always turn to a doctor about onychomycosis, trying to cope with the disease on their own or simply leaving it without treatment.

Nail fungus develops rather slowly. Therefore, the first signs of a fungal infection usually escape the attention of the patient. When the changes in the nail caused by the fungus begin to catch your eye, this means that the process has already gone far enough, and it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often perceived as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by a fungus look ugly. But it is necessary to fight the fungus not only in order to return the correct shape and shine to the nails. If the fungus is left untreated, it will spread further. The big toe nail is usually the first to be affected. If treatment is not started, the fungus passes to other toes, and since we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, then infection with the fungus of the nails and hands is also possible. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing it to become irritated and itchy.

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Causes of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can be caused by various types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeast fungi of the genus Candida, which are always present in small quantities on human skin (they often affect the nails of the hands). Infection with mold fungi is also possible (usually they are accompanied by other pathogens. Isolated damage by mold fungi is typical not for ours, but for a tropical climate).

The risk of fungal infection increases with age. In children, nail fungus is very rare, and, conversely, in older people it is detected relatively often. At the same time, men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women.

The age specificity of the fungus is explained by the fact that our local immunity decreases over the years, while the natural defense of a young organism, as a rule, suppresses the activity of fungi well, preventing them from colonizing the nail plate. There is a dependence not only on local immunity, but also on the general one. Weakening of general immunity is a favorable background for the development of any fungal infection.

For fungi of the genus Candida, it is enough that there are problems with the immune system: they simply begin to multiply actively. Mushrooms of other species still need to somehow get into our body from the external environment. Some types of mushrooms can be carried by animals. Molds are found everywhere; they are able to reproduce without a host. However, in most cases, the fungal infection spreads from person to person.

Mushrooms love moist environments. Therefore, infection with the fungus often occurs in places where the humidity is high. These are swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes on wet feet can also be a trigger.

If there are wounds and cracks, they allow the infection to get right into the tissues, avoiding the need to storm the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin.

The spread of fungi is facilitated by negligence regarding personal hygiene: you can not use other people’s slippers, soap, towels. It is precisely because not every family follows this rule that nail fungus often becomes a family disease.

Damage to the nail usually starts from the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate
under the free edge of the nail plate (into the subungual notch). In this case
the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second way of penetration of fungi is from the nail fold. The fungus Candida usually affects the posterior nail fold first (paronychia occurs), and only then the nail itself suffers. One of the types of dermatophytes (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

Signs of nail fungus

The first sign of a fungal infection is the loss of luster of the nail, turbidity, discoloration. In cases where the infection affects the skin around the nail, itching is observed. If treatment is not started, the fungus begins to destroy the nail plate: the surface of the nail becomes rough, the nail can exfoliate, peel, break, crumble.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as on the location, duration of the pathological process and its form. There are normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic forms of fungal infection.

Normotrophic form

It is characterized by the fact that the thickness of the nail plate remains unchanged. The disease manifests itself in the form of white or yellowish spots, which gradually increase in size. In the end, the color of the entire nail changes. The nail plate can peel off, as the fusion of the nail with the subungual tissues is disrupted.

Hypertrophic form

It is characterized by a significant increase in the thickness of the nail plate (due to the growth of the subungual epithelium). The nail acquires a brownish-yellowish or gray color. The nail plate usually actively crumbles. Especially strongly the nail is destroyed from the sides, as a result of which it acquires a claw-like shape.

Atrophic

With this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and destroyed, starting from the outer edge. Destruction goes deep into the posterior nail fold; the nail bed is filled with a loose mass formed by decaying particles of the epithelium. Eventually, the nail may be completely lost.

Diagnostic methods for onychomycosis

Discoloration and brittle nails should be a reason to visit a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and make a diagnosis yourself – you can make a mistake: changes in the nail may have a different reason.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination (a microscope can be used). Laboratory diagnostics is carried out to confirm the diagnosis. It is also necessary in order to establish the type of pathogen (this will allow you to prescribe the most effective treatment).

Laboratory diagnostics

At the appointment, the doctor will make a scraping from the affected nail plate. If the pathological process has affected only the free edge of the nail, then a scraping of the subungual epithelium is also taken.

Microscopy is performed in the laboratory. Cultural studies are also carried out (the material is placed in a favorable environment and see if a colony of fungi appears). Cultural studies allow you to determine which fungi caused the disease.

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with the specialists of the Family Doctor network.

Treatments for onychomycosis

Treatment for nail fungus

Treatment for nail fungus involves the removal of the affected part of the nail.