Archive for May, 2010


One of the most unsightly and worrisome problems is that of nail fungus. This condition can happen to anyone, but is more likely to be seen in those who go barefoot, especially at the swimming pool locker room or their gym showers. Even the same thing that causes thrush in the mouth can cause finger and toe nail fungus. If you are seeking a nail fungus natural cure, the first step is to diagnose the problem and research what kind of alternative treatments are available that may work for you.

You need to know how to recognize Nail Fungus and distinguish it from other conditions that may look like fungus but are not. One of those conditions is infestation of the Pseudomonas bacteria under the nail, which causes a green color. Hematoma causes black or dark red spots and is from injury to the nail. Brittle nails may mimic nail fungus but are simply due to age or weak nails. Also, ridges and lines in the nails are usually no cause for concern as most people have them. If you're not sure, see a doctor to find out if you have nail fungus or something else.

Many people go for a nail fungus natural remedy because they feel it is more gentle than prescription medications, and in many cases this is true. A handful of prescriptions that are sometimes used to treat fungus include Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, Itraconazole and Fluconazole. These medications may carry side effects and may be taxing on the liver and/or kidneys. However the wide majority of nail fungus natural cures have little or no detrimental effects. The only thing of concern is whether or not they are working. You can usually measure this by checking to see if the fungus has gotten worse, better or stayed the same.

When it comes to which nail fungus natural cure to use, that is up to you. Tea tree oil is a popular remedy, dripped under the nail and around it with a cotton swab. Some people claim plain rubbing alcohol applied to the area can kill the fungus. Others swear by applying yogurt with live action cultures to the area. A couple of other home remedies include vinegar applied to the area and Vicks Vapo-Rub applied to the area, which contains thymol. This ingredient may help get rid of fungus.


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    I have a mild case of Athletes Foot and want to get rid of it ASAP what is the best medicine to use that is over the counter. Will this also work for jocks itch?

    There are different indictions for different types of anti-fungal creams. For athletes foot, I would go with either Tinactin or Lotrimin. Both of which can also be used for your jock itch. Apply the cream after you shower for best absorption and adherence

    More importantly, it is crucial to keep the area dry and clean. Try buying some gold bond powder and use it daily after your showers (assuming you shower daily).


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    I have fungus on my toe nail and I can't seem to heal it.

    Dry feet very very thoroughly after bathing. Apply membedazol or imidazol based cream below nails every day during 4 weeks. According to severity the nail will grow out cured or fall out. The new nail will be fungus free.


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    Put Your Foot In It - Tips For Healthy Feet

    Having smelly feet is a common problem but there could be more going on with your feet that is cause for concern. We spend time and money looking after the rest of our body but the feet can too often be ignored. Poor hygiene, badly fitting shoes and lack of care can lead to some serious issues that might affect other parts of our body. Apply these top tips and your feet will reward you with a lifetime of healthy use.


    Keep 'em clean

    You wash your face everyday so give your feet the same treatment. A daily wash in warm soapy water keeps them clean of any dirt that might cause infection. Pay particular attention to the gaps in the toes where dirt is hard to get at. Do this before going to bed but avoid over soaking as this affects the natural oils in the skin. Make sure you dry them off properly too.


    Keep 'em smooth

    Hard skin can be unsightly but it can also lead to calluses which are prone to infection. So, when you're next in the bath or shower and the skin is soft use a pumice stone and then afterwards when the skin is dry, finish off with a foot file. Do this on a regular basis to avoid build up of dead tough skin and then apply a moisturiser.


    Creaming after cleaning

    We're all familiar with the benefits of a good moisturiser on our face and this can be applied to the feet too. Buy a specialist foot cream from your chemist or podiatrist and apply after washing. The cream should be thick and you should rub it in to the sole and heel but avoid the toenails and gaps between the toes. For those gaps, use a cotton bud soaked in surgical spirit to prevent sogginess and prevent the onset of Athlete's foot.


    Trim down

    Long or badly trimmed toenails can lead to holes in your socks or tights but even worse can lead to ingrowing toenails which are extremely painful. By using a decent set of nail scissors or clippers and following the curve of the nail this can be avoided. Try to leave a 2mm edge at the tip and don't cut into the sides of the nail.


    Time to shop

    The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon when your feet have swollen to their largest size. By trying and buying when your feet are at their biggest, they will definitely fit when they've shrunk a little in the morning and you'll be guaranteed a comfy fit.


    Heel not heal

    The damage caused by high heels is common knowledge but you don't have to completely give them up. Think about when and where you need to wear high heeled shoes. If it's for work, then wear flat soled shoes on your way in and on your way home so you're only wearing heels in the office. Try varying the height of the heels you wear but generally only wear them on special occasions if you can.


    Ask the expert

    It's a good idea to visit a podiatrist every so often, even if you don't have any problems, as they can make sure your feet are in perfect health. A trained practitioner can treat any conditions you might be suffering with and advise you on correctional devices like orthotics that can be placed in the sole of your shoe to ease pressure on the foot and realign the ankle, leg and spine.


    We spend many hours in the day on our feet and over a lifetime the average adult can expect to walk the equivalent of 4 times around the planet. They've got it pretty tough so isn't it time to treat your feet to a little tender, loving care?

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    How to Find the Right Toenail Fungus Remedy

    No one wants to deal with nail fungus. However, there are Toenail Fungus remedy options that may help you get rid of this unsightly and sometimes painful problem. The first step is to determine whether or not you actually have nail fungus, as there are conditions that may fool you into thinking they are fungal when they are not. For example, the Pseudomonas bacteria causes green nails but is not a fungus and is a rather benign problem. Ridges and brittle nails also do not mean there is a fungal issue.

    Fungus of the nail is identified by its yellow-brown coloration. This is the first indication, later on the nail may thicken and even start to crumble from protein degradation and the invasion of the fungus. In late stages, nail fungus might actually be painful. So whatever toe nail fungus remedy you go for, start as soon as you identify fungus of the nail. Early detection of this problem can help keep it under control and make it easier to cure.

    If you like natural treatments, you might be in the market for a home remedy for nail fungus. If you do an online search you will find no shortage of claims out there. One thing that you might find, and that should be avoided, is treating your fungus with household bleach, this is simply not safe. However there are many treatments that are safe, including applications of tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol, Vicks Vapo-Rub (because of the thymol ingredient) and even yogurt with live bacteria cultures. Also keeping the area dry and never going barefoot can help speed healing although fungus takes a long time to go away.

    For some people a home remedy for Nail Fungus does not work. If you are one of those people, see your primary care provider or a podiatrist for help. They can recommend a toenail fungus remedy that is strong enough to take care of your individual case of infection. Some of the prescription drugs out there are hard on your liver and kidneys, so doctors use care when prescribing them. For mild cases your doctor might recommend some sort of over the counter remedy or prescribe a topical treatment. If your fungal infection gets no worse, you can assume it is being treated effectively. The unsightly discoloration grows out with the nail itself.


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    2128088357 c457816a55 m Put Your Foot In It   Tips For Healthy Feet
    by Sumlin

    Put Your Foot In It - Tips For Healthy Feet

    Having smelly feet is a common problem but there could be more going on with your feet that is cause for concern. We spend time and money looking after the rest of our body but the feet can too often be ignored. Poor hygiene, badly fitting shoes and lack of care can lead to some serious issues that might affect other parts of our body. Apply these top tips and your feet will reward you with a lifetime of healthy use.


    Keep 'em clean

    You wash your face everyday so give your feet the same treatment. A daily wash in warm soapy water keeps them clean of any dirt that might cause infection. Pay particular attention to the gaps in the toes where dirt is hard to get at. Do this before going to bed but avoid over soaking as this affects the natural oils in the skin. Make sure you dry them off properly too.


    Keep 'em smooth

    Hard skin can be unsightly but it can also lead to calluses which are prone to infection. So, when you're next in the bath or shower and the skin is soft use a pumice stone and then afterwards when the skin is dry, finish off with a foot file. Do this on a regular basis to avoid build up of dead tough skin and then apply a moisturiser.


    Creaming after cleaning

    We're all familiar with the benefits of a good moisturiser on our face and this can be applied to the feet too. Buy a specialist foot cream from your chemist or podiatrist and apply after washing. The cream should be thick and you should rub it in to the sole and heel but avoid the toenails and gaps between the toes. For those gaps, use a cotton bud soaked in surgical spirit to prevent sogginess and prevent the onset of Athlete's foot.


    Trim down

    Long or badly trimmed toenails can lead to holes in your socks or tights but even worse can lead to ingrowing toenails which are extremely painful. By using a decent set of nail scissors or clippers and following the curve of the nail this can be avoided. Try to leave a 2mm edge at the tip and don't cut into the sides of the nail.


    Time to shop

    The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon when your feet have swollen to their largest size. By trying and buying when your feet are at their biggest, they will definitely fit when they've shrunk a little in the morning and you'll be guaranteed a comfy fit.


    Heel not heal

    The damage caused by high heels is common knowledge but you don't have to completely give them up. Think about when and where you need to wear high heeled shoes. If it's for work, then wear flat soled shoes on your way in and on your way home so you're only wearing heels in the office. Try varying the height of the heels you wear but generally only wear them on special occasions if you can.


    Ask the expert

    It's a good idea to visit a podiatrist every so often, even if you don't have any problems, as they can make sure your feet are in perfect health. A trained practitioner can treat any conditions you might be suffering with and advise you on correctional devices like orthotics that can be placed in the sole of your shoe to ease pressure on the foot and realign the ankle, leg and spine.


    We spend many hours in the day on our feet and over a lifetime the average adult can expect to walk the equivalent of 4 times around the planet. They've got it pretty tough so isn't it time to treat your feet to a little tender, loving care?

    Find More Ingrowing Toenail Articles

    Technorati Tags: , , ,

    Athlete's foot is a condition that many people will deal with at some point or another. Because it is so common, you can easily find an effective athletes foot cure. This condition is a fungal infection caused by the Trichophyton fungus. You may hear it called tinea pedis by your doctor or even ringworm of the foot. The first step is recognizing the symptoms of this infection before seeking athletes foot treatment. The signs of tinea pedis are quite universal and easy to distinguish.

    You may find the soles of your feet (or one foot) are red and dry. Between the toes may be scaly, itchy, flaky and red. The feet may also burn and the skin may peel. This is uncomfortable but certainly not untreatable. There are quite a few Athletes Foot cures available. There are home remedies, over the counter treatments and even prescription athletes foot treatment for severe cases of this fungal infection. The severity of your athlete's foot is a good way to distinguish which treatment is best for you. Many people start off with home remedies or over the counter treatments.

    One home remedy for athlete's foot is to soak the affected foot in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water, for approximately 20 minutes. This can be repeated a few times daily. If this is not effective, check your local drugstore for over the counter remedies. Lamisil is a popular brand name treatment for this fungal infection. There are creams and powders that can get rid of athlete's foot if used as directed. If these treatments are not effective, your doctor or podiatrist may prescribe an oral medication as a last resort. Some oral medications are hard on the liver and/or kidneys so care must be taken when considering these.

    Preventing athlete's foot is even easier than finding an athletes foot cure. Always wear shoes of some sort when in locker rooms, as these are prime places for the fungus to breed and spread. Even when outdoors, do not go barefoot. Shoes should be crafted from breathable material such as leather, as opposed to vinyl which traps moisture. Also, socks are best made from cotton which allows air to reach the feet so they stay dry. Keeping the feet clean, dry and covered can be the best defense against the problem of athlete's foot.


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    3060419652 2d8a4bc4bf m Ingrown Toenails   Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
    by *bri*

    Ingrown Toenails - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

    An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe. The area is usually red and may be warm; if not treated, it is prone to infection. With bacterial invasion, the nail margin becomes red and swollen often demonstrating drainage or pus. Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection. Ingrown toenails can be caused by cutting toenails improperly, by wearing shoes that fit poorly or by injuring the nail bed. While many things can cause ingrown toenails, the major causes are shoes that don't fit well and improperly trimmed nails. This condition is usually very painful and can be associated with infection of the toe. Ingrown toenails also can run in the family. Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection. Irritation, redness, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth, as well as swelling can result from an ingrown toenail. When the toenail grows into the surrounding tissue, a painful toe is the result. Ingrown nails may produce no symptoms at first but eventually may become painful, especially when pressure is applied to the ingrown area. The great toe is usually affected, but any toenail can become ingrown. In people who have diabetes or poor circulation this relatively minor problem can be become quite severe.

    Ingrown nails may develop for many reasons. Some cases are congenital--the nail is just too large for the toe. Ingrown toenails are common in adults but uncommon in children and infants. Any toenail can become ingrown, but the condition is usually found in the big toe. If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation to your feet, you're at greater risk of complications from an ingrown toenail. Soaking the foot in warm salty water may relieve the pain temporarily. The toe is not necessarily infected, but this can develop after the nail penetrate the skin to become ingrown. The infection can spread, making the toe red and inflamed (paronychia). A collection of pus may also develop. The condition usually affects your big toe. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the rest of your toe and the area becomes infected. It may smell unpleasant. Sometimes initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely performed at home.

    Causes of Ingrown toenails

    The common causes and risk factor's of Ingrown toenails include the following:

    While many things can cause ingrown toenails, the major causes are shoes that don't fit well and improperly trimmed nails.

    Injury to your toenail.

    Unusually curved toenails.

    Ingrown toenails can be caused by cutting toenails improperly, by wearing shoes that fit poorly or by injuring the nail bed.

    Repeated trauma, such as the pounding to which runners typically subject their feet, also can cause ingrown nails.

    Nail length: Cutting the nail so short that it is not constrained by the distal portion of the cuticles, allowing side slippage and penetration of the lateral nail bed by the nail substance.

    Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or having the toe stepped on, may also cause an ingrown nail.

    If a member of your family has an ingrown toenail, then you are more likely to develop one too.

    Symptoms of Ingrown toenails

    Some sign and symptoms related to Ingrown toenails are as follows:

    The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain, especially if the area becomes infected.

    Tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail.

    Swelling of your toe around the nail.

    Infection of the tissue around your toenail.

    You may develop a fever, although this is unusual.

    In addition, a small amount of pus will come out of the edge.

    The infection can spread, making the toe red and inflamed (paronychia).

    Treatment of Ingrown toenails

    Here is list of the methods for treating Ingrown toenails:

    Apply a mild antiseptic solution to the area.

    Soak the foot in warm water 4 times a day. You do not need to add soap or antibacterial agents to the water.

    Partial nail removal with cauterization of the nail matrix is curative in 70-90% of cases.

    Wear comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes. Consider wearing sandals until the condition clears up.

    Putting cotton in the corner.

    If home remedies don't help, your doctor can treat an ingrown toenail by trimming or removing the ingrown portion of your nail to help relieve pain.

    Sometimes antibiotics are used to help the infection clear after the nail has been removed.

    Surgery may involve numbing the toe and removing a corner of the nail, a larger portion of the nail, or the entire nail.

    www.ingrowntoenails.info Warning Follow at your own risk. If you have doubts that you can do this correctly by yourself, or if your ingrown nail is worse than the one in this video, then see a doctor.
    Video Rating: 4 / 5


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    What is the best athletes foot cream out there?

    I have Athletes Foot, and I am wondering what is the best product on shelves right now? Lamisal? Lotrimin? Tinactin? Gold bond? I'm not sure which one to buy, and all of them are around like $10 so I'm trying to purchase the one that will actually work instead of wasting my money.

    Lamisal is the best

    There are other ways to treat it or prevent it in the future

    To treat it
    ware white wool socks ( they ones that are not bleached)
    and sandals

    The fungus needs a warm / moist/ dark place to grow

    So get those sponges that girls use to keep their toes apart when painting their toe nails and place them neat the ends of the toes so the bottom of the grove has air at it and on sunny days go out side and let the sun at them

    Basic foot care to prevent it from coming back

    Wash feet daily with a good soap Ivory or baby soap
    scrub between toes
    once out of shower dry between toes very good and use a good foot powder like gold bond or you can use cornstarch

    Go bare foot as much as possible and ware sandals as much as possible

    If you have a job were you have to ware dress shoes take them off when you are sitting at the desk

    When you are at home go bare foot

    They now have sports socks that whisk away the sweat and they keep your feet dry


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    I switched nail salons, and after my last pedicure I notice white nail fungus growing underneath my right toenail.

    How can I get rid of this? Any homeopathic or over the counter remedies?

    There are homeopathic self-help remedies available over-the-counter (approved by the FDA) to use for first-aid and acute care problems. An acute health problem is something that comes on quickly, lasts a short time, and resolves - like a cold, flu, cough, or even PMS as an acute "exacerbation" of a chronic problem.

    ToeNail Fungus is a "constitutional" health problem, for which you would need to consult with a classical homeopath. We sit with new clients for 1-2 hours to go through current symptoms (for example, perhaps you also have headaches, or backaches, or menstrual cramps), past health history, family health history, life situation, and general symptoms - like response to weather, sleep patterns, food preferences, etc. From that we research to find a remedy that will restore deep inner harmony to your organism, facilitating healing from the inside-out (where it begins, contrary to appearances).

    http://www.homeopathicdirectory.com is the national directory for any homeopath certified in N. America. Around the world, you'd have to be sure a homeopath has similar qualifications. Because it's so readily available, people misunderstand what homeopathy is. Even practitioners who claim to offer homeopathy often have a consumer-level awareness. Look for someone certified whose practice is 100% classical homeopathy - no acupuncture, kinesiology (muscle testing), etc.

    It might spontaneously resolve if you're otherwise in good health. If not, though, and other toenails become involved, think about calling a homeopath.


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