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“The foot is a mirror to your overall body health.  Take care of your feet, and your body will stay strong.”- Dr. Ira Spinner, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

Nobody likes what a fungus infection does to finger and toenails. Cracked, discolored and thickened nails look unhealthy and unpleasant, so you keep them out of sight. And unless it’s treated, nail fungus just keeps getting worse.

Nail fungus is a very common condition that simply begins as a yellow spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernail. Nail fungus is also called tinea unguium or when the fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet , it’s called tinea pedis or athlete’s food. If your condition is not bothering you, you probably not need treatment. But as the fungal infection goes deeper what may cause your nail to discolor and thicken or pain in your toes and fingertips- it is much better to see a physician.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Nail fungal infections are transmitted through direct contact or by indirect contact with exfoliated skin, nails, and fungal debris. Unfortunately, infected particles can be present in a variety of places, including clothing, towels, nail files and shower floors. According to "Mayo Clinic it is several factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:

•    Being older, owing to reduced blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails

•    Perspiring heavily

•    Being male, especially if you have a family history of nail fungal infections

•    Working in a humid or moist environment or in a job where your hands are often wet, such as bartending or housekeeping

•    Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration

•    Living with someone who has nail fungus

•    Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms

•    Having athlete's foot

•    Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition, such as psoriasis

•    Having diabetes, circulation problems, a weakened immune system or, in children, Down syndrome"

What else can be done to treat toenail fungus?

“Nail fungus is common, and it is purely cosmetic. Prevention includes drying your feet thoroughly after baths and showers, applying a small amount of powder to your feet, and changing your socks and shoes daily. Allow the leather in shoes to dry out for a day. Typical remedies are mostly ineffective.  My patients have used self-help remedies including vinegar, Vicks, Listerine, tea tree oil, and bleach. These remedies will change the texture of the nail and color; however, they usually fail to kill the tiny microscopic spores that cause the fungus.  I do recommend oral agents when cosmetic appearances are a concern.  When used properly, oral medicines are very effective with few side effects.” – said Dr. Ira Spinner, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. a Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons; Member, American Board of Podiatric Surgery, American Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the wound care team at Delray Medical Center. Recently we had a chance to sit down with Dr. Ira Spinner to discuss some common foot ailments. You can read full interview here - “Feet, how important are they” 

Solution. Finally! Something that works!

Get rid of unpleasant looking finger or toe nails with extra strength Podiazole by Omiera Labs, antifungal and nail whitener. Left untreated, nail fungus will cause permanent damage to the nail bed, so take the time to treat your infection right away The natural formula of powerful ingredients penetrates deep to the nail's protective barrier to get to the source and kill the infection. Even as the healthy nail grows back in, Podiazole uses a whitener to improve the nail's appearance. Regrowth of healthy nails takes as little as six months for fingernail infections and up to twelve months for toenails. Extra-strength Podiazole is a potent adversary for fungus infections, eliminating fungus and its symptoms faster than other remedies available. Using double the amount of proven natural ingredients, Podiazole drops restore nails to look and feel healthy and attractive.