What can you do for thick yellow toenails?

Are your toenails looking yellow, thick and crumbly? Do they look like a perpetually molded piece of cheese that’s been left in the fridge for too long? Fear not because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why thick yellow toenails happen and what you can do about them.

Understanding Thick Yellow Toenails

Thick yellow toenail is medically known as onychomycosis or fungal nail infection. It usually occurs when fungi start growing under your nails- typically starting at the tips then gradually progressing towards the root.

So, how do these unwelcome guests get there? Fungal infections thrive where it’s moist and warm (which makes toes perfect breeding grounds). Some other factors include hygiene habits (guilty) taking medication with an impact on your immune system (damn antibiotics), bad circulation patterns, and trauma (like dropping something heavy on your toe).

Now that you understand why this condition happens let’s talk about what to do if you’re already dealing with it.

What Can You Do If You Have Thick Yellow Nails?

There are several methods available to treat thick yellow toenail but First things first: prevention:
– Wear shoes that have enough space for ventilation.
– Use anti-fungal powder after working out
– Avoid sharing socks/towels/shoes/ nail grooming tools
– Cut those claws straight across!

And now onto some treatment options:

Tea Tree Oil Therapy Is A Thing And It Actually Works Its Magic At Times.

Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties which allows it to curb fungus better than most common over-the-counter treatments. Here’s how: Soak gauze in tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil (ahem the smell is beyond tolerable without mixing). Then apply directly onto the infected nail. Do this two times every day for as long as it takes (usually three months).

Over-The-Counter Antifungal Creams

There are many over-the-counter topical antifungal creams available like Tinactin or Lotrimin that work well for mild cases of toenail fungus. Just apply the cream onto your affected nails and surrounding skin daily.

Oral Medications

For more severe instances, oral medication may be required – usually itraconazole or terbinafine is prescribed by your doctor to combat bad infections but some not-so-great side effects include liver damages (yikes)

Keeping Toenail Fungus At Bay!

Like any other disease prevention is better than cure so here’s how to stay fungi-free!

Always Wear Socks And Change Them Often

Sweaty socks create a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria causing soar feet at times so make sure you change them regularly.

Keep Your Feet Dry.

After taking a shower, sweat session, swimming make sure you bust out your righteous hair dryer and dry each toe completely before putting on your shoes (a step not worth skipping)

It’s Time To Ditch The Nail Polish Ladies And Gents

Nail polish can trap unwanted moisture under the nail bed creating an environment prone to fungal growth (neat huh?) So giving yourself bare toes sometimes might save trouble in the future.

Another thing: Learn How to Properly Cut Your Nails:
Apparently when cutting nails there’s actually “the right way”, which helps reduce chances of ingrown issues! Making the process more about precision than showing off artsy designs.

When All Else Fails…. Call Your Podiatrist For A Laser Treatment!

If all those methods don’t seem too enticing another treatment option involves laser fungus removal (uffda) – This seemingly painless approach works like this: laser beams are applied to the fungal infected area and zap the fungus off, ultimately promoting a healthier regrowth of your nails.

The Moral Of The Story?

• Pay more attention to foot hygiene (come on guys)
• Keep your feet dry.
• Trim that toe with precision.

And don’t forget: If all else fails, podiatrists are just one phone call away!
So stay clean my friends – pinky promise