How to Cure Ringworm of the Toenails
Certain fungi are able to feed on the protein, keratin, which is the primary protein found in nails and hair. When these fungi, known as dermatophytes, infect the toenails the condition is commonly referred to as ringworm of the nail. Ringworm of the toenail starts out looking like a white thickening of the nail and surrounding nail bed, but can spread until it discolors and eventually destroys the toenail.
Instructions
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Identify the problem. Ringworm infections can mimic other skin conditions, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis. and this usually requires a visit to your health-care provider. Diagnosis can usually be made after a physical examination because the lesions made by nail ringworm are unique. In some cases, your health-care provider may request a laboratory workup from a scraping of the infected area, just to be sure.
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Take your prescribed medication. Nail ringworm fungi (tinea unguium) rarely respond to over-the-counter medications, so your health-care provider probably will prescribe both topical and oral anti-fungal medications.
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Be patient. Toenail ringworm is a recalcitrant fungus and is much more difficult to treat than other types of ringworm, including fingernail ringworm. In many cases, it can take up to 18 months of consistent treatment with both topical and oral anti-fungal prescription medications to completely cure toenail ringworm.
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Practice good foot hygiene. Keep your feet dry. Avoid exposing your feet to hot, humid conditions where fungi thrive. Make sure your shoes are made of breathable materials and use absorbent foot powder.
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Quit smoking. Smoking restricts blood circulation in the feet in much the same way as diabetes. This significantly raises the risk of toenail infection.
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Tips & Warnings
For most otherwise healthy people, toenail infections look bad, but present no severe medical repercussions.
Toenail ringworm in the elderly and people with diabetes should be reported to their health-care provider, as this may indicate a more serious infection.
