Toenail fungus is nothing but the fungal infection of the toenail, which is also known as onychomycosis. Dermatophytes are a group of micro organisms that cause toe nail fungus. These dermatophytes grow in the nail and feed on the keratin. Keratin is the make up material of the toe nail's surface.
These dematophytes not only lead to the discoloration but also the disfiguration of the nails. The nails that are affected most are those of the big finger and the little finger. This disease can spread from one finger to the other and from one person to the other as this is a contageous.
Hereditary predisposition may be one of the factors for this fungus infection. This toe nail fungus needs to be treated immediately as the persons with this infection will find it embarrassing to walk in the beach with bare foot and they cannot even wear their shoes to their liking because of this painful condition.
Symptoms of toe nail fungus
The infected nail will turn brown or yellow. The affected nail will be too thick. Over grown nails can also observe. You can see the collection of foul smelling debris under the affected toes.
The affected nail be appear brittle and may fall after some time. At times spots are noticed at the sides of the affected toe nails. The person will evince while wearing the shoes.
Etiology of toe nails fungus
People in general pick up this infection from swimming pools, public gyms and shower stalls etc. spots persons who wear tight fitting shoes may get this infection as they damage the toe nails in the long run.
Decreased immunity, abnormal ph level of the skin, improper drying of the toe properly after exercise and bath are the other causes for this contagious infection.
Listerine
There are various treatments that are available for the treatment of toe nail fungus. Let us discuss about the role of Listerine in the treatment of toe nail fungus here. This is anti septic liquid. This drug was named after English scientist Joseph lister who was revered as the father of modern antiseptics. This drug has sweet flavor.
Thymol, menthol, eucalyptol and methyl salicylate are the active ingredients of Listerine. Ethanol is also present at 26% w/v concentration. The purpose of ethanol is to dissolve the ingredients and to improve the penetration but not for destruction of the fungus.
Listerine was formulated by dr Lawrence and Jordon in the year 1879.
It was used for oral treatment widely as early as 1895. This drug was the first ever over the counter drug sold for mouth wash in the United States . Later this drug was used for the treatment of toe nail fungus.
When treated with Listerine the affected toe nails started to turn in to healthy ones.
You need to pour the Listerine in a plastic or metal vessel. The vessel selected to hold the Listerine should preferably be provided with wide mouth to accommodate your feet. The Listerine must be filled to a level that is just enough to cover the affected or infected toe tail.
This is simple way of treating the toe nail fungus. The treatment is less expensive and can be done at home. This soaking of the toe in the Listerine done for about 10 -15 days appreciable improvement can be noticed.
Glossary:
Etiology of toe nail fungus- the causes of toe nail fungus
Onychomycosis- fungal infection of the toe nail.
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