Surgery for Toenail Fungus

Though it seems a radical response to what many would consider a cosmetic problem, surgery for toenail fungus is actually quite common. This is because, even in the days of modern medicine, we simply don’t have an easy, safe, and reliable way to get rid of persistent nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Many people opt for surgery only after trying a variety of home remedies, alternative medicine treatments, and even prescription drugs without success.

The option of a surgical cure for onychomycosis appeals to people who have been struggling with the infection over the long term. Though there are numerous traditional remedies, the difficulty is that most topical treatments don’t penetrate the nail to reach the nail bed where the fungus thrives. Even after long treatment, fungus persists or returns discouragingly. Prescription drugs, meanwhile, are expensive and come with the possibility of unpleasant side effects. Faced with these choices, surgery for toenail fungus seems like the best option for people who just want to be free of the problem.

A surgical cure for onychomycosis involves not just removing the part of the nail that’s infected, but also destroying the nail matrix where the nail is produced. Destruction of the nail matrix is achieved with chemical treatment, with a laser, or by conventional surgical removal. Once the nail is gone, the fungus has nowhere to grow, and the infection clears up permanently. After surgery for finger- or toenail fungus, the nail never grows back, and this is why the procedure should be used only as a last resort. Once done, the operation can’t be reversed.

You may think that if you have surgery for toenail fungus, your problems will be over; however, think carefully before opting for this treatment. We have tough nails on the tips of our fingers and toes for a reason – to protect the sensitive tips of these digits. Without nails to provide a shield, stubbing your toes, knocking toes or fingers, and other minor injury becomes more painful. In addition, the healed toe or finger looks peculiar – but probably not as bad as a digit affected by onychomycosis. It’s best to carefully weigh all the options before choosing surgical cure for onychomycosis.

Infectious Nail Fungus

For most people, worries about infectious nail fungus are not an everyday concern. With cases of fungal finger- and nail fungus (onychomycosis) on the rise, however, it’s good to have a general knowledge of the problem and the personal hygiene steps that anyone can take to avoid this type of persistent infection. What are these fungi and where do they come from? How infectious are they? And what, if anything, makes people more susceptible to them? In fact, some of these things are still not well understood, but we can at least begin to answer the questions.

What is infectious nail fungus and where does it come from? There are actually a number of different fungi involved in the process. Some are fungi naturally occurring in nature, in decaying organic material. They don’t normally infect living organisms but can do so in the right circumstances. Another group, called dermatophytes, includes fungi adapted for living on and consuming hair, skin, nails, hoofs, horns etc. These are the species we really need to know about if we want to avoid onychomycosis. Though they can be present in soil and other places in nature, they are usually passed more directly between people or between animals and people.

How infectious are they? Well, it’s true that some people can’t seem to avoid onychomycosis while others never have to deal with it. The basic answer is that these fungi get nutrients by breaking down keratin, a protein found in dead skin cells, hair, and nails, and therefore they need these materials for success. They will establish themselves in finger-and toenails whenever they get the chance. To ward off infectious nail fungus we need to make sure they don’t get the chance.

What makes some people more susceptible? Again, we’re not sure, but certain groups stand out as being more likely to contract infectious nail fungus. There may be a genetic connection: it seems to affect some families more than others. It becomes increasingly difficult to avoid onychomycosis as we grow older, presumably due to waning immunity. Certain occupations are at higher risk: those who often have damp feet and hands, people who work with soil of other organic material, people working in hot damp conditions. But these things don’t explain all cases.

To avoid onychomycosis, there are basic things we can all do. Keep hands and feet cool and dry, wash frequently and clean and dry carefully between the toes. Keep nails trimmed and do not share nail grooming equipment with others. Don’t wear other people’s shoes. Change socks daily. Avoid going barefoot in public places, particularly where the ground is damp, and see a medical professional at the first sign of infectious nail fungus.