Nail Fungus Among Us?

Tips On Tuesday

As shoe stores begin their early herald of spring by adorning their windows with fresh sandals you may find yourself appraising your toe-readiness for the toe-baring, tempting strappiness of all things sandal. You may discover that you have, of all things, a bout of onychomycosis.

Onychomy-WHAT?!!??

Nail fungus.

Hopefully, you will only see the chipped polish left over from the holidays but if you suspicion fungus—this post's for you.

The Mayo Clinic describes “Nail fungus as a fungal infection in one or more of your nails. An infection with nail fungus may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem. An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and it may recur. But medications are available to help clear up nail fungus.”

Treating nail fungus has these requirements: Persistence and/or Money and/or Both.

Treatment Options:

Home Remedy: This is by far the least expensive, least invasive way to treat fungus. Rub each toenail daily with Apple Cider Vinegar or Listerine then dry completely or soak daily in 1 part vinegar—2 parts warm water then dry completely. Then apply Vick's VapoRub or Tea Tree Oil to each nail—EVERYDAY for at least 3-12 months. Remember, I did say persistence is required.

Topical Polish-Like Treatments: You can get this type of treatment over-the-counter, online and/or through a doctor's prescription for stronger dosages. This topical looks like clear nail polish and should be applied every two-three days. It is best to remove the previous application each time before applying a new coat. This treatment plan should be followed for 3-12 months. Persistence and a medium amount of cash will suffice for this type of treatment.

Oral Medications: Lamisil is one of the best known oral medications for treating nail fungus. This medication is usually prescribed for a minimum period of 3 months with a likelihood of continuing for a year. Oral medication must be prescribed by a doctor/podiatrist and comes with a whole host of side effects that makes me inclined to try other solutions even though many find success with ridding themselves of the fungus. Beware of this medication if you have liver problems or are fixing to become or are pregnant. This treatment is expensive and also requires persistence.

Nail Removal: Most folks will not have to take this route and since this is the most invasive, most doctors rarely recommend this treatment. This treatment obviously requires less persistence but more cash and recovery time/care.

Laser Treatment: This treatment requires 1 to four sessions with your doctor/podiatrist where lasers are used to “zap” away nail fungus. There is not currently strong evidence/data as to the whether this type of treatment really does the trick and you should know that it still takes up to a year for the fungus to completely clear up. Also, this is the most expensive treatment available ranging from$700-$1500 per session and is not covered by insurance.

No matter which path you take, be sure you are willing to persist and follow directions to the T!

Preventing nail fungus is much easier than treating it and below are some basic things you can do to avoid contracting that stubborn fungus:

Clean and completely dry your feet and nails daily. Using talcum powder will help insure that any excess moisture is absorbed.

Wear shoes/sandals at public pools, showers, etc. Fungus is catchy and loves damp places.

Wear clean moisture-wicking socks and clean shoes as fungus also loves dark, damp places.

Keep your nail trimmed and filed.

If you wear nail polish be sure to always remove all old polish before applying new polish...Not doing so, increases your risk of nail fungus.

Wear shoes that are roomy in the toe box and for optimum airflow wear sandals...

...Which puts us back to admiring and getting some new Spring sandals. Just think of your new sandals as a great way to keep onychomycosis at bay:)

P.S. Onychomycosis is also genetically hereditary so feel free to blame your parents for the entire year it usually takes to get rid of it.

Don't Let Your Laces Drag You Down

While I often have practical and serious tips for the good of your feet and shoes I could not pass up passing along this comical shoe tip posted on Reddit.com

 It is quite funny and quite solid advice all at the same time.

Caption: Tie Your Shoes Before Using The Escalator

 

You may also wish to revisit my video on how to KEEP those laces tied:)

Another Word On Athlete's Foot...

If you happen to catch the onset of Athletes Foot early or have a mild case of it I recommend applying some good 'ol fashioned Bragg's Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with "the mother".  Simply pour some on a paper towel or long narrow strip of gauze and wrap through the affected toes/areas.  I have successfully warded off prolonged cases of Athletes Foot this way and it beats dealing with expensive creams.  You will also want to follow the preventative guidelines I put forth in my previous Athlete's Foot post.  Hippocrates said "Let food be your medicine..." and I am inclined to agree!  Feed your toes that vinegar and be athlete's foot free:)

pickled toes,

abigail

Leather on Leather...Making Some Noise!

Tips on Tuesday

In the many years I have spent helping folks find shoes and sole happiness most return for more but a few have returned with concern. They bought quality all leather shoes that make quite the racket when they walk around in them. Perhaps, you have run into this issue yourself and have a nice pair of shoes in the closet that just sit there because you're embarrassed to have them heard in public. It is quite likely that these “all leather” shoes have leather linings that the “outer”... highly polished.... leather is rubbing against...making the offending noise. This happens most in lace up shoes and the tongue is rubbing against the inner leather lining. There is a simple solution to your noisy leather.

Dig out your shoe care box, pull out some leather lotion and apply the lotion to every point of contact of leather on leather. While you are at it go ahead and apply the lotion all over the shoes since you finally have the lotion out anyway. Avoid using the lotion on leather insoles as it will make them awfully slippery when you wear them with socks. We don't want ya sliding around inside your shoes. My favorite leather lotion is called Cadillac Boot and Shoe Care. It goes on clear, is colorless, useable on all smooth leathers and some exotics. It makes leather very supple and takes away the squeak factor. You can also use it on leather products like jackets and car interiors. If you don't have a bottle of leather lotion and need help before you get some you can use a bit of Vaseline or plain hand lotion to ditch the squeak. All is right in shoe land again:)

Slick Tips,

abigail dagmar

Got Bunions? Ditch the Nylons!

Tips on Tuesday

We have all heard the warnings about bunion grief from wearing tight fitting, pointed-toed shoes. To be sure wearing your shoes too short or wearing high heels will encourage bunions but you might be surprised to know that nylons are just as harmful a culprit. Nylons squeeze your toes together and when you have a bunion that is the opposite of what you need which is as much toe spread and freedom as possible. Also, nylons limit your skins' ability to “breathe” and this can encourage fungus to grow between your toes. I recommend that you wear nylons as little as possible, saving them for special occasions much like you would a pair of fanciful high heels.