Our feet are quite literally under a lot of pressure. They are the ones to carry our entire body weight, and they do so loyally every day of our lives. Naturally, you take the best care of them, clipping your toenails regularly, using the occasional foot cream, and purchasing comfortable shoes. Then where on earth did these yellow toenails come from?
As it turns out that yellowing toenails are a more common occurrence than you would think. As much as half of the population over 70 will have experienced yellow toenails. It affects about 10% of the general population and 20% of those over 60.
Several reasons lead to a yellowing toenail. Let's review them and examine the varying treatment methods of yellowing toenails.
A fungal infection called onychomycosis is the most common cause of yellow toenails. Other indicators of the fungus are odor, the thickening of the nail, and debris accumulating under your nail. These are very easy to pick up anywhere you go barefoot, except in very dry areas. Even the smallest, undetectable break in the skin will allow this fungus to infect your nail.
Excessive sweating will also increase your chances of catching a fungus.
A history of Athlete's Foot also puts you at a greater risk of developing fungal toenail infections. Also called tinea pedis, it affects the skin first but can spread to the nails. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus called tinea. It can affect anyone, especially those who visit public spaces where people walk barefoot.
The symptoms will show on the skin: discomfort between the toes, itching blisters, peeling and drying skin, and eventually, yellow toenails that thicken or crumble.
Treatment can involve over-the-counter or prescription topical creams, steroids, or oral antibiotics. This can take up to a year of treatment.
You may also find relief in warm water soaks with vinegar or salt to dry up blisters. Alternative therapies include the use of tea tree oil. During your treatment, wash your socks, linens, and towels in water as hot as 140°F (60°C) or more and use a disinfectant spray on your shoes daily.
Prevention methods include the use of antifungal powder on your feet and wearing footwear made of breathable materials, such as cotton or woolen socks and canvas or leather shoes.
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