Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy: Natural Remedies And Treatment

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甲真菌病或脚趾甲真菌感染在怀孕期间cmanbet安卓版ould result in pain and discomfort while walking. Sweaty feet and lack of proper hygiene for feet could cause fungal infections in the toenails. Also, some topical treatments including over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams and ointments to treat this condition may not be safe in pregnancy. Hence, it is recommended to seek your doctor’s advice to know the right medications for you.

Topical medications can cure onychomycosis in most women, while a few may require systemic medications.

Read this post to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of toenail fungus in pregnancy and how to care for your feet.

How To Know If You Have Toenail Fungus?

If you find any of the below symptoms, then it might be toenail fungus.

• The nail turns yellow or brown.

• It may become thick and overgrown.

• In some cases, the nail might turn white and become soft, dry, and powdery.

• When left untreated, foul-smelling debris may accumulate underthe feet.

• Ultimately, the nail might fall off or cause discomfort and pain

Causes For Toenail Fungal Infections During Pregnancy

Around 85-90% of fungal nail infections are caused by fungal organisms such asTrichophyton rubrumandTrichophyton mentagrophytes. These are highly resistant dermatophytes and can survive in damp or moist environments(1).

According to a research paper published in the Harvard Health Publishings, the following risk factors may make your toenails more susceptible to fungal infections(2).

• Wearing tight-fitting shoes and hosiery.

• Poor foothygiene

• Covering the nail with multiple layers of nail polish

• Conditions such asdiabetes mellitus

Is Toenail Fungus Treatable During Pregnancy?

According to the Global Nail Fungus Organization, when detected in the early stages, fungal toenail infections can be cured(3).There are several natural and medicinal treatment options available;your doctor will treat you depending on the symptoms shown by you.

Safe Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus During Pregnancy

The treatment options for nail fungal infections can be divided into three categories.

1. Topical antifungal medications

2. Oral antifungal medications

3. Home remedies

米ost of these medications are available over-the-counter. However, go by your doctor’s recommendation to avoid any pregnancy complications.

1. Topical antifungal medications

• Creams:Imidazoles, clotrimazole,itraconazole,and miconazole are considered safe for topical therapy for fungal skin infections during pregnancy(4)(5). These creams could be purchased over-the-counter but it is not advisable to self-medicate, especially when pregnant. Consult your doctor, obstetrician or podiatrist for the right diagnosis and appropriate medicine.

• Nail polishes:这些可能是试图在最初的阶段e infection. The affected nail is removed as much as possible before applying the nail polish. Penlac is one such brand of nail polish you may use. The USFDA has categorized this drug under “Pregnancy Category B,” which means animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, and there are no adequate studies on pregnant women So, your doctor might prescribe this medication when the benefits outweigh the risks(6).

2. Oral antifungal medications

The use of oral antifungal agents should be limited during pregnancy, as they may affect the fetus. Research suggests that some oral medications for fungal infections could increase therisk of fetusmalformations(7). But there is no conclusive evidence on it. So, your doctor may weigh the benefits and risks of oral fungal medications before prescribing them to you.Self-medicating with antifungal medicines during pregnancy is not advised(8).

3. Natural remedies

Here are a few natural remedies that have been in use but not all of them may be having conclusive scientific evidence.

• Tea tree oil:According to a randomized study,tea tree oilmight be helpful in treating onychomycosis(9）. The US National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests that properly diluted tea tree oil may be safe for use during pregnancy(10).
  Image: IStock

• Vicks VapoRub:According to a study published in the Journal Of The American Board Of Family Medicine, 15 out of 18 participants displayed a positive effect with the use of Vicks VapoRub for onychomycosis, and hence could be an option for treating toenail fungus(11).

• Cornmeal:Cornmeal has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In a tumbler, add one cup of cornmeal and two cups of warm water. Soak your legs in it for 15minutes. This home remedy is useful and safe too

What Happens If Toenail Fungus Is Left Untreated?

Early signs of toenail fungal infections (scattering white spots across the nail) are subtle and often go unnoticed. But, with time, the nails could display the following conditions:

• Nails could become thicker than usual, thus making them difficult to cut.

• Nail appearance changes, where you will see yellow-brown stains on the nails. White, green, and black flecks or flakes might appear.

• The nails may give out a foul smell.

• 人们可以在nailbed感到疼痛和麻木。

If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails as well. Severe cases may cause the entire nail to separate from the nailbed, thus causing pain and discomfort while walking(12).

How To Prevent Fungal Nail Infections Naturally During Pregnancy?

Here are a few natural prevention measures for fungal nail infections.

• Practiceproper foot hygieneand toe care by regularly washing them with soap and drying them thoroughly at least once a day.

• While showering in public showers,wear rubber shoes, flip flops, or shower clogs.

• Choose shoes that fit properly, with enough space around the toes.

• 米ake sure there isproper air circulationwithin your footwear.

• Choose socks that are made fromcotton material.

• If your feetsweat excessively, thenchange your socks every day and wash themregularly.
  Image: IStock

• Avoid sharing nail clipperswith others and maintain proper nail health.

• If your feet tend to be wet, consider using dry powders that can help keep your feet dry(13).

These precautions may help reduce the risk of fungal infection. If you notice any abnormal changes in your nails, then consult your doctor to avoid any potential health risks.

Learn effective methods to combat fungal nail infections using straightforward techniques. Eliminate tinea unguium and onychomycosis by following simple guidelines provided for your convenience.

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