Nail fungus doctor near me
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Fungal nail infection treatment
Recommended health tests for Fungal nail infection
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Fungal nail infection
Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, are a common condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Characterized by the thickening, discoloration, and sometimes the crumbling of the nail, it is not just a cosmetic issue but can also lead to pain, discomfort, and even secondary bacterial infections. Due to its prevalence, understanding natural treatments and preventive measures is crucial for those looking to manage the condition effectively without immediately resorting to pharmaceutical interventions.
Causes
Fungal nail infections are primarily caused by the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making places like gyms, nail salons, and public pools potential breeding grounds for infection. Factors that can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection include aging, a weakened immune system, walking barefoot in damp communal areas, a history of athlete's foot, and heavy sweating.
Signs and symptoms
- Thickened nails - Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails - Distorted in shape or separated from the nail bed - Dull, with no shine - A dark color, caused by debris building up under the nail - A slight foul odor might be present
Diagnosing Fungal nail infection
Diagnosing a fungal nail infection begins with a visual inspection by a healthcare professional. They may also take nail clippings or scrape debris from under the nail and send these samples to a lab to identify the type of fungus causing the infection. This step is crucial as it can help determine the most effective treatment approach.
Prevention and natural treatment
Prevention plays a key role in managing fungal nail infections. Simple practices can significantly reduce the risk, such as keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing socks that minimize moisture, and using antifungal sprays or powders. Additionally, never walking barefoot in communal damp areas and ensuring that any nail salon tools used on you are sterilized can help prevent infection. In terms of treatment, functional medicine offers several natural approaches alongside these preventive strategies. Dietary changes can strengthen the immune system, reducing susceptibility to fungal infections. Supplements such as probiotics or vitamins that boost the immune system may also be beneficial. Topically, essential oils like tea tree oil have antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected nail. Another natural method involves soaking the feet in a vinegar solution, as the acidic environment can inhibit fungal growth. These natural treatments can be effective for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. However, they require consistency and patience, as the nail must grow out clear of the infection, a process that can take several months. For more severe cases, or if natural treatments do not provide the desired results, consulting a healthcare professional for additional treatment options is advised.
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