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Healthy You Archives |
Coping with Illness
Toenail FungusIt’s ugly and persistent! Here’s how to cope Embarrassed to wear sandalsbecause of toenail fungus? You’ve got plenty of company—35 million Americans have the condition, and the older you get the more susceptible you are. “Toenail fungus is not attractive,” says podiatrist Scott Lipkin of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “The nail thickens, turns yellowish or brownish, and may get crumbly, warped or even detached.” Fungus thrives in the dark, humid environment inside shoes, Lipkin says. Once it sets up housekeeping, it tends to colonize neighboring toenails. The condition isn’t serious for healthy people, but if you have a compromised immune system or poor circulation from diabetes, see your physician. The best treatment is always prevention:
The most aggressive way to fight toenail fungus is with an oral prescription drug such as terbinafine or itraconazole. “A course of treatment can cost up to $900,” Needle says, “and health insurance may or may not cover it.” If you go this route, you’ll need periodic blood tests to monitor for possible side effects including liver damage. "Instead of prescribing daily pills for three months," Needle says, "some doctors now recommend a potentially less toxic, intermittent approach. You take the pills one week a month over a longer period of time." Want to Know More about caring for your nails and preventing toenail fungus? For guidelines from Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Youthful You Institute, click here. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:
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 March April 2006 Eating Healthy
Staying Fit
Caring for Mind and Body
Just for Women
Just for Men
Raising a Family
Heart of Healthy You
Protecting Your Health
Coping with Illness
Aging Well
Keeping Up to Date
Weight Control
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