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What is Nail Fungus?
What is nail fungus? Nail Fungus is an infection of fingernails or toenails beginning as a yellow or white spot underneath the tip. As it grows and gets worse, it often leads to thickening, discoloration and crumbly, ragged edges...an ugly problem for sure. The real name for nail fungus is onychomycosis.
Did you know that toenail fungus occurs in 12 million Americans and that there are many more people, who do not even realize that they have it. A nail fungus infection is often quite difficult to get rid of and usually come back again and again. Nail fungus is an unsightlyand potentially painful problem. In later stages, the nail will be thick, deformed, discolored and have a foul smell. Most people don’t realize that nail infections are extremely common and not at all a symptom of dirtiness or poor hygiene.
How does a person get nail fungus? If your nails are very often in warm, moist environments, like sweaty shoes, swimming pools or shower floors, you may be a candidate for nail fungus. The fungus enters through tiny invisible cuts or small spaces between your nail and nail bed. Nail fungus is more common in toenails than fingernails since the warm, moist habitat inside your shoes is perfect for fungi growth. Nail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes thrive on warm, moist conditions. They grow in the nail bed, beneath the nail and live off keratin. Keratin is the protein in the nail. Remember, there is less blood circulation in your feet than in your hands, which make toenails more likely for fungus infections.
Some of the symptoms of nail fungus are me ntioned above; infected nails are thicker, generally growing upward. The nails can be brittle and discolored, white, yellow or even green and will eventually get quite distorted in shape, as well. The treatment for nail fungus infections can exist indefinitely if left untreated. You really should see a doctor if you suspect you have one as they can cause permanent damage to your nails, or even lead to other serious infections throughout your body.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as Fluconazole (Diflucan), Terbinafine (Lamisil) or Itraconazole (Sporanox). These are typically taken for 6 to 12 weeks. It may take 4 months to a year to completely eliminate an infection and even so, recurrent infections are possible, especially if you continue to expose your nails to warm, moist conditions. Remember, these antifungal drugs can cause side effects too.
Though non-prescription medications are often useless at fighting the infection, many people swear by natural remedies, such as vinegar, Tea Tree Oil, or soaking the infected nail in a solution containing Par D Arco. However, the number of people that say these treatments work is less that those who report that they don't, so use at your own risk. Sometimes if the nail infection reaches a severe point, it may be necessary to remove the nail completely. A new nail will usually grow in its place.
Some Prevention Measures you might want to try.
1. Keep your nails trimmed straight across and keep them clean.
2. Wear cotton or wool socks avoid synthetic materials.
3. Use antifungal sprays or powders on your feet and inside shoes.
4. Don’t go barefoot in public places. Wear flip flops around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
5. If you get manicures and pedicures, make sure the salon you go to keeps their tools clean.
6. Don’t cover up an infected nail with polish or artificial nails. This could make the infection worse.
7. Always wash your hands after touching an infected nail as it can spread from nail to nail.
I hope this article has helped to clear up some of the many questions you had about nail fungus. If you have never had a nail fungus count yourself lucky and if you have had a nail fungus we hope it is cleared up, gone, and has not returned.
Experience
We must live through the weary winter, if we would value spring.
And the woods must be cold and silent, before the robins sing.
The flowers must be buried in darkness, before they can bud and bloom.
And the sweetness and warmest sunshine, comes after the storm and gloom.
So the heart, from the hardest trial, gains the purest of all.
And from the lips that have tasted sadness, the sweetest song will fall.
For as peace comes after suffering and love is reward of pain,
So, after earth, comes heaven, and out of our loss, the gain.
Written by: W.R. Goodman
Cancer Recurrence
It has been 27 years since my radical mastectomy, but there are times when I have a new pain or a problem arise which brings that fear of cancer recurrences back to my mind. Being a positive person most of the time I try to look for the good, instead of thinking of the worst. I certainly try to focus on wellness and what I can do to stay as healthy as possible. This includes watching my diet, my lifestyle and making sure I am doing all the things I can to help keep my body healthy. Although, I know I can’t control every thought, I try not to dwell on my fears that sometimes pop into my head when I feel a new ache, or pain.
Worrying about our cancer coming back is normal, especially during the first year after being diagnosed and finishing our treatments. I know this is one of the most common fears people have after having had cancer. Some patients fear is so strong they don’t enjoy life, or eat or sleep well. I know as time goes on, even I as a cancer patient think of my recurrences less than I did in the beginning. But there are times even years later after treatments, some events in our life cause us to become worried from time to time. This is a human reaction to our inner fears.
Here are a few things I tried through the years to help reduce my fears about my cancer returning. Read, ask questions, stay informed about the type of cancer you have. Express your feelings of fear, anger or depression. When we express our feelings of fear it is easier to let go of our fears. Talking to a friend, family members or other cancer survivors can help. I have read where some people who are well-informed about their illness and treatments are more likely to follow their treatment plans and recover from cancer more quickly than those who do not. I find that writing in my daily journal was and is good for me. By putting my thoughts in writing I am able to sort out what is bothering me and in turn this helps to clear my mind.
Most of us as survivors are especially aware of every ache, pain, or cough and often we will fear that it signals our cancer has returned. My doctor once told me that a good rule for me to go by; was if a symptom I had went away within two weeks then I didn’t need to worry, but should the symptom last longer than two weeks, or if anything seemed particularly alarming or dangerous I should give him a call at once. That helped me and put me more at ease. The return of good health can sometimes feel painfully slow, but given time it will return.
You might try putting yourself on a daily schedule; this will help give you a sense of control. We won’t always be able to control our every thought, but by not dwelling on our fears all the time we will learn some control and be able to look for a much better and brighter future ahead. Although it may be too soon for you to believe this now, I like so many other women feel that my life is better because of me living through breast cancer. I have proven to myself that I can do something very difficult. Learning about my strengths and courage along the way has helped me to treasure and recognize just how fragile yet valuable my life really is and I have decided to;
Make Today Count because Today is Precious.
In 1989 these goals were set up with our support group from the Lebanon Make Today Count Chapter.
M – Miracles do happen
A – Answers are important
K – Keep you chin up
E – Evaluate yourself
T – Trust in God
O – Optimistic
D – Dare to live
A – Attitude counts
Y – You are important
C – Count your blessings
O – Open up
U – Understanding
N – Never give up
T – Truth and togetherness
Did You Know
1. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
2. Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
3. Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
4. Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never advertised for this use.
(Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
5. Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. This works overnight.
6. Listerine therapy for toenail fungus ... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
7. Easy eyeglass protection ... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
8. Coca-Cola cure for rust ... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
9. Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer ... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409 . Insects drop to the ground instantly.
10. Smart splinter remover ...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
11. Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
12. Balm for broken blisters ...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
13. Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
14. Rainy day cure for dog odor ... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
15. Eliminate ear mites ... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, and then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
16. Quaker Oats for fast pain relief ....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
Teacher:
“Stevie, do you believe that George Washington could have pitched a dollar across the Potomac River as the saying goes?”
Stevie:
“I guess so, our history book says he pitched his camp across the Delaware River when the British were pursuing him.”
Living with Cancer
The one question I get asked the most by women is, “How do I live with breast cancer? I always try to be honest and explain that the diagnosis of breast cancer can change a woman's life and the lives of those close to her. These changes can be hard to handle. It is common for woman and her family and friends to have many different and sometimes confusing emotions.
At times, patients and their loved ones may be frightened, angry, or depressed. These are normal reactions when people face a serious health problem. Many people find it helps to share their thoughts and feelings with loved ones. Sharing can help everyone feel more at ease. It can open the way for others to show their concern and offer their support. I have found that many times talking to a woman who has been through breast cancer and is on the road to recovery can help.
Sometimes women who have had breast cancer are afraid that changes to their body will affect not only how they look but how other people feel about them. I know this to be true because I too have lived this fear. You might even be concerned that breast cancer and its treatment will affect your sexual relationships. Many couples find that talking about these concerns helps them find ways to express their love during and after treatment. Some seek counseling or a couples' support group.
Cancer patients may worry about holding a job, caring for their families, or starting new relationships. Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, or other members of the health care team can help calm our fears and ease confusion about treatment, working, or daily activities. Also, meeting with a nurse, social worker, counselor, volunteer, or member of the clergy can be helpful to patients who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns about the future or about personal relationships.
Members of a health care team can provide information and suggest other resources. In addition, the public library has a good source of books and articles on living with cancer. Believe me; I think I have read almost every book on the subject of living with breast cancer. Reading for me was just one way of helping me understand what I may have to live or deal with later.
Support for Breast Cancer Patients
Finding the strength to deal with the changes brought about by breast cancer can be easier for some patients and those who love them when they have appropriate support services.
Many patients find it helpful to talk with others who are facing problems like theirs. Cancer patients often get together in self-help and support groups, where they can share what they have learned about cancer and its treatment and about coping with the disease. I started a group called Make Today Count several years after my breast cancer and the support group helped not only me but many other breast cancer patients and their families. It helps to break the ice and help you to feel more at ease about discussing certain subjects. Our group started out small but with time it grew and we all helped each other.
Those who have had breast cancer themselves, may talk with or visit patients, provide information, and lend emotional support before and after treatment . They often share their experiences with breast cancer treatment and rehabilitation and with breast reconstruction.
Friends and relatives, especially those who have had cancer themselves, can also be very supportive. It is important to keep in mind, however, that each patient is different. Treatments and ways of dealing with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another, even if they both have the same kind of cancer. It is always a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and family members with the doctor.
What the Future Holds
Researchers are always looking for better ways to detect and treat breast cancer, and the chances of recovery keep improving. Still, it is only natural for patients to be concerned about their future.
Sometimes patients use statistics they have heard to try to figure out their own chances of being cured. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They can't be used to predict what will happen to a particular woman because no two cancer patients are alike. The doctor who takes care of us knows our medical history and is in the best position to talk with us about the chance of recovery ( prognosis). Women should feel free to ask the doctor about their prognosis, but they should keep in mind that not even the doctor knows exactly what will happen. Doctors often talk about surviving cancer, or they may use the term remission. Doctors use these terms because, although many breast cancer patients will be cured, the disease can recur, even many years later .
Learn to live one day at a time. Make each day count. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there are no silly questions. If you don’t understand something, ask the doctor to explain it again. Try not to worry about what we can’t change ourselves. Put your extra energy in getting well and taking good care of you.
What Is Lymphedema?
Breast Cancer Surgery The treatment for breast cancer usually involves surgery, radiation, and or chemotherapy in order to eliminate the cancer completely. The type of treatment for breast cancer a woman receives is always specific to her situation. Based on the stage of cancer she has, her age, her overall health, the size of her breasts, and whether or not the cancer has spread, will determine what type of treatment she receives. If a woman has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer meaning the tumor measures larger than five centimeters or the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes, and nodes are now clumping to sticking to one another or surrounding tissue, then a mastectomy with radiation and/or chemotherapy is probably necessary. This type of cancer is very invasive and has the potential to spread to other vital organs quickly, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. Doctors will probably perform a radical mastectomy, in which the entire breast, all the lymph nodes, and the underlying muscle are removed. This is what I had done 27 years ago since my breast cancer was advanced.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer today is no longer a death sentence, and many women live to a ripe old age after undergoing surgery and other treatments for their cancer. Remember however, it is important to have a strong support system in place if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, as this will be a challenging time in your life. It was with me years ago and to this very day I still try to keep my body and its entire immune system clean and working well. Make sure you take good care of you. There are so many more options for breast cancer patients today. New studies and treatments are being shared with women everyday who have to face breast cancer and undergo breast surgery. I must say things have come along way since my radical mastectomy 27 years ago. We all know that when we have our lymph nodes removed other problems can surface. One of the problems many of us will face is lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a condition resulting in swelling of one or more limbs or parts of the body. The normal function of the lymph system is to maintain the body's fluid balance. The lymph system includes several lymph nodes that act as filters to destroy toxins and viruses and plan an important role in the immune system.
When the lymph nodes are removed or damaged, the normal function of the lymphatic filtering system is disrupted, resulting in a buildup of tissue fluids beneath the surface of the skin. Lymphedema can result from congenital birth defects or malformation of the lymphatic system. It occurs most commonly as a result of breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy or from significant tumor involvement of the lymph system.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms There are many symptoms for lymphedema. The most obvious sign would be the swelling of one specific body part, such as your arm or your leg. Although lymphedema most commonly affects the arms and legs, it can also affect the abdomen, torso, head, neck, and the genitals. Some people begin to notice that their jewelry is becoming too tight, or that an article of clothing is looser or tighter on one side, such as a shirt or pants.
It is so important for you to seek medical attention as soon as you begin to notice these symptoms. The sooner you see your doctor, the earlier you get diagnosed, and the quicker a course of treatment can begin. More than likely, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics if you are in the early stages of lymphedema.
If you are in the advanced stages of lymphedema, the doctor will fit you for compression garments and arrange physical therapy that includes manual lymph drainage and massage. Compression garments help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation in the affected area. Your doctor or therapist will take measurements of you to fit your properly for the right size compression garments.
The Importance of Manual Lymph Drainage Manual lymph drainage is a special massage technique that stimulates lymph flow throughout the lymph vessels. Lymph nodes act as filters to destroy toxins in the body, but they can become swollen and engorged if they begin to store this toxic material. A MLD therapist will gently massage the affected areas and help to reduce swelling and remove toxic buildup of the lymph fluid.
Did you know there are over 250 million people worldwide that suffer from this debilitating disease? Not only are the physical effects painful and agonizing, but the mental and emotional effects are detrimental as well. I hope the information in this article will guide and help you if you suffer from this condition.
Massage Therapists Soothe Away Lymphedema Symptoms Massage therapists can be a great source of comfort and stress relief to lymphedema patients. Lymphedema is an uncomfortable condition that brings with it the risk of infection, physical deformity, and social stigma. People who suffer from this condition often feel ashamed and embarrassed, in addition to the physical pain that they have to endure on a daily basis.
Massage therapists who treat lymphedema patients are often trained and certified in the Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy techniques that work wonders on swelling and discomfort. MLD involves light, sweeping motions that stimulate the flow of lymph throughout the lymph vessels. When lymph becomes obstructed for one reason or another, it becomes stagnant and it builds up in certain areas of the body, causing swelling, discomfort, and immobility.
Massage has always been a great way to combat stress and fatigue and sore muscles. It has been proven that massage therapy has many health perks, both physical and mental. If you are struggling with lymphedema, why not give massage therapy a chance? We're pretty sure you'll be glad you did.
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