TNmed
09-18-2006, 02:29 AM
Take a look at the pics of my toenails below. I need some help with how to treat this.
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7676/picture066it7.jpg
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2571/picture068si0.jpg
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7676/picture066it7.jpg
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2571/picture068si0.jpg
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Marti
09-18-2006, 04:33 PM
I'm glad I got to the pictures before the Administrator removes them - we're not supposed to post pictures or links to pictures.
It looks like you have several things going on here. Are the white spots 'in' the nail plate, or are they from tiny pin dot depressions in the nail plate? It was hard to tell in the picture. If they are tiny pin dot depressions then it is psoriasis. If not, it is Leuconychia, which are voids between the nail plate cells during production in the nail root/matrix. This usually occurs on the toenails from ill-fitting shoes or from running/jogging and/or are genetic.
The discoloration on both big toenails and the pinky nails looks much like Pseudomonas bacterial infection. This type of infection usually begins from a cut, tear, or break to the seal surrounding the nail unit. Bacteria move in, set up housekeeping and turn into a full-blown infection. It usually begins as a light yellow to pale green discoloration, then progresses through the stages of dark green to brown to black. Pseudomonas just LOVES moisture adn since our feet are moist most of the day from wearing shoes, we give it what it needs to survive. Left untreated, it can cause nail plate separation and the nail can crumble or wear away as yours have.
If it is Pseudomonas, you can treat it at home by applying a drop or two of alcohol into the areas of separation, or just apply a drop or two to the entire nail and it should 'seep' into all the areas where it needs to go. Another thinhg that is good for Pseudomonas is Thymol, which you can purchase online.
Keep your feet clean and dry at all times. When you get home, take off your shoes and socks, wash and dry your feet and apply the alcohol or Thymol. Apply again before bed. If you shower in the morning, apply after showering.
The discoloration under the nail plate looks like Pseudomonas to me and not true fungus. Read my post on "the characteristics of fungus" for more information.
It looks like you have several things going on here. Are the white spots 'in' the nail plate, or are they from tiny pin dot depressions in the nail plate? It was hard to tell in the picture. If they are tiny pin dot depressions then it is psoriasis. If not, it is Leuconychia, which are voids between the nail plate cells during production in the nail root/matrix. This usually occurs on the toenails from ill-fitting shoes or from running/jogging and/or are genetic.
The discoloration on both big toenails and the pinky nails looks much like Pseudomonas bacterial infection. This type of infection usually begins from a cut, tear, or break to the seal surrounding the nail unit. Bacteria move in, set up housekeeping and turn into a full-blown infection. It usually begins as a light yellow to pale green discoloration, then progresses through the stages of dark green to brown to black. Pseudomonas just LOVES moisture adn since our feet are moist most of the day from wearing shoes, we give it what it needs to survive. Left untreated, it can cause nail plate separation and the nail can crumble or wear away as yours have.
If it is Pseudomonas, you can treat it at home by applying a drop or two of alcohol into the areas of separation, or just apply a drop or two to the entire nail and it should 'seep' into all the areas where it needs to go. Another thinhg that is good for Pseudomonas is Thymol, which you can purchase online.
Keep your feet clean and dry at all times. When you get home, take off your shoes and socks, wash and dry your feet and apply the alcohol or Thymol. Apply again before bed. If you shower in the morning, apply after showering.
The discoloration under the nail plate looks like Pseudomonas to me and not true fungus. Read my post on "the characteristics of fungus" for more information.
TNmed
09-30-2006, 07:15 PM
Do you mean just plain 91% rubbing alcohol? I started applying it two days ago a few time per day. Just wondering how long I should expect to have to apply it before seeing at least a slight response. Any thoughts? Is there anyone else who's had this experience and beat it with alcohol applications or some other remedy? I want to get rid of this.
Marti
10-01-2006, 09:21 PM
Pseudomonas bacteria live on our bodies and are not normally a problem unless ther eis a cut, tear or break to the skin. This is why, if we scratch or pick at a bite or cut, it will become infected. The same holds true of our finger and toe nails - if there is a cut, tear or break to the seal surrounding the nail unit, pseudomonas can move in, set up housekeeping and turn into a full blown infection. It first begins in our nails as a light green stain, then progresses through the stages of dark green to brown to black. The darker the color, the deeper into the nail plate layers the infection has traveled. Pseudomonas can make the nail plate separate from the nail bed, the nails will be 'wet' and weak and may crumble or tear away. Removing the source of the infections life - moisture - will take away the most vital thing it needs to 'live'. You can apply either alcohol to remove any excess moisture, or tea tree oil as a natural dehydrator and antiseptic, or Thymol. All three will do pretty much the same thing.