Proven Toenail Fungus Treatment
Monday, March 8th, 2010Effective toenail fungus treatments are available in non prescription and prescription strength; herbal remedies are also a popular toenail fungus treatment option. Before using any treatment, individuals should understand what toenail fungus is to keep it from reoccurring.
Toenail fungus or onychomycosis, happens when a fungus enters the nail via a crack in the nail. Nail infections are very contagious and are commonly spread in swimming polls, locker rooms and spa environments because they are warm wets places that host bacteria and let it flourish. Although nail fungus can occur in the fingernails, the toenails are much more susceptible. Toenail fungus is easy to pin point because the toenails are usually swollen and turn thick. The nail might be yellowish, brown, or black. There may be odor surrounding the infection, pain in the toe and crumbling fragile looking nails are possible effects to watch for.
Often, people with toe nail fungus are very abashed by their condition, and worry that others may perceive them as having bad hygiene or not caring about their appearance. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be remedied and a healthy nail will eventually grow to replace it. For home toenail fungus treatments, many natural or herbal cures are often used, however the outcomes may vary.
Soaking feet in a tub of equal parts vinegar and water for 30 minutes a day is a popular treatment because the acidity in vinegar creates an environment where fungus cannot thrive. In addition, a generous amount of vinegar can be dabbed over the nail, several times a day. Natural antiseptics and antifungal treatments such as lemon, tea tree oil, garlic and iodine have also been used as a natural toenail fungus treatment.
Though these natural remedies may have some level of success, mild and severe toenail fungus will need the assistant of prescribed medications. Visiting a doctor will also allow for testing to be done so the fungi can be properly diagnosed and the best toenail fungus treatment for the specific type of fungus causing the infection can be chosen.
Oral antifungal medications like fluconazoleare or terbinafine are commonly prescribed for toenail fungus treatment. The medication is usually taken for as long as 12 weeks, however it might take months for a new and healthy nail to replace the infected nail and nail bed. Some individuals however experience severe side effects to oral antifungal medications that outweigh the benefits because skin rashes, liver damage or failure can develop. Oral antifungal medications can as well disrupt kidney functions, cause heart failure and contain other severe side effects when mixed with alcohol or other general medications.
Terinafine used as a topical solution and other topical toenail fungus treatments can be used instead of or in conjunction with oral antifungal treatments. Due to cost, some people might decide to take over the counter versions of Terinafine or other nonprescription topical nail fungus treatment.
Medical professionals though, think these treatments to be more effective for prevention rather than treatment of toenail fungus. Even after the infection is gone, the infection may return. For individuals experiencing serious nail infections, or agonizing from reoccurring infections, removal of the infected nail might be necessary.
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