Effective toe nail 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, occurs when a fungus penetrates the nail through a crack in the nail. Nail infections are highly contagious and are often spread in swimming pools, locker rooms and spa settings because these warm wet places allow bacteria to thrive. Though nail fungus can happen in the fingernails, the toenails are much more commonly affected. Individuals with toenail fungus are easy to spot because their toenails often swell up and become thick. The nail may become yellow, brown or black. Odor around the infection, pain in the toe and crumbly brittle looking nails are possible symptoms to look out for.
It's not uncommon for individuals with toe nail fungus to feel embarrassed and worry that others might think they suffer from poor hygiene or don't care about their appearance. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be cured and a healthy nail will gradually grow in its place. For home toe nail fungus treatments, several natural or herbal remedies are often recommended, though results may vary.
Soaking feet in a basin of equal amounts vinegar and water for 30 minutes per day is a favored cure because the acidity in vinegar develops conditions where fungus cannot flourish. As well, a lot of vinegar can be applied to the toenail, many times a day. Natural antiseptics and antifungal remedies such as lemon, tea tree oil, garlic, and iodine are also used as effective natural toenail fungus treatment.
Although these natural remedies are somewhat effective, mild and difficult toenail fungus will require the help of prescribed medications. Seeing a medical professional will as well give you the opportunity for testing to be conducted so the fungi can be diagnosed and the ideal toenail fungus treatment for the particular type of fungus you are suffering from can be picked.
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 as a topical compound and other topical toenail fungus treatments can be used instead of, or in combined effort with oral antifungal treatments. The cost may prompt some people to select over the counter versions of Terinafine or other nonprescription topical toenail fungus treatment.
Doctors however, consider these treatments to be more appropriate for prevention than treatment of toenail fungus. Even after getting rid of a toenail infection, reinfection may occur. For those suffering from serious nail infections or suffering from reoccurring infections, removal of the infected nail may be required.
Toenail fungus or onychomycosis, occurs when a fungus penetrates the nail through a crack in the nail. Nail infections are highly contagious and are often spread in swimming pools, locker rooms and spa settings because these warm wet places allow bacteria to thrive. Though nail fungus can happen in the fingernails, the toenails are much more commonly affected. Individuals with toenail fungus are easy to spot because their toenails often swell up and become thick. The nail may become yellow, brown or black. Odor around the infection, pain in the toe and crumbly brittle looking nails are possible symptoms to look out for.
It's not uncommon for individuals with toe nail fungus to feel embarrassed and worry that others might think they suffer from poor hygiene or don't care about their appearance. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be cured and a healthy nail will gradually grow in its place. For home toe nail fungus treatments, several natural or herbal remedies are often recommended, though results may vary.
Soaking feet in a basin of equal amounts vinegar and water for 30 minutes per day is a favored cure because the acidity in vinegar develops conditions where fungus cannot flourish. As well, a lot of vinegar can be applied to the toenail, many times a day. Natural antiseptics and antifungal remedies such as lemon, tea tree oil, garlic, and iodine are also used as effective natural toenail fungus treatment.
Although these natural remedies are somewhat effective, mild and difficult toenail fungus will require the help of prescribed medications. Seeing a medical professional will as well give you the opportunity for testing to be conducted so the fungi can be diagnosed and the ideal toenail fungus treatment for the particular type of fungus you are suffering from can be picked.
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 as a topical compound and other topical toenail fungus treatments can be used instead of, or in combined effort with oral antifungal treatments. The cost may prompt some people to select over the counter versions of Terinafine or other nonprescription topical toenail fungus treatment.
Doctors however, consider these treatments to be more appropriate for prevention than treatment of toenail fungus. Even after getting rid of a toenail infection, reinfection may occur. For those suffering from serious nail infections or suffering from reoccurring infections, removal of the infected nail may be required.
About the Author:
Fighting with YELLOW nail fungus? Discover simple, effective toenail fungus treatment steps and start growing clear, new nails fast. Visit this site for a proven natural treatment for fungus. Also, check out the new laser toenail fungus treatments while you are there.
