Effective 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, 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.
Generally, people with toenail fungus are ashamed by their unsightly problem, and stress over what others may think of them. They fear people think that they have bad hygiene or do not care about what they look like. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be cured and soon, a healthy nail will grow in its place. For home toenail fungus treatments, many natural or herbal cures are advisable, although the results will differ with each person.
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.
Even though these natural cures might work on some level, mild and harsh toenail fungus requires the help of prescribed medications. Going to see a doctor will as well allow exams to be conducted so the fungi can be correctly diagnosed and the optimal toenail fungus treatment for the particular type of fungus causing the issue can be selected.
Oral antifungal medications such as fluconazoleare or terbinafine are commonly prescribed for toenail fungus treatment. Prescriptions are commonly taken for duration of about 12 weeks; however, it may take months before a healthy nail grows in the place of the infected one. For some individuals though, the side effects of oral antifungal medicines outweigh the advantages because skin rashes, liver damage or failure may happen. Oral antifungal medications can irritate kidney functions as well as cause heart failure and include other grave side effects when mixed with alcohol and other 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.
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