Top Toenail Fungus Treatment
A simple toenail fungus treatment plan that works can start with both non-prescription and prescription options; herbal cures are also a favorable toenail fungus treatment choice. Before trying any remedy, people must understand what toenail fungus is to keep it from coming back again.
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.
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 such as fluconazoleare or terbinafine are likely to be given for toe nail fungus treatment. Prescriptions are generally given for as long as 12 weeks but it may take months more before a healthy nail replaces the infected nail and nail bed. For some however, the side effects of oral antifungal medications are not worth the benefits as skin rashes liver damage or failure can occur. Oral antifungal medications can also upset kidney functions, cause heart failure and carry other serious side effects when combined with alcohol and other common medications.
Terinafine as a topical solution and other topical based toe nail fungus treatments can be used in place of or in combination with oral antifungal treatments. Because of the cost, some individuals may choose to take over the counter versions of Terinafine or another nonprescription topical toenail 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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