Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Quick Toenail Fungus Treatment

By Neo Miley

Effective toenail fungus treatment remedies are found in non-prescription and prescription strength; herbal treatments are also a favorable toenail fungus treatment selection. Before attempting any cure, it is important that people understand what toenail fungus is to prevent it from happening again.

Toenail fungus, also medically termed as onychomycosis, happens when a fungus enters a person's nail through a crack in the nail. Nail infections are extremely contagious and are frequently spread in swimming pools, locker rooms and spa areas because these are warm wet places that accommodate bacteria and let blossom. Even though fungus can infect the fingernails, the toenails are more generally infected. People that have toenail fungus are easy to identify because of some tale tell symptoms on their toes such as swollen and thick toenails. The nail might also become yellow, brown, or black. There may be odor around the infection, pain in the toe and crumbly fragile nails are all signs 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 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.

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.

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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