How To Treat Toenail Fungus With Early Detection and Home Remedies
Fungal infection is a very common condition, and it is estimated that toenail fungus affects over 30 million Americans and over 60 million people worldwide. Though it is a stubborn infection generally related to the same conditions that cause athlete’s foot, there are many proven methods to cure toenail fungus without a lot of fuss or cost.
Begin one of the following toenail fungus treatments as soon as the infection is noticed, because toenail fungus can be treated easily and more quickly when caught early.
Hiding toenail fungus inside socks and shoes may seem like a good idea to prevent the embarrassment, but the dark and damp provided by footwear will make the condition progressively worse. Hiding it can even allow the fungus to spread to other nails.
Toenail Fungus at Early and Later Stages
The ideal condition for fungal growth is warm, sweaty feet covered in socks and shoes. It can be spread through communal showering, though the fungus is common enough that this is not a necessary condition. Those wearing heavy shoes and socks in the course of demanding work or athletics should inspect the feet regularly for the first sign of toenail fungus, which is usually a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail.
Over time, the toenail will thicken and discolour, becoming brittle and ragged. The shape will also become distorted, and it may become quite painful as the nail separates from the toe. There will be a foul odour, and those with a weakened immune system may face the danger of toenail fungus becoming a systemic infection. Weakening of the nail will also open the area to bacterial infections.
How To Cure Toenail Fungus Naturally
Whether the cure comes from a doctor or home remedy, clearing the infection will take weeks, and it may be months before the nail has fully grown back.
The following cures all share one thing in common; the damaged parts of the nail must be clipped back before application. It is important to leave rounded edges when clipping to prevent jagged edges from catching on fabrics.
Vinegar can provide a hostile environment for the fungus. For the quickest treatment, use apple cider vinegar both internally and externally.
Three teaspoonfuls a day should be mixed into water or tea for drinking, and the nail will need to be soaked 2-3 times a day for about a half hour in full-strength vinegar. Listerine can be applied externally in lieu of vinegar.
Tea tree, lavender and oregano essential oils are all powerful anti-fungal. One or all can be mixed into a small amount of olive oil and a few drops applied several times a day. To increase the power of these oils, dilute them as little as possible and apply them following the vinegar treatment.
There are many products available for home remedies, and they typically make use of the above remedies. The upside is that most of these products can be applied as an ointment or lotion once or twice a day, which will save time and quite possibly some money.
There are many answers to the question of how to cure toenail fungus, and it is important for each person to choose the cure they are most likely to follow over the long term.
Treatment For Fungal Nail Infection
With the push towards getting in better physical shape capturing the minds and attention of so many people it is also no wonder that there is a substantial increase in the amount of nail fungus today. Trying to rid of these nasty little infections might seem like a total drag, but the hassle of leaving the infection to clear up on its own is far worse. Looking at a fungus infected nail is certainly not a pretty sight and should be avoided as much as possible.
Many people really do not realize just how easy it is to get a nail fungus infection. If you walk across a damp surface, such as a gym, swimming pool, public shower or anything else similar you are running a huge risk. This is part of why so many people are finding an increase in the fungus, with a push towards getting in shape there is no doubt that the amount of fungus being passed around in locker rooms and gyms is increasing substantially.
In order to fight this nasty little infection there are plenty of different home remedies that you can try out. The first choice is looking to use tea tree oil. This would be easy to do but is not for certain the best choice. If you are using tea tree oil it is extremely easy to use, you simply apply it onto the nail that is infected. It will help to not only kill the fungus, but it will also serve to help clean the nail as well.
Olive oil and also oregano oil mixed together makes a great antiseptic as well as an anti-fungal treatment. Dropping just a couple of drops onto the nail itself will work quickly to help clean up the infection. However, this is not always readily available in the house and you might need to take some time to venture to a health food store in order to pick this up. Other options include looking around online to order the oils needed.
Grapefruit seed extract is also extremely popular. If you have grapefruit extract it is best to spray it onto the infected nail at least twice a day to clear up the infection. This is extremely easy to do, and can produce results very quickly. Again, you to need to purchase the extract, which will almost certainly require a trip to the health store to purchase the extract.
Regardless of the method that you choose it is extremely important to keep the feet as dry as possible. Allowing the feet to remain wet can allow the infection to spread further. This is not the result that you are looking for at all. Thoroughly drying the feet after any home remedy treatment will allow you to clear up the infection quickly, while still preventing the fungus from spreading. You should also avoid walking barefoot in high risk areas such as swimming pools and gym’s to further prevent the possibility of contracting the fungus.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus could be a common fungal infection caused by little organisms that penetrate and nest beneath the nail. This downside is simple to spot owing to the nail’s red, irritated look, itchiness or sharp pain, bleeding, and eventual yellowed discoloration of the nail and therefore the skin surrounding it.
At this time, it’s vital to proceed along a course of toenail fungus treatment quickly before the fungus grows into an additional severe, painful infection.
Toenail fungus treatment should be handled diligently. If treatment isn’t administered often and accurately, then it’s considerably less probably to rid the toenail of the fungus entirely. Instead, the nail is at high risk for the fungus to require root yet again.
Furthermore, the simplest toenail fungus treatment can’t be identified while not a medical consultation. As a result of it’s vital to spot the sort and explanation for the fungus, in addition on monitor the toenail fungus treatment because it takes place.
A licensed medical skilled are able to advocate the simplest course of treatment in line with the character of the particular fungus inflicting aggravation.
Many basic toenail fungus treatments are over the counter remedies that penetrate the nail bed whereas conjointly killing the irritating fungus. Several treatments need months to satisfy their full course, and toenail fungus is especially troublesome to treat owing to the regular exposure of feet to dirty shoes, shower floors, and different grungy places.
Some toenail fungus treatments are available the shape of a cream which will be applied directly atop the nail. This can be a less invasive approach to treatment that targets fungus growth directly.
These typically act by inundating the nail bed with oxygen that creates an atmosphere that’s inhospitable to the fungal bacteria. The oxygen flow conjointly stimulates nail growth to recover quickly and leave very little trace of an infection.
In more severe or specialized cases, creams don’t seem to be sufficient to eradicate the fungus. As a result of it grows way beneath the nail, it may be troublesome to achieve with a topical application of a cream. Instead, some toenail fungus treatments seem in pill type and instead attack the fungus from the within out.
These toenail fungus treatments concentrate on the inner supply of fungus, and are typically additional economical at fungal elimination. Results are typically tangible among regarding 3 months, however facet effects are doubtless additional severe and should embrace kidney or liver injury.
The last and most dramatic toenail fungus treatment or how to cure toenail fungus is thru surgery by a podiatrist. Each scalpel and laser procedures are capable of solving the matter however ought to solely be used as a final resort. This kind of toenail fungus treatment has the potential to show the nail to a larger risk of infection within the future; however laser treatments are proven to be particularly effective.
Because toenail fungus varies from individual to individual, the simplest course of toenail fungus treatment conjointly varies. The additional vital initial step is to consult a medical skilled. Primarily based on their analysis and recommendation, the foremost effective approach – cream, tablet, or surgery – may be assessed.
Once the fungus has been treated and eliminated, it’s vital to still offer quality care to the complete foot. Continued toe health depends on sensible hygiene, together with carrying clean socks and dry shoes, often laundry and drying the feet totally, and avoiding things that may leave the feet damp and vulnerable. Then, anyone will have happy, healthy toenails.
Nail Fungus Infection Treatment And Prevention
Nail fungus is very common and usually appears with the toes; although it can also spread to the finger nails. It can sometimes be difficult to spot although a symptom which is pretty early to appear is a yellow discoloration of the nail.
Speaking from experience, this is not a definite sign that you have nail fungus, which is why it is important to seek medical advice. In my case it turned out to be damage of the nail root (as a result of sporting activities) which highlights this fact.
If you do have a nail fungus infection, the symptoms will progress into the nail breaking apart and the nail becoming thick. The colour of the nail may also darken and become more discoloured.
With the internet being such a wealthy source of information, you will more than likely find numerous remedies and treatment solutions for nail fungus.
However, it is recommended that a doctor is consulted to properly diagnose the infection first and then to recommend the correct treatment required.
But how do you go about preventing nail fungus from occurring in the first place?
- Try and maintain a strong immune system and healthy body. This provides the best opportunity to fight off many infections.
- Keep your nails well maintained; clean and trimmed.
- If you have an injury to the nail make sure that you treat that injury so that nail fungus does not have an opportunity to get in.
- Keep your feet dry and cool, and make sure that they are cleaned regularly. Fungus likes to grow in warm, damp areas so make sure that any footwear and socks are also kept clean. There are powders that can be purchased that can help prevent fungal infection when applied to footwear.
If you think that you may have fungal nail infection, make sure you book an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can.
Don’t put it off until next week or next month. The sooner you start treatment the sooner the infection can be removed. It is also important to maintain the treatment provided to you by a doctor if it is determined that you have fungal nail infection. The infection may require treatment for some time (months), so it is important that you are committed to staying with the treatment routine.
There is nothing to be ashamed about if you have a fungal nail infection. It is a common occurrence that millions of people suffer from. Many people will put off seeking professional help as a consequence of this but it is important not to do so.
Nail Fungus Treatment Selections
Nail fungus is very common and people can easily become infected as there are also hundreds of nail fungus treatments that are available for use. Some resort to home remedies while others look for the Nail Fungus Treatment Selections provided by topical, oral and prescription medications.
Actually, there are two methods you can choose from in your selection of the nail fungus treatment that will work for you. You can either look for your own product or treatment solution or you can request for a recommendation from any of the reputable organizations that help in the prevention and treatment of nail fungus.
If you choose any of the methods above-mentioned, you still need to learn about the contents of these nail fungus medications in order to get the best nail fungus treatment for you. As a guide, here are some of the basic contents that should be present in your treatment solution to ensure eradication of the fungus.
The contents include tea tree oil, which is a natural oil is made from a plant that grows mostly in Australia. This oil helps in the recovery of your nails and skin. The other important oil content is the undecylinic acid that comes from castor oil, which is good as anti-fungal, anti bacterial, and anti viral. Read the label and you can check if these oils are included.
If you are facing fungal infections in one or more of your toenails then you have wide variety of Nail Fungus Treatment Selections options to choose from; just select one of the methods that is effective and very suitable to your lifestyle.
If you are very busy in your career and family, one of the best options is to visit your physician and talk this matter out to your doctor; in most cases, you will be prescribed with antifungal medications like Ketoconazole and Fluconazole.
These drugs can be in the forms of pills, capsules, and topical creams; and you have to strictly adhere to your physician’s advice regarding the use of the medications in order for it to be effective and safe on your part.
You should note that there is no overnight cure for this kind of disease; hence, you have to take your required medications on a daily basis for a certain period of time. Consequently, this method will cost you huge sum of money because most drugs for this purpose are usually very expensive; unless you have health insurance that will reimburse your expenses.
Aside from that, there are also incidences of reported side effects from regular use of these medications; one of the most prevalent among them is liver damage. Although, these adverse events may be few; but you will never know if it will happen to you.
Consequently, some people resorted to using some home remedies for Nail Fungus Treatment Selections; the most commonly used techniques among them is soaking your feet to a bowl of vinegar or Listerine for at least 15 minutes; this method requires you to regularly observe the procedure every day for a period of one to two months until significant changes are observed.
This is also effective in most cases, and it is less expensive and safe. This is ideal for home based people who have ample time to perform the process on regular basis. However, the effects are only good for mild to moderate cases of infection; if your case severe, then you have to take another option aside from this.
Toenail Fungus Home Remedies As Natural Treatment
There are various treatment regimes in the market that try to address this problem. Some of the toenail fungus treatment options available are expensive forcing those afflicted with this problem to seek home remedies that can be both effective and affordable. It’s advisable to combine homemade remedies and medical treatment for the best results.
Tea Tree Oil
This is a good treatment of the condition in the initial stages or in the mild and moderate cases. It’s a natural antiseptic and a very potent fungicide that is useful in the fight against toenail fungus.
The undiluted oil should be mixed with olive oil and thyme oil then applied on the toe that is affected. It should then be scrubbed off using a toothbrush to remove the upper layer of the nail that contains the fungus.
Mouthwash
Listerine is a well known and effective mouthwash. However, it has now been found to be a good home remedy for the treatment of toenail fungus. This is primarily because it contains an antiseptic formula that deals with the toenail fungus. It is preferred because it does not harm the skin since it is safe and mild. It can be used as a foot-bath or applied directly on the affected toe using a soft cloth or a cotton bud.
Vapor Rub
This product is good at clearing stuffy noses and congestion of the chest. Surprisingly, it is also one of the most used toenail fungus home remedies. By simply applying it to the affected area, Vapor rub is effective in getting rid of fungus of the toenails. It should be applied in the morning and evening on the affected area after feet have been bathed and dried.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although it has many uses, it has now been found to be one of the most popular toenail fungus home remedies. The enzymes that are present in vinegar are known to be mild and gentle on the skin as they treat the condition. It can be used as a footbath or applied directly to the affected area for the best results.
It is also advisable to ensure that feet are kept dry. Damp socks should never be used as this is a fertile ground for the multiplication of fungi. The use of cotton socks is recommended because of their absorbent qualities. Cotton socks are good for feet that sweat a lot, and help keep feet dry.
Tips On How To Use White Vinegar For Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing toenail fungus, you most likely by now recognize that it is extremely difficult to eliminate this ugly condition. Fungus is very hard to heal when it thrives beneath your toenails because your nail gives a defensive blockade, thus permitting the fungus to flourish underneath it.
Since toenail fungus is disreputably difficult to remedy, lots of individuals make an effort to try home remedies for their fungal problems. Keep in mind to constantly seek the advice of your doctor first prior making an effort to remedy fungal condition through home remedies.
Tip #1: Account Regarding White Vinegar For Toenail Fungus
Vinegar contains extensive record of medicinal utilizations. Hippocrates even suggested that this delicate acidic solution can be utilized as a broad health energizer. It was utilized throughout the American Civil War to remedy scurvy and to heal wounds throughout the World War 1.
As of the present, military personnel utilize vinegar to remedy as well as to avoid athlete’s foot. Students of cosmetology taught as well to utilize vinegar to prepare nails prior buffing to avoid nail fungal contaminations.
Tip #2: Proof Concerning White Vinegar
There is no sufficient scientific proof to sustain the assertion that vinegar can really treat nail fungus. On the other hand, there are several subjective proofs regarding its efficacy. There are plenty of individuals who are affected by nail fungus who claim that white vinegar is really effective in treating their condition.
Supporters of the medication considered that vinegar wards off increase of fungus to new develop nail, in the end permitting the nail to develop into healthful situation.
Tip #3: Medication Procedure
The suggested vinegar medication entails immersing the feet into vinegar solution, which is prepared by way of one part vinegar and two parts of water. You can soak your feet every day into the vinegar solution for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off your feet very well after soaking then let it dry properly.
If inflammation happens, reduce the regularity of immersing your feet in the vinegar solution or lessen the strength of the solution itself. Lots of individuals had also claimed that applying vinegar directly to the contaminated toenails proved success as well. On the other hand, this powerful procedure might intensify the possibility of inflammation.
Tip #4: Duration of Treatment
Wait for several months to one year or even longer before noticing the outcomes from vinegar remedies. Majority of nail fungus treatments need equally lengthy medication time. If vinegar soak demonstrate efficiency, new nail development will emerge soft and healthy looking as well. You must carry on the vinegar treatments up to the time that each and every tinges of fungal contamination fade away.
Since nail contaminations are at times an indication of an extra severe health situation, it is not at all times probable (without the aid of microscopic investigation) to disclose the kind of contamination you are experiencing.
Bacterial as well as further contaminations can as well produce nail yellowing. Bear in mind to always obtain correct assessment from your doctor prior utilizing any form of home remedies to cure your nail problem.
Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus
What Causes Toenail Fungus
In layman’s terms it is caused by germs or medically, an infectious agent also known as a pathogen which is a microorganism. Microorganisms include viruses, prions, fungi and bacterium. These pathogens cause disease in a human host. Indeed it is the fungus pathogen known as a dermatophyte that is the most widely responsible agent that brings about toenail fungus.
Candida and some other nondermatophytic molds may also be involved, but these are more common in areas where the climate is hot and humid. Candida and nondermatophytic molds are more associated with fingernail fungus, especially if the hands are frequently in contact with water.
Risks and Reasons For Toenail Fungus
While the dermatophyte is the primary cause of toenail fungus, the biggest risk factor is due to aging. This is because blood circulation diminishes as we grow older and become less active. Nails grow more slowly as we age. This increases the susceptibility and exposure to nail fungi. Perspiration, humid environments, improper ventilation, athletes foot or damage to the nail are other factors that contribute to onychomycosis.
Treatments For Onychomycosis
Regardless of the type of treatment that you use, this will take time to be cured. There are three methods that are proven to be effective.
Pharmaceutical products such as anti fungal medications and topical nail paint products. A combination of the two is often used with positive results Ointments such as Vicks Vaporub and other natural products including certain tree, root and seed extracts have been shown to be effective.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus has proven to be an extremely effective, painless and simple one-time process. Studies continue to show remarkable results and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to approve many brand manufacturers’ products for use in the general population.
Reasons Why Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Works
Low light or cold laser therapy is a little understood method of treatment that is worthy of more understanding than it presently has attained. The little known fact is that concentrated light energy has the ability to restore natural body functionality.
The power and ability of therapeutic lasers can be found at many websites. I have personally witnessed the recovery of a terminal heart patient who, using laser therapy, has lived over a year longer than his cardiac specialist predicted.
Specifically in the matter of toenail fungus, the wavelength of the laser is in a very safe range and no discomfort, other than slight warmth in the toe or finger, is felt during treatment. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigment of the microorganisms that are in the nail bed. This absorption causes the pigment to heat which then kills the microorganism.
With the elimination of the microorganism, the nail continues to grow naturally and unimpeded by the cause of the disease.
There is no method of treatment that will magically restore the nail back to its natural condition. The nail has to grow out as the recovery takes effect.
Benefits In Summary
1. Easy To Use – treatment is typically only done once. Other methods require ointments and/or soaking of the feet over a prolonged period of months.
2. Painless – other methods may include hospitalization and prescriptions that can have additional side effects. But laser treatment for toenail fungus is painless.
3. Gets To the Cause – the fungus is in the nail bed, and lasers reach that area delivering energy that kills the cause. Other treatments don’t eliminate the cause directly.