Nail fungus is the fungal infection of the nail bed and the plate under the surface of the nail, and it is characterized by thickening of toenail along with yellowish discoloration, disfiguring, and splitting. Gradually, the toenail becomes rough and can get separated from the nail bed. In medical terms, nail fungus is known as “Onychomycosis” or “Ringworm of the Nail”. Toenail fungus can press against shoes causing irritation and pain. Also, it can cause social, psychological, and employment related problems. Toenail fungus is caused by three main groups of organisms which include dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. Approximately 90% of the toenail fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes. Around 8% of the cases are due to yeast [Candia albicans] infections and non-dermatophyte molds cause the infection in 2% of the cases.
The fungus treatment for toenails is challenging because the infection is embedded within the nail which is difficult to reach. The toenail receives little blood supply and grows slowly. Therefore, medications and topical applications used in the treatment for toenail fungus will reach the infected site in little quantity which will not be sufficient to cure the infection. Hence, the infection responds slowly to the treatment and may take a year or more for complete removal of the symptoms. Treatment for toenail fungus includes various treatment options such as pharmacological treatment, laser treatment, and surgical treatment.
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Pharmacological Treatment
This line of treatment includes oral and topical anti-fungal medications. Newer oral anti-fungal drugs such as Itraconazole, Terbinafine have revolutionized the treatment for toenail fungus. As a standard line of treatment for toenail fungus, oral anti-fungal drugs are administered for 3 months. Terbinafine is administered daily for 3 months whereas Itraconazole is often prescribed in pulse doses. Pulse doses means it is administered one week in a month for 3 months.
These anti-fungal drugs produce fewer side effects with few contraindications such as congestive cardiac failure and liver diseases. Itraconazole should be avoided along with certain drugs because it interacts with few antibiotics such as Erythromycin and certain asthma drugs. About 50% to 75% of the cases respond very well to the oral anti-fungal therapy and in 20 to 25% of the cases toenail fungus can recur.
Oral anti-fungal therapy combined with topical and surgical treatments can reduce the duration and side effects of the oral therapy. In superficial toenail fungal infections, topical anti-fungal agents are advised which include ciclopirox, olamine and amorolfine. These topical agents are available in the form of nail paints which can be applied to the affected nail.
Laser Treatment
A noveon type laser is used in the treatment for toenail fungus. This laser is also used for some types of cataract surgery.
Surgical Treatment
In surgical treatment, nail fungus is removed surgically or chemically. In chemical removal, about 40-50% urea compound is used to remove infected nail. It is a painless procedure which is useful in patients with very thick toenail. Surgical removal of the infected toenail plate alone is not effective. Additional oral anti-fungal medications can be helpful. Combining oral and topical anti-fungal therapies with surgery increases the effectiveness of the surgical treatment.
Prevention
Prevention of nail fungus is very important because the recurrence of toenail fungal infections is common. Do not wear wet socks, keep the nails dry, and do not wear tight shoes. Cut the toenail regularly to keep it short and while cutting the toenail do not dig into the corners. Athlete’s foot should be treated otherwise it may cause toenail fungus.
The Search for a Toenail Fungus Cure
More than eleven percent of the inhabitants of North America suffer from a fungal infection of the toenail. Some parts of the world have an even higher infection rate. Each infected person is desperately searching for a toenail fungus cure. Nail fungus is a problem that can spread from toe to toe and person to person if left untreated.
No matter what part of the world you live in, nobody wants to have unattractive, misshapen, and discolored toenails. The consequences of a fungus of toenail that is not controlled or cured are far worse than the unsightly appearance of the problem. Every fungal infection is small to begin with, but it has the potential to cause you great difficulty in the future. Take action now to find a fungus toenail cure!
Existing Toenail Fungus Cures
There are countless toenail cures in the world today. You must be patient when searching for one that will work for you. One cure can work wonders for one patient and not work at all for another. When selecting a treatment plan you can choose a prescription toenail fungus cure that your doctor can provide, or you can try all natural home remedies. Should you choose the later, always experiment with these kinds of treatments while under your doctor’s supervision.
Research has shown that the common household herb, oregano, has many antifungal and antibacterial properties. For this reason, many people believe that treatments using this ingredient give you a high chance for success. One remedy that incorporates oregano calls for a combination of two drops of oregano essential oil with one teaspoon of olive oil. If you coat the infected area everyday for three weeks you should begin to see results.
Another good toenail fungus cure in use is the “apple cider cure.” To perform this treatment you must fill a large bowl with one part apple cider vinegar and one part warm water. Soak the infected foot in the solution for fifteen or twenty minutes. After you have finished soaking the foot, dry it completely. Since fungi love moisture it is imperative that your foot be 100% dry after the soaking for this toenail cure to work.
One area of our lives affects our overall health and well being more than any other area – the food that we eat! In our search for a nail fungus cure much of the time all of our focus goes into what we dab on and soak in that we forget that our food intake is also a powerful weapon against this stubborn enemy. Probiotics are extremely effective in the fight against fungus.
Toenail Fungus Cure – Early Treatment is Key
Toenail fungus is a medical condition and it is always recommended that you visit your family doctor before you begin using any toe fungus cures. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have a fungal infection and will also be able to help you monitor your success. See your doctor as soon as you suspect a fungal infection. Early detection and treatment greatly enhance your chances for finding a successful toenail fungus cure.