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.

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 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.

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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