Proper Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus develops on the skin and on the keratin region of the toe. Keratin is the primary component of the hair and nails. This fungus grows underneath the nail. Because of the fungal growth the toenail grows out with a yellowish, white, or brownish looking color. The toenail will typically thicken, becomes hard and brittle, and fall off.

Environmental Conditions That Affect Toenail Fungus

What environment are most people subject to fungus conditions? Showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and wet bathtubs are commonly found places of fungus conditions. Virtually fungus conditions can survive in any damp, humid, environment. People with health issues of diabetes, heart issues, blood circulatory, or immunity health concerns are more susceptible to nail fungus infections.

Unfortunately, toenail fungus treatment may take weeks or sometimes even months to treat. If you are dealing with toenail fungus, it is best to have all available information needed so your podiatrist can treat your toenail fungus effectively. First, a through physical exam is imperative for effective toenail fungus treatment. Usually, lab tests are performed by harvesting a sample of the infected toenail. Lab tests will determine if the fungus infection is of fungus, mold, or yeast type toenail infections. After results of the lab tests, your doctor can determine the most effective method of treatment.

Best Toenail Fungus Treatment

Lamisil – Oral anti-fungal medication. These medications take about three weeks to work. Side effects are liver damage which can cause jaundice.

Topical Treatments – These type medications are applied directly to the affected nail. Kerydin is a new topical treatment which has been found to be effective in best toenail fungus treatment. However, this treatment can take up to a year to clear the fungus.

Laser Treatment – This is a relatively new treatment for toenail fungus. The laser treatment destroys the fungus under the toenail, with no damage to the toenail. Sometimes with laser treatment some fungus, mold, or yeast can still be apparent on the toenail.

Surgical Treatment – Surgical removal of the fungus infected toenail. In cases where the nail matrix is infected, the matrix must be removed. The matrix is removed with chemicals such as phenol or sodium hydroxide. Unfortunately, if the matrix must be removed, no toenail will grow again.

Plant Extracts – Olive Leaf extracts has anti-fungal properties. Olive Leaf Extract can be directly applied to the infected nail as a topical treatment or can be taken in the form of capsules.

Nail Polish – Researchers at the Industrial and Chemical Research Institute found silver nanoparticles were effective in clearing toenail fungus. Silver nanoparticles are common indigents in clear nail polish. It is available in famous nail products such as OPI gel polish, Nugenesis Dipping Powder, LDS nails …

Vicks VapoRub – Camphor and Eucalyptus are common indigents in Vicks VaopRub. According to the 2011 study in Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Vicks VapoRub was found effective in clearing toenail fungus.

Summary

Toenail fungus untreated will not go away by itself. Toenail fungus can cause pain, deformity, and can lead to more serious medical issues. If you have a nail fungus, it is best to consult your physician as soon as possible to avoid further complications.