Nail Fungus Remedies

There is a plethora of toenail fungus treatments available: some natural, some pharmaceutical. Fungal infections at the nail level are problematic and resistant, because under the hard nail cover, the fungus slowly eats away into the nail bed, progressing from nail tip to base. The color of the nail changes, the tissue becomes brittle and you feel like your toes become crippled. Toenail fungus ruins the look of your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment – What are the Types?

Medication like Lamisil (terbenafine) is an oral drug that kills most fungal organisms in the body. The treatment is pretty extensive, lasting for 16 weeks in the case of toenail infections and for 6 weeks in the treatment of fingernail infections. Prior to using an oral fungicide, the doctor will recommend tests to check the health of the liver, because the side effects of the drugs could be devastating.

Creams and ointments can also be used as a toenail fungus treatment, but the doctor has to create special conditions for these to work. The podiatrist first needs to trim and pare down the thickened nail. Sometimes, the doctor files down the nails. Depending on the situation holes could be drilled into the nail to allow for medication to go underneath. Ointments and creams are efficient against fungal infections only if these nail preparations are made.

Laser toenail fungus treatment is very popular, efficient and non-invasive. The application of laser technology in this medical field is relatively new, however, the FDA has approved several types of lasers for anti-fungal treatment. Costs are the main problem with laser therapy, and health insurance does not offer coverage for the intervention.

Natural remedies like tea tree oil, lavender oil and thyme oil are the most powerful anti-fungal agents you can use at home. Apple cider vinegar and grape fruit seed extract have a good reputation for the treatment of skin problems as well.

Overcoming toenail fungus treatment difficulties

The problem with topical treatments is that they don’t go inside the nail where the fungal infection is safe to grow. That’s why you should see a doctor and drill holes or channels in the toenails, and only then apply the topical remedy. If you drip tea tree oil inside the nail, on the sides and under it, the fungal infection will be defeated much sooner. A year of treatment does indeed sound pessimistic, but progress against fungal infections is slow.

Follow strict hygiene rules that prevent the infection of the other toenails or finger nails. This means that you have to disinfect the nail clippers and the nail file when you trim the toenails. For the fungus affected nails, that usually become thicker and harder, you should periodically go to the   podiatrist’s office to have them filed or trimmed. The looks improve and you have better treatment chances, as I’ve already pointed out.

Chronic disease like diabetes raises numerous challenges for skincare. In fact, diabetes patients are more prone to developing toenail fungus infections. A correct management of the disease gives better chances for any toenail fungus treatment to work.