Considering a toenail fungus treatment? It’s that time of year.
The warm spring and summer months are quickly approaching. These are the seasons for enjoying the great outdoors and bare feet. Many people may not be nearly as enthused. One of the common reasons people are intimated to present their bare foot to the world involves unsightly toenail fungus.
What is Toe Fungus?
When the toenail is brittle and begins to show signs of discoloration or yellowing, this is the first symptom of toenail fungus. There may be variations of color in the toenail and it will become brittle and thick. Some toenails may split and this can lead to a fast infection, if left untreated.
It is important to seek treatment for this condition to avoid the onset of infection in this area.
Factors Affecting Treatment Type and Recovery
Most patients want to know the time of recovery from toenail fungus treatment. This will be based on the type of treatment the patient requires.
Surgery may require a few days for full recovery and laser treatment will allow for a quick recovery. It is best to discuss recovery times during the initial consultation. The many variables are based on individual patient needs and the level of the fungus or infection.
Finally, remember the number of infected toes and the level of infection will play a large role in the time for a full recovery.
Consult a Specialist
The first sign of toenail fungus should signal the patient to consult with a specialist in this area immediately. Scheduling a consultation with a doctor helps prevent the fungus turning into an infection.
The doctor will examine the toenail fungus to evaluate the best method of treatment.
Methods for Toenail Fungus Treatment
The method used to treat the toenail will largely depend on the severity of the fungus:
1. Oral anti-fungal medication: The medical professional may try involves the use of oral medication. This must be used for six weeks and if there is not a substantial amount of improvement, the medication may be used for twelve weeks. The medications commonly prescribed for toenail fungus are Lamisil and Sporanox.
2. Topical anti-fungal medication: This may be available in prescription form or over-the-counter. It is recommended to use lotion to prepare the area for the topical medication.
3. Surgery: Your doctor may recommend surgery as the only treatment option to heal the issue entirely. It is important to know the time required to recover from a toenail fungus surgery is much longer.
4. Laser treatment: There are some cases where laser treatment is an option. This aggressively treats the fungus with lasers. This is an effective treatment option that will require less recovery time.
