Though it is not such a dangerous condition, fungus under toenail can be quite embarrassing, especially when you venture outdoors wearing flip-flops/sandals. Fungus infection under the toenails, or onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by a group of dermatophytes that are also responsible for athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
The affected toenail usually thickens, turns yellowish black, brittle, and develops rough edges. Unless the infection is severe, it is relatively painless, but the toenail’s appearance is obviously not pleasant. Fortunately, toenail fungus is treatable using readily available drugs as well as certain medical procedures. These include the following methods:
Natural Remedies for Treating Fungus under Your Toenails
• Maintain short nails. Long toenails normally attract dirt and provide room for fungus to thrive.
• Clean and exfoliate the feet regularly. Build up of dead skin tissue on the feet attracts bacteria and fungus species, which can spread to the toenails.
• Avoid wearing socks hurriedly without drying the feet properly. If possible, use a hairdryer to dry the feet after taking a shower.
• Always wear correct fitting breathable shoes. Real leather is quite breathable by nature. Vinyl and plastic are the worst materials.
Of course, a serious case of fungus under your toenail is likely to prove quite challenging to treat. Therefore, you should visit a podiatrist for expert advice if home remedies fail to cure your toenail fungus. Some of the medical treatments for this condition include the following:
Medical Treatments for Fungus under Your Toenails
• Topical anti-fungal creams and formulations such as Nailstat and Penlac can help treat the condition.
• Oral medication such as Sporanox and Lamisil are effective against a broad range of dermatophytes. These are prescription only drugs suitable for treating stubborn cases of toenail fungus.
• Laser treatment is also suitable for curing toenail fungus. This treatment is available at certain clinics across the US.
• Alternative health experts recommend some treatments for this condition. These include apple cider vinegar, lemon grass extract, grapefruit extract, coconut oil, tea tree oils among other ointments.
Medical treatments for toenail fungus are effective for eliminating this rather common condition. However, prevention is the best way to avoid future recurrence of the condition. With that in mind, you should avoid walking barefoot in public swimming pools, washrooms, saunas, and similar humid places. You should also cover small cuts and bruises on the feet when visiting such places. Sprinkle some talc powder on your feet if they are prone to sweating during daytime.
Many people experience fungal infections of the toes at some point in their lives. The condition is not that dire, but the affected toenail is often quite hideous. Thankfully, a number of natural and medical remedies are available for treating toenail fungus. These include the solutions outlined in the article above. Laser treatment is effective for curing toenail fungus completely, and preventing future relapses of the condition. Our blog can help you to find out how we can help in eliminating fungus under your toenail.
