Nobody enjoys having toenail fungus. Women who have it feel like they are unable to show their feet in open-toe shoes and sandals. Approximately 50 percent of all people will have toenail fungus by the time they are 70 years old. The older a person is, the more at risk they are of suffering with this problem. Luckily, there are many effective treatment methods available. Consumers can choose from various over the counter products or homeopathic remedies to treat various types of nail fungus.
If you have tried various treatments without success, you can consult with your physician. Your doctor can do several things for you.
Examination of Nail Clipping
One of the first things the doctor may do is clip off a piece of nail for closer examination. Fungus on the toenail may be a sign of arthritis. Finding an effective treatment is dependent on making the right diagnosis.
Education About the Condition
The physician will discuss the various causes of fungus and try to help you identify when you first contacted it. A gym shower is a likely culprit because fungus grows freely in a warm, moist environment.
Available Treatments
Patients can choose from a variety of remedies for this condition. Prescription medications are often more effective than anything you can purchase at the local drug store. Lamisil is an antifungal medication that is taken orally. Doctors typically advise their patients to take it for no longer than 12 weeks because it can damage the liver if taken longer than that.
Prescriptions are more expensive than over-the-counter treatments and many health insurance policies will not cover them.
You do not have to suffer with toenail fungus when your doctor can offer solutions. Physicians are familiar with this condition and can provide options for treatment. They will educate you about ways to avoid it and can offer advice on how to prevent it from returning. If you think you have toenail fungus, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your physician right away.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Laser treatment is a very effective way of getting rid of toenail fungus. It has a 90% success rate and the best thing is that it is a relatively pain free procedure.
