Toe nail fungus is an infection that can be identified by yellow or white spots underneath the toenail. There are several ways to treat nail fungus, including taking medicines and home remedies. If left untreated, the fungus may spread to other parts of the nail, causing it to discolor or crumble.
The Most Commonly Used Fungus Treatments
It should certainly be noted that if you suffer from toenail fungus and are looking for a truly effective cure to remedy this ailment, over the counter products may not eradicate the root problem of this infection. Only laser removal treatment has been proven to achieve lasting results and deter the reformation of the fungal infection.
Here are a list of some of the most commonly used treatments:
Topical Medicine
Applying lacquers, gels, lotions, and creams is the easiest way to get rid of fungus. Ciclopirox and Terbinafine are two examples of effective topical treatments. Rub the medicine on the infected nail and surrounding skin. You can effective topical treatments at your local pharmacy.
Oral Medicine
Most doctors agree that antifungal pills are the best way to combat a toe nail fungus infection. Oral toe nail fungus treatment is more difficult to obtain than topical treatments, but it is far more effective. However, these pills are only used for severe cases of infection since they have dangerous side effects and require close monitoring by a doctor.
Potassium Hydroxide
Many people have found potassium hydroxide to work wonders for clearing up nail fungus. Only a mild solution is required and it should be applied topically twice a day. Depending on how severe the infection is, it may take a couple months to see results.
Potassium hydroxide can be found at virtually any pharmacy and even on Amazon. If you buy a solution stronger than 10%, mix it with water. Doctors often use potassium hydroxide to identify fungal infections, but it also works great for killing the fungus.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used for curing an array of skin problems, including fungus, acne, and scaring. It is very cheap and you only need to add a small amount each time, so one bottle will last for a long time. With tea tree oil, you will start to see results within a few weeks and after a few months the fungus should be completely clear.
Vinegar
Vinegar doesn’t work for anyone, but since almost everyone already has vinegar in their kitchen it doesn’t hurt to try. Soak your toe nail in a cup of vinegar for a few minutes. Next, soak a small piece of cotton in vinegar and secure it to your toenail using medical tape. It should take one month to start seeing results.
WD-40
During the Vietnam War, a US Marine Corp medic found that WD-40 was a great way to destroy fungus plaguing soldiers who trekked through the jungle. Ever since then, Marines all over the world have been using this method. Soak a cotton ball in WD-40 and gently apply to the skin.
Hygiene
The most effective cure for any fungal infection is to keep clean. Thoroughly wash any clippers, socks, or shoes that came into contact with your infected nail. Cutting your nail too short may also damage the underlying skin, making it more vulnerable to infection.
