Toenail fungus is something that can happen to anyone which is why it is important to understand toenail fungus treatment in children. The truth is that there are a few things that can be done to help get your little one back to normal.
Over the Counter Nail Fungus Treatment for Children
There are several over-the-counter medications that are designed for toenail fungus. The problem is that not all of them are designed for children. For instance, Lamisil work great for many people but can harm children. This is why you need to read the instructions on the box carefully before use. If you are in doubt, the best thing you can do is to talk with your pediatrician about which one to use.
Prescription Ointment
You can also have your pediatrician prescribe an ointment that you will put on the affected area. This will usually only work with mild cases, though some parents opt for this before over-the-counter treatments so they are not putting too much on their children in form of treatments.
Prescription Pills
The other thing your pediatrician can do is prescribe a pill that will kill the fungus. The thing to keep in mind though is that your child may have to continue to take the medicine for several months while the infected part of the toenail grows out enough to be cut off.
Laser Treatment- Is it Right for Kids?
Laser treatment has been called by many podiatrists the best nail fungus treatment for children. This can be true with children, though there are some things to think about. One, the pain tolerance of adults is often higher so it may hurt the child more than an adult who will generally only feel heat or a burning sensation. You should talk with your doctor to know if this is a suitable option for your child.
Preventing Toenail Fungus
Once you have the treatment, it is also important to know how you can help prevent nail fungus from forming in the first place. One thing you will want to do is make sure your child wears cotton socks to absorb excess moisture. You also want to put your child in shoes that are breathable. Do not let them go barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools, where they are more likely to pick up this fungus.
