Fungi or can infect fingernails and/or toenails. Toenail infections are especially difficult to treat because heat and moisture can become trapped inside of socks and shoes creating a warm, damp environment that encourages the growth of fungus.
Once fungus begins to grow underneath the nail it spreads quickly. It is difficult for external fungal medicine to get deep enough under the nail to kill all of the fungus. People often have to apply medicine each day for many months in order to get rid of a fungal infection. Many people stop treating infected nails before the infection has cleared up and the nail quickly becomes worse again as the fungus continues to multiply and spread.
Toenail fungus treatments are usually not covered by health insurance. Only patients who have diabetes, cellulitis or other specific medical conditions are eligible for insurance coverage. This means that most people have to cover the expense of fungal medicine, which they may need to use for as long as a year.
Home Remedies
Home remedies may save people a bit of money but they are usually not very effective. Unless a person is dedicated to applying an all-natural remedy once or twice each day there is little chance the remedy will work. There is no real clinical evidence that proves home remedies are an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
Vinegar — Vinegar is a mild acid and since fungi can survive acidic conditions this treatment method does not work very well. People who want to try the vinegar treatment can soak their infected nail in a vinegar solution, which consists of two parts warm water and one part vinegar for 20 minutes each day.
Tea Tree Oil — People can apply pure Tea Tree Oil to the infected nail each day for several months until the fungus is gone.
Vicks VapoRub — This product contains a variety of ingredients that may stop fungus from growing including menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, turpentine oil and thymol. People can apply Vicks VapoRub to their infected nail on a daily basis for several months up to a year.
Topical Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Topical treatments are somewhat effective, but the medicine may not be able to reach the entire infected area if it is hidden beneath the nail. People can apply ciclopirox or amorolfine to their nail as directed until the infection has completely healed.
Whitfield’s Ointment — The ointment is effective for athlete’s foot and can help cure toenail fungus. The product contains salicylic and benzoic acids, which can irritate the skin, causing discomfort.
Nystatin — Nystatin works well for those who have an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus. People should apply Nystatin as directed.
Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus
People who have toenail fungus currently have the option of receiving laser treatment that instantly kills the fungus. The new treatment is highly effective with no known side effects. The procedure is painless and no extra treatment is required. People often only need one half hour treatment, but if the infection has spread to several nails, they will need to receive several laser treatments. Professional laser treatments are one of the most effective toenail fungus treatment options available.
