Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects many people. The bad news is that it is usually mistaken for other conditions. For instance, regular visits to the gym and public swimming pools are likely to reveal unsightly toe nails that are yellow, thick or discolored.
In most cases, women do not pay too much attention to yellow nails as they often think it is a result of wearing nail polish for too long. By the time they realize it is an infection, the condition has already spread to several toes and requires specialized treatment other than just creams and ointments.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Basically, this condition affects people of all ages but it is most common in people who are over the age of 55 and those who share communal amenities such as showers and swimming pools. Other people who are vulnerable to this condition are those who suffer from psoriasis, diabetes, low immunity and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Infection in children should be treated immediately before it spreads to other parts of the body or causing permanent damage.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Most people have seen these symptoms but ignore them because they do not know what they mean. They include:-
- Discolored toenails; often green to yellow color
- Thick nails
- White or yellow patches under the nail bed
- Bits of nails falling off
- Inflamed or scaly skin around the infected nail
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
It is fairly easy to treat this condition if it is detected early using creams and oral medication. However, more severe cases may require advanced treatment. This embarrassing condition does not have to be a long life battle with technology such as laser therapy.
Unlike other treatments such as oral medication that may damage the liver, laser treatment has no side effects. While creams and ointments need to be applied every day for months, laser therapy is quick and convenient.
The best time to combat with condition is during winter when everyone is wearing socks at all times of the day. Most people, particularly women may find it uncomfortable walking around with unsightly toe nails especially if they cannot cover it up with nail polish. This period can provide the perfect chance for the nails to grow out so that by spring and summer, all the infection will have cleared out.
Although laser treatment is a great alternative especially in cases where the condition has advanced, it is important to seek the services of a qualified and licensed practitioner. In essence, the laser has to be approved by FDA to treat onychmycosis. Lastly, toenail fungus treatment will also be determined by the severity and type of infection.
