A simple toenail fungus treatment plan that works can start with both non-prescription and prescription options; herbal cures are also a favorable toenail fungus treatment choice. Before trying any remedy, people must understand what toenail fungus is to keep it from coming back again.

Toenail fungus or onychomycosis, occurs when a fungus penetrates the nail through a crack in the nail. Nail infections are highly contagious and are often spread in swimming pools, locker rooms and spa settings because these warm wet places allow bacteria to thrive. Though nail fungus can happen in the fingernails, the toenails are much more commonly affected. Individuals with toenail fungus are easy to spot because their toenails often swell up and become thick. The nail may become yellow, brown or black. Odor around the infection, pain in the toe and crumbly brittle looking nails are possible symptoms to look out for.

Generally, people with toenail fungus are ashamed by their unsightly problem, and stress over what others may think of them. They fear people think that they have bad hygiene or do not care about what they look like. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be cured and soon, a healthy nail will grow in its place. For home toenail fungus treatments, many natural or herbal cures are advisable, although the results will differ with each person.

Soaking feet in a basin of equal amounts vinegar and water for 30 minutes per day is a favored cure because the acidity in vinegar develops conditions where fungus cannot flourish. As well, a lot of vinegar can be applied to the toenail, many times a day. Natural antiseptics and antifungal remedies such as lemon, tea tree oil, garlic, and iodine are also used as effective natural toenail fungus treatment.

Though these natural remedies may have some level of success, mild and severe toenail fungus will need the assistant of prescribed medications. Visiting a doctor will also allow for testing to be done so the fungi can be properly diagnosed and the best toenail fungus treatment for the specific type of fungus causing the infection can be chosen.

Oral antifungal medications like fluconazoleare or terbinafine are commonly prescribed for toenail fungus treatment. The medication is usually taken for as long as 12 weeks, however it might take months for a new and healthy nail to replace the infected nail and nail bed. Some individuals however experience severe side effects to oral antifungal medications that outweigh the benefits because skin rashes, liver damage or failure can develop. Oral antifungal medications can as well disrupt kidney functions, cause heart failure and contain other severe side effects when mixed with alcohol or other general medications.

Terinafine used as a topical solution and other topical toenail fungus treatments can be used instead of or in conjunction with oral antifungal treatments. Due to cost, some people might decide to take over the counter versions of Terinafine or other nonprescription topical nail fungus treatment.

Medical professionals though, think these treatments to be more effective for prevention rather than treatment of toenail fungus. Even after the infection is gone, the infection may return. For individuals experiencing serious nail infections, or agonizing from reoccurring infections, removal of the infected nail might be necessary.

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