How to Treat Toe Nail Fungus
Nail fungal infections are caused by a group of fungus known as dermatophytes. Treatments for this condition may be a bit expensive and take a long time. Here are some ways you can follow to treat toe nail fungal infections.
To treat and avoid acquiring this condition, it’s important to know its causes and symptoms.
Causes:
Wearing tight shoes may weaken nails leading to toe nail fungal infection.
Nail polish makes nails unable to breathe allowing moisture to accumulate under the nails. A damp and dark environment is a good breeding ground for fungus.
Open wounds, usually caused by cutting nails too short, serve as entry points for infectious microorganisms.
Symptoms:
Nail discoloration with white or yellow patches.
Brittle nails.
The infected toe nail emits bad odor.
Pain on the affected nail.
In severe cases, the affected toe nail separates from the nail bed.
Home Remedies
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antiseptic effects that can treat toe nail fungus. Apply a concentrated amount of tea tree oil on the affected nail. You may also mix olive oil with tea tree oil. Apply this solution on the affected part every night.
Vinegar
Make a weak solution of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water. Soak the affected foot in the solution for half an hour every night for at least 2 weeks. (For other uses of vinegar, see 25 other uses for vinegar)
Listerine Wash
Listerine contains a substance called thymol that is said to be effective in fighting off toe nail fungus. Soak the affected foot in a basin of Listerine for half an hour regularly. You can also make a solution combining Listerine and water.
People have various opinions on these home remedies. If you have a serious case, it would be wiser to consult a doctor. These remedies don’t totally cure the infection, but weaken the invading microorganism, preventing it from spreading to other parts.
Medication
Consulting a doctor is the first step to treat this condition. The sooner you get help, the better are the chances of getting rid of the infection immediately.
There are various medications for toe nail fungus. The most common medication is Zeta Clear. This is a strong substance that is capable of killing the root of infection. Other prescribed drugs are Sporanox, Lamisil and Penlac.
Prevention
Like what most people say, prevention is better than cure. Others find is hard to treat toe nail fungus so they just chose to live with it than cure it. Avoid getting toe nail fungus by following proper feet hygiene.
Buy shoes that fit properly.
Always wear clean socks. Cotton socks absorb sweat more effectively than other materials.
Make sure that your feet are dry before wearing your shoes. Use a hairdryer to dry your feet when you’re in a hurry.
Wear sandals as often as possible.
Avoid cutting your nails too short or letting it grow too long.
If you’re the type of person whose feet sweat a lot, try to use foot powder.
Remember to always clean nail clippers. Microorganisms thrive in unclean areas.
Good hygiene is the key to treating and preventing toe nail fungus. Keep your feet and toe nails clean all the time. Keep in mind that fungi breed on dark and damp places. Air out your feet as often as you can and be sure to dry your feet well before wearing your socks and shoes. For more information regarding this article, read how to get rid of toenail fungus.