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.

Often, people with toe nail fungus are very abashed by their condition, and worry that others may perceive them as having bad hygiene or not caring about their appearance. With toenail fungus treatment, the infection can be remedied and a healthy nail will eventually grow to replace it. For home toenail fungus treatments, many natural or herbal cures are often used, however the outcomes may vary.

Soaking feet in a tub of equal parts vinegar and water for 30 minutes a day is a popular treatment because the acidity in vinegar creates an environment where fungus cannot thrive. In addition, a generous amount of vinegar can be dabbed over the nail, several times a day. Natural antiseptics and antifungal treatments such as lemon, tea tree oil, garlic and iodine have also been used as a 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 such as fluconazoleare or terbinafine are likely to be given for toe nail fungus treatment. Prescriptions are generally given for as long as 12 weeks but it may take months more before a healthy nail replaces the infected nail and nail bed. For some however, the side effects of oral antifungal medications are not worth the benefits as skin rashes liver damage or failure can occur. Oral antifungal medications can also upset kidney functions, cause heart failure and carry other serious side effects when combined with alcohol and other common medications.

Terinafine as a topical solution and other topical based toe nail fungus treatments can be used in place of or in combination with oral antifungal treatments. Because of the cost, some individuals may choose to take over the counter versions of Terinafine or another nonprescription topical toenail fungus treatment.

Doctors however, consider these treatments to be more appropriate for prevention than treatment of toenail fungus. Even after getting rid of a toenail infection, reinfection may occur. For those suffering from serious nail infections or suffering from reoccurring infections, removal of the infected nail may be required.

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