What Causes Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis happens when cuts or cracks in the skin allow for fungi to get between the nail and skin, causing an infection, explains Lucy Chen, M.D., a dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. On top of infection, you can also experience discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed.
Unfortunately, the simple truth is that everyone is exposed to the microorganisms that cause these infections, says Dana Stern, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and nail health expert at Nu Skin. So, why do some people develop full-on nail fungus and others don’t? “The causes are multi-factorial but some of the more common factors that put you at risk for fungal infections include older age, diabetes, suppressed immunity, poor circulation, excessive sweating, and irregular growing nails,” notes Dr. Stern.
Faq: Why Don’t Otc Medications Cure My Toenail Fungus
“Do Not Use on Scalp or Nails”
“Not Effective on Nails”
Many patients coming in for treatment of fungal nails having already tried one or more over the counter nail medications or creams prescribed by a well meaning primary care physician. These patients are frustrated because the medications didn’t make a bit of difference. In fact, using these medications as a primary or sole treatment is almost always doomed to failure. There are several reasons for this.
First, the hard part about treating fungus in the nails isn’t the fungus, it is the nail itself. Particularly with the thicker nails, topical medication cannot penetrate the nail plate adequately. The same fungus in the skin, known as athlete’s foot, is more easily treated because the skin absorbs medication readily. OTC medications for nails have decent antifungal medicines but use a harsh chemical in an attempt to penetrate the nail plate . They can irritate the skin surrounding the nail if you get it one the skin.
All that being said, there is a place for topical medications in treating nail fungus. In our office we use Clarus topical nail solution as an adjunct, part of a comprehensive plan for treating fungal nails. It contains no harsh chemicals and is used to a) treat the nail surface and b) protects the nails as they grow while using the more effective treatments of oral medication and/or laser treatment. Keep in mind that it can take many months to see improvement when treating fungal nails by any method.
Best Fungal Toenail Home Remedies
As home remedies are DIY for nail fungus treatment, these are convenient. That is why it is peopleâs favorite however, many people discontinue it as they think they are going to take forever to cure the nail fungus.
To find out which home remedy is the best treatment for toenail fungus, we have discussed each remedy for nail fungus.
So, let’s start about each one of them.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Best Fungal Treatments For Toenails
No matter how strong we are, still we all are vulnerable, even to the tiniest micro-organism. Among all the micro-organisms the most powerful one is the fungus.
Fungus can survive at almost every surface, and once it settles somewhere, it will only grow. And so, the common reason why we all are afraid of toenail fungus is the strength of fungus to eat away every particle on a body, be it a human body or a non-living object. And secondly, the ugly look that it gives to the nails.
The cell-wall of fungus is extremely thick and resistant to different chemicals and treatments. It would take ages to kill the toenail fungus, that is why a lot of home remedies do not work quickly.
As far as the skin infections are concerned, the body has to be super powerful in this regard. Otherwise, the toenail fungus would not go away.
In market, we have various treatments for toenail fungus, and in this article we will divide these treatments for nail fungus as the external and internal treatments. This will make it more understandable.
To be honest, both the internal and external treatments for nail fungus are effective but except for the laser treatment which is an external treatment all external nail fungus treatments can take more than 3 months to show results.
And in the external treatments, the common ones are the Home remedies, while for the internal treatments, these are pills or supplements that we intake.
This article will help you find the most effective treatments for nail fungus.
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Get Informed About Toenail Fungus Treatments
We are proud to empower consumers affected by nail fungus. We do this by providing the latest information and recommendations on fungus treatments.
Visit Nail Fungus Consumer Review for quality reviews about black toenail fungus treatments.
Learn more about Emoninail to get rid of any kind of nail fungus as fast as possible.
Visit our main website to get a broader and deeper picture about the different treatments available to get rid of toenail fungus fast.
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Treatment Options For Nail Fungus
Interviewer:
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Most of my conversation is usually discussing medical therapy, so things that are available by prescription only. And those come in two main forms, which are topical antifungal medications, and then oral antifungal medications. There are other surgical or procedural options, so you can remove nails as well. And then theres starting to be more interest in technologies like lasers for nail fungus.
Interviewer:
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Aspects Supporting To Toe Fungi
Fungal microorganisms bring about fungal nail complications.
A fungi called dermatophytes is the most common reason. Infections of the nails can also be triggered by yeast and also mold and mildew.
The fungus that triggers fungal nail infections can affect any individual, but older adults are most likely to experience it. The nails become brittle as well as completely dry as they grow older.
Fungi can enter into the nails with these fractures. It might also result from a weakened body immune system or lowered blood circulation to the feet.
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Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Treatment of onychomycosis will vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus that initially triggered the infection. Topical treatments like antifungal creams and medicated nail lacquers are among the most effective treatment options for toenail fungus.
Laser treatment or the surgical removal of the toenail may be necessary in more severe cases of toenail fungus. Over-the-counter products and home remedies are also methods used alone or in conjunction with prescription drugs to treat nail fungus and prevent reinfection.
Popular Toenail Fungus Treatments: Do They Work
Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from some degree of nail fungus. It can be very itchy and even painful when left untreated, but mostly, it’s embarrassing for sufferers who are often ashamed to wear sandals in public and don’t want anyone to see their feet. Because of nail discoloration, flakiness and foul odor in severe cases, people want to get rid of the infection as fast as possible, and very often, they turn to an over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment.
Trying to find the right nail fungus treatment can be confusing. Should you take oral prescription medications, spend top-dollar on a laser treatment, use natural home remedies, or apply an over-the-counter topical solution?
How do you know which treatment is really effective and does not incur the risk of serious side effects?
For this report, we decided to do extensive research on the most popular treatments for nail fungus, with special attention given to over-the-counter toenail fungus treatments. Our findings will give you a good idea of which treatments actually work and which don’t.
Out of 15 treatments we researched thoroughly, only 3 proved to be very effective and free of side effects. Read on to find out why so many remedies were discarded and which solutions worked the best for most people affected by nail fungus.
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Other Oral Medications That Are Available To Treat Toenail Fungus
Oral fluconazole for toenail fungus treatment
Oral fluconazole is another pill sometimes used to treat toenail fungus. But its not a great alternative to terbinafine and itraconazole. Its not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this use, and it doesnt work as well in head-to-head comparisons. Not only that, it needs to be taken once a week for at least 3 to 6 months.
Noxafil for toenail fungus treatment
A new medication used in the treatment of toenail fungus is posaconazole , a liquid taken by mouth. Noxafil appears to be an effective option, but the cost makes it difficult for anyone to afford.
Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment
O-hydroxybenzoic acid is a powerful antifungal agent and is at the heart of the Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment formula. Ariella mixes it with other ingredients that attack the fungus cell walls and facilitate the activity of the O-hydroxybenzoic acid.
What we like: Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment goes after nail fungus with a potent one-two punch that weakens it and then takes it out. Other ingredients restore the nail tissue once it is free of the fungi.
Flaws: Must use two or three times per day in order to see benefits.
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Which Treatment Is Right For Me
Nail fungus is usually harmless. But many people find discolored or thickened nails unpleasant to look at and want to get rid of the fungus as soon as possible. Fungal nail infections can also spread, and may infect other people. Regardless of the treatment you choose, it will take a while until the nail looks normal again. Its especially important to be patient where toenails are concerned. It can take a year for a healthy big toenail to grow back. Nail fungus can sometimes be very persistent despite treatment. It can also come back after successful treatment.
Topical treatment isnt likely to get rid of a fungal nail infection. Treatment with tablets is considerably more effective and takes less time. But some people cant take tablets because of the very rare, yet serious risks. How you feel about the pros and cons of the different treatment options is a personal matter. You can also discuss the options with your doctor.
What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails
Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:
Trichophyton
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The Urgent Fungus Destroyer
The Urgent Fungus Destroyer is an oral treatment for nail fungus, created by the Phytage labs. It is a reliable supplement made for all age groups and genders. Anyone can have it and there is no need to call the doctors and ask for a prescription.
A single tablet of urgent fungus destroyer has several effective ingredients that will directly treat the incapabilities of your body and treat toenail fungus.
Why to use urgent fungus destroyer as the best supplement for nail fungus?
Among the best supplements for nail fungus the urgent fungus destroyer is the most beneficial one. It is because of its amazing ingredients, it is not a 100% organic supplement, but a levelled up oral treatment for nail fungus.
It has the ten fantastic ingredients. All of which are essential in curing the inflammation and immunity. The entire body will then synchronize to fight the toenail fungus. It has the following ingredients.
THE PRO-BIOTIC WITH 40 BILLION CFU
The probiotic with 40 billion CFU means a concentrated dose of pro-biotics which will kill the fungus. It will make the anti-fungal good bacteria to assist the immune system in killing the toenail fungus.
Moreover, these will increase the production of hormones, and stimulant in the body to kill the nail fungus.
Lacto bacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium lactis
It is a type of good bacteria. And it resides in your gut and produces the enzyme lactase.
Other ingredients of urgent fungus destroyer
Laser Treatment Is Expensive And Has No Proven Track Record
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a new way to treat a nail infection by focusing laser energy directly onto the infected area. The laser light passes through the toenail and is supposed to kill the fungus without causing damage to the nail or surrounding skin.
This new technology looks very promising and has given great hope among nail fungus sufferers. Unfortunately, a deeper look at toenail fungus laser treatment reveals significant drawbacks that should be considered before selecting this option.
- Clinical trials aimed at testing the effectiveness of laser treatment were done on a very limited scale . These clinical trials are not statistically valid. It is well known in health research that new treatments performing well in small studies fail very frequently when applied in large studies with strict test protocols.
- The cost of a one-time treatment is typically $1,000. Recurring treatments cost about $500 each. In some cases, a full course of treatment may require 3 to 4 visits, so the total cost can reach $3,000.
- This cost is not covered by health insurance and must be paid in full by the patient.
- One treatment lasts only 30 minutes but there is no guarantee the toenail fungus will not recur.
- Moreover, this treatment isnât pain free as frequently advertised, and patients will have to wait 4 to 6 months for a healthy nail to grow out.
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Stop Repetitive Toenail Injury
If you have black toenails because of repetitive trauma, these suggestions can help.
- Wear Athletic Shoes with Extra Space for Your Toes
- Use Silicone Toe Caps
- Tie Your Laces So Your Feet Dont Slide Inside Your Shoes
Give your toes enough room so they dont hit with each step. Add a cushion, and experiment with different ways to tie your shoes.
When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.
Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.
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Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus
You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, the nail continues to grow with or without polish.
Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.
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