What Is The Best Over The Counter Nail Fungus Treatment

Tips For Prevention Of Fungal Nails

Nail fungus causes only 50% of abnormal-appearing nails. It can be hard to tell the difference between the different causes of discolored nails . Onychomycosis is often not treated. Reasons to receive treatment include

No one knows where a specific person catches the fungus, as it is everywhere. However, since the fungus does thrive in warm moist areas , there are certain areas one should avoid or use with caution. Shower floors, locker rooms, and swimming pools are suspected of being sources of the fungus, although there are no studies proving this fact. Nail polish and acrylic nails also make the nail less “breathable” and make the nail more susceptible to fungal infection. Fungi are everywhere — in the air, the dust, and the soil. Hygienic measures such as spraying socks and footgear sound sensible, and perhaps these measures can even help a little bit. However, avoiding tight, nonbreathing shoes or steering clear of athletic facility floors may very well be the best prevention available. Daily washing of the feet and drying between the toes can help to prevent nail fungus. The fungi carried on the coats of pets, like cats and dogs, don’t often cause nail fungus. Wearing white socks does not help.

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 on 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 raised 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 that the toenail fungus will not recur. Moreover, patients will have to wait 4 to 6 months for a healthy nail to grow out.

Creams & Topical Treatments For Toenail Fungus

Over-the-counter fungal creams like clotrimazole dont work well for treating toenail fungus. Prescription nail polishes are available, but they take longer to work and arent effective for severe cases. Thats because they dont penetrate the nail very well. That said, they are still a good option for people with mild cases of toenail fungus, or for those who cant take the oral antifungals. Examples include:

Side effects are usually minor and include redness or burning at the application site.

You might hear or read about medicated chest rub as a treatment for toenail fungus, but its mostly hype. Its a tempting option because its so safe, easy to use, and cheap. But its not likely to help.

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What Causes Fungal Nails And What Are Some Of The Risk Factors

In normal, healthy people, fungal infections of the nails are most commonly caused by fungus that is caught from moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those at a gym or swimming pools, are common sources. Going to nail salons that use inadequate sanitization of instruments in addition to living with family members who have fungal nails are also risk factors. Athletes have been proven to be more susceptible to nail fungus. This is presumed to be due to the wearing of tight-fitting, sweaty shoes associated with repetitive trauma to the toenails. Having athlete’s foot makes it more likely that the fungus will infect your toenails. Repetitive trauma also weakens the nail, which makes the nail more susceptible to fungal infection.

Elderly people and people with certain underlying disease states are also at higher risk. Anything that impairs your immune system can make you prone to getting infected with the fungus. These include conditions such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, or taking any immunosuppressive medications like steroids.

Zetaclear Is A Popular Treatment To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

Remedy Type: Over-the-counter Application: Very easyGuarantee: 90 day money-back guarantee Customer Care: 1 / 5

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Produced by Health Buy, a company founded in 2002 and listed in the Natural Product Association, ZetaClear is a topical treatment guaranteeing to solve toenail fungus problems.

Our recent study confirmed the value of this product and concluded that ZetaClear is one of the most effective nail fungus treatments today. Over the past nine years ZetaClear has won a solid reputation and today it offers a proven treatment for getting rid of nail fungus.

To use this treatment, you simply need to apply a natural formulation that is directly applied to the affected area using a convenient applicator brush. Zetaclear liquid dries fast without messy residue or unpleasant medicinal odor. It fights the nail fungus without the use of harsh chemicals and without any side effects.

Satisfied consumers reported significant improvement after only three weeks and many said that their nails were clear and shiny in 6 to 12 weeks. The more severe cases had their nail fungus disappear within 3 to 6 months.

To confirm our assessment about this natural treatment we read countless testimonials from consumers that could get rid of their nail fungus once and for all and that had a very positive experience with this product.

Recommendation:

Testimonials:

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The Matrix Sometimes Called The Matrix Unguis Teratogenous Membrane Nail Matrix Or Onychostroma Is The Tissue Or Germinal Matrix Which The Nail Protects

Post and read user reviews for leading toenail fungus treatments. Onychomycosis also known as tinea unguium is a fungal infection of the nail. In extreme cases the nail may produce a foul smell and the patient experiences a lot of pain. It can cause a lot of discomfort as well as causing embarrassment due to its unsightly appearance. Over the years we have reviewed a very large number of yeast infection treatment options. And seeking a nail fungus treatment QUICKLY is the key to getting back to a comfortable way of living.

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An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate but you can stop its spread and improve your toenails appearanceToenail fungus isnt a pressing health problem. Discoloration and thickening of nails generally turning yellowish green or black and becoming brittle. Podiatrist Ejodamen Shobowale DPM is dedicated to offering quality foot and ankle care to all her patients in Houston. Others saw a change for their poxvirus scars. The Best Nail Fungus Home Remedies Nail Fungus Asthma Treatment Home Remedies.

Most Over The Counter Treatments For Toenail Fungus Are Scams

There are currently a multitude of OTC treatments for fungal toenails available on the market today.

These include those that are available for purchase at virtually any store that sells OTC medications AND those of vast magnitude that are available all over the internet.

The obvious advantage to these different OTC treatment regimens is that you dont have to go to the doctor and pay for an office visit and then pay to pick up a prescription!

The problem with most of these creams, sprays, gels, and solutions is that they are designed to treat only one type of fungus . This is usually, but not always, the culprit for Athletes Foot or jocks itch.

Now, while this is ONE of the common types of fungus that can result in fungal toenails, it is not the ONLY type of fungus that can cause these ugly toenails. You can read more about the actual scientific cause of toenail fungus HERE.

In addition, it is rare to find one of these OTC medications that can penetrate effectively through the toenail. This is necessary to get to the root or source of the fungus.

What MOST of these medications are doing is essentially killing off the fungus on the surface of the toenail. This makes the toenail appear to improve over time, but WATCH OUT ITS COMING BACK!!!

So, for all practical purposes your toenail fungus can be controlled with these OTC products, but it is not eliminated. This is very similar to what Professional Debridement will do for you.

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When To See A Doctor

In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.

If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.

If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.

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.

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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.

What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Keep the bottle of ciclopirox topical solution in the package it came in, away from light.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

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What The Experts Say

The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies.”Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.

Sets With Creams And A Nail Scraper

Treatment sets that contain two creams and a nail scraper can also be used for the topical treatment of nail fungus:

• One cream has urea in it, which softens the nail so it can be removed.
• The other cream contains bifonazole, which has an antifungal effect.

For this treatment, the affected toe or finger first has to be soaked in warm water for ten minutes and then dried. After that, the urea-based cream is applied to the nail, and the nail is covered with an adhesive bandage. After 24 hours, the bandage is removed and the toe or finger is held in warm water again. The softened layer of the nail is then scraped off using a spatula, the cream is applied again and the nail is covered with a new bandage. This treatment is carried out over 14 days. Once the infected part of the nail has been scraped away completely, the skin beneath is treated for another four weeks with a bifonazole cream.

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Treatments For Fungal Nail Infections

Treatment isn’t always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it’s unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it’s not worth treating.

Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re bothered by the appearance of the affected nail, or it’s causing problems such as pain and discomfort. They’ll probably recommend:

• antifungal tablets tablets taken once or twice a day for several months
• antifungal nail paints special paints applied directly to the nail over several months
• nail softening kits where a paste is used to soften infected parts of the nail, before they’re removed with a scraping device

A procedure to remove the nail completely may be recommended in severe cases. Laser treatment, where a high-energy laser is used to destroy the fungus, is also an option. But this is only available privately and can be expensive.

You can reduce your risk of developing a fungal nail infection by:

Nail salon equipment can sometimes be the source of fungal nail infections. If you regularly visit a salon, make sure any equipment used is properly sterilised between uses.

Over The Counter Medication

While some over the counter medications are effective enough to be given as prescriptions, other OTC medications have limited effects on disease. They might help for mild to moderate cases, but they arent usually effective on severe ones. If used incorrectly and without guidance, they might even prove to be ineffective and produce unforeseen side effects. However, a dermatologist can tell you whether or not these can be effective for you. Here are some OTC medications that may or may not be included in a treatment plan given by one of our dermatologists:

• Clotrimazole
• Tolnaftate

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Best For Toenails: Fungi

This is one of my favorites because it relieves symptoms such as burning and itching, and also restores the skin under the nail and around the cuticle, says Dr. Chen. Its also very easy to use and wont break the bank, she adds. It touts Tolnaftate 1%, a clinically proven anti-fungal active ingredient, to cure and prevent infection, as well as five essential oils tea tree oil, aloe vera, eucalyptol, olive oil, and lavender to restore skin health.

My nail was cut in a pedicure, causing my nail to get fungus, shared a customer. This stuff cleared it right up. My nail fell off and grew back healthy. Worked and quickly in about a week.

What Is The Treatment For Fungal Nails

Oral antifungal therapy has a high cure rate, depending on the medication. It can take nine to 12 months to see if it has worked or not, because that is how long it takes for the nail to grow out. Even when therapy works, the fungus may come back. Currently, an oral antifungal therapy is considered the best treatment for toenail fungus because of higher cure rates and shorter treatment duration compared to topical therapy.

Prescription oral medications that are effective against nail fungus include the following:

There are several innovative treatments that are still being tested:

• Laser therapy or uses application of light-activated agents onto the nail followed by shining light of a proper wavelength on the nail.
• Use of electrical current to help absorption of topical antifungal medications into the nail: This is also called iontophoresis.
• Use of a special nail lacquer that changes the micro-climate of the nail to make it inhospitable for the fungus to grow: If this works, it may be an inexpensive way to treat this problem in the future.

One way to definitively get rid of toenail fungus is by surgery. Surgical treatment of onychomycosis involves nail removal. However, this often only provides temporary relief, and recurrence is common unless additional antifungal medication is simultaneously used. However, surgical removal may be warranted when the affected nail is associated with other factors such as trauma and or infection.

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What Side Effects And Drug

The possible side effects of itraconazole include headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Itraconazole can also interact with a number of other drugs. These include cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, as well as certain sleeping pills. It is therefore important to let your doctor know about any medication you take. Itraconazole is not an option for people with heart failure . It also isnt suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Terbinafine can cause gastrointestinal problems and a temporary loss of taste and smell. It can also interact with certain antidepressants and heart medications. Overall, terbinafine has far fewer drug-drug interactions than itraconazole. Nevertheless, its still important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. As a precaution, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.

The studies only rarely reported on how often the different side effects occurred. But most people tolerate nail fungus medications well. Only a few people in the studies stopped treatment because of side effects.

But there is a very small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine. For this reason, people with a liver disease are only given these medications if its absolutely necessary.