Toenail fungus treatment does not have to be complicated; you just need to be persistent.
You can get toenail fungus by a variety of causes including: Trauma, Environment, Insufficient Immune System, Poor Blood Circulations :
- Any injury or damage to the nail (even from wearing tight-fitting shoes) can provide an entry point for fungal infection. The injury may also weaken the local immune response that normally helps to keep infections at bay.
- Elongated exposure to moisture, high humidity, or an alkaline environment make the nail area more conducive to fungal growth.
- A weakened immune system has a harder time fighting off localized infections like a fungus.
- Tied to the immune system is poor blood circulation. If there is not adequate blood supply to the toes, nutrition and cell protection is compromise again, allowing the fungus to take root.
- A cross infection from Athletes foot fungus infections – where the fungus spreads from the skin to the nail. Note, the same fungus causes both infections.
- Direct or indirect contact with infected people or locations.
Types of nail fungus infection
While it is possible to develop a fingernail fungus infection, this rarely happens without at least one toenail being infected. The exception is a rare form of Onychomycosis (the medical term for nail fungus infections) where the Candida albicans yeast species is the causal agent. Typically toenail fungus infections are caused by a dermatophyte fungus and there are three main manifestations of the disease.
- The fungus enters via the tip of the nail (usually via the small gap that exists between the toenail and the tip of the toe) and spreads underneath the nail in the direction of the cuticle. This condition is known as Distal Lateral Subungal Onychomycosis or DSO. (“Distal” is a nail anatomy term for the tip of the nail and “Subungal” means underneath the nail). DSO is by far the most common form of toenail fungus.
- The fungus infection stats in an area called the proximal fold which is near the cuticle and spreads towards the tip of the nail. It is also subungal in character. This form of toenail fungus is known as Proximal Subungal Onychomycosis (PSO) and generally occurs in in people who have an immune deficiency.
- The infection is more superficial in nature causing spreading whitish or opaque patches. This final form is known in medical circles as White Superficial Onychomycosis and is far less common than DSO
All three forms of the disease result in nail discoloration (normally yellow or white), increased nail brittleness and loss of texture. In the case of DSO and PSO as the infection resides underneath the nail plate it can cause the nail to detach from the base, twisting and distorting as it does so. Sufferers will also notice a build up of debris underneath the nail plate. Although in early stages the condition is not generally painless, if the nail becomes very distorted or separated from the nail plate it often becomes painful to wear shoes and movement can be impaired.
So what can you do to prevent toenail fungus?
If you have traumatized a toenail, you need to clean and protect the nail. You will want to contact your physician immediately for their recommendations. Some of the most recommended preventions include, using betadine, hydrogen peroxide and salt water soaks. All of these can help ward off fungus infection, but as they are not recommended in all toenail trauma, you will want to consult your physician.
The use of wool or cotton socks can help your feet breath better, keeping the moisture away from your feet. Synthetic footwear and hosiery does not allow your feet to breath causing a moisture rich environment for fungus to grow.
It you have a weak immune system; it’s important to backup your immune systems with a good diet, daily exercise, proper rest and supplements. Again, you will want to consult your physician for a daily recommendation. Daily exercise and stretching can improve your blood flow to the feet, making it harder for fungus to take root.
What are your options for toenail fungus treatment?
- After a bath or shower, take a few minutes and thoroughly immerse the toe or toes in distilled vinegar and then dry completely. This can help kill off the fairly quickly.
- The eucalyptus in Vick’s Vapor Rub is also good for killing off the fungus on a toe. First take the infected nail and make patchy groves with a nail file, then simply apply the Vick’s to the toenail.
- Tree Tea Oil is another effective treatment. If applied twice a day, it can kill the fungus and prevent re-growth. This treatment can take several weeks to take effect.
- A Turmeric Powder paste can be very effective. Twice a day, take the turmeric powers and make it into a paste with water and apply on the affected nail. This helps soften the nail and cleans off the fungus.
- Tulsi juice is also in the category of toenail fungus home remedies. Grind a cluster of tulsi leaves, filtering the liquid, combine this juice with an equal amount of lime juice and apply to the infect nail twice a day.
- For anything more than a mild infection, it’s worth using a specialized nail lacquer such as Funginix and Zetaclear. See these reviews by FungusFacts.com for more details
Bear in mind that nail fungus infections are far harder to treat than fungal infections of the skin. This is because the fungus is less exposed and less open to treatment. While skin fungus infections like athletes foot and other forms of ringworm can often be resolved in a matter of days, nail fungus infections can take several months of treatment. As with any fungus or infection, you should always consult with your physician before using any treatment approach. But for most, by taking some simple care with your feet you can prevent toenail fungus. If you are unfortunate to have a case, all is not lost, you can have healthily, strong nails if you are able to stick to a consistent treatment approach over time.