Have you been afflicted by toenail fungus but not sure how you got it? If so, then be sure to read this article to know more about this condition. Truth be told, fungal infections are very common, and often affect fingernails and toenails alike. Fungi are microorganisms that love damp and moist environments, such as the surrounding areas of the nails. That said, fungus is often drawn to the toes since it has a perfect environment for it to thrive and multiply. The toes are more likely to be affected by fungal infections than the hands.
About eleven percent of the North American population is afflicted by the condition, and it is the most typical type of ailment that is attended to by foot specialists. There are people that are more susceptible to the condition than the others, and the condition can present mild to severe symptoms. Factors that will likely increase the chance of developing fungus in the toenails include:
- Nail trauma
- Poor foot hygiene
- Abnormal skin pH level
- Decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to fungal infections
Fungal infections in the toenails vary on severity. In serious cases, the afflicted individual will experience a brownish or yellowish discoloration on the afflicted nails. The affected nail can also become brittle and might eventually shed over time. The fungus may also cause the nail to have crumbled edges which can be disfiguring, unsightly and embarrassing. At times, pain can be felt on the affected nail.
Treatment for fungal infections on the toenails focuses on mitigating the symptoms and fighting the disfigurement, embarrassment and pain associated with the condition. It is best to treat the condition at its early stages since fungus in the toenail can progress making it much harder to treat. If you have been suffering from this condition, be sure to seek medical assistance right away. Talking to a doctor will allow you to determine what’s causing it and what kind of treatment is appropriate for you. During the examination, the doctor will collect a sample of the fungus and put it in a petri dish to figure out what kind of fungus is present. After that, the doctor will prescribed the suitable type of fungal treatment applicable for your condition.
The doctor can prescribe different types of oral medications to kill the fungus which might include any of the following: Fluconazole (Diflucan); Terfinabine (Lamisil); Itraconazole (Sporonox); Griseofluvin (Fulvicin). Medications for toenail fungus treatment often have side effects and mixing them with other kinds of medications can be very dangerous.
Effectiveness of fungal topical treatments for toenail fungus infection will greatly depend on religious and continual application. When using topical treatment applications, it is very important that you are diligent in applying it. It may take time before you get used to applying the topical fungal medication but it is critical that you stick with it since this will have a great effect on the success of the treatment.
One great over the counter fungal medication that you should try is a product called as PurNail. This is a type of over-the-counter topical treatment that is FDA-approved. Costing around $50-60, PurNail should be applied on the affected nail two times a day (once in the morning and another one at night). This product contains unique formulation that is combined with powerful anti-fungal agents and ingredients that aid in restoring the appearance and health of the skin surrounding the nail. Duration of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition which can last up to four months.
Surgery is the last resort for treating fungal infections on the toenails. And among the available fungal treatments this is considered as the most invasive. Surgery is often prescribed when oral and topical medications failed to kill the fungus. If nail fungus is not treatable through topical or oral means, then the surgical removal of the affected toenail would be your best bet.
