Thursday, March 29, 2012

Treat Toe Nail Fungus

The key to treating toenail fungus is to catch it very early before it has time to take deep root and spread. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not recognize the early signs of nail fungus and let the condition go on too long. There are a lot of products on the market today that claim to have the ability to "cure" toenail fungus. Some are relatively effective in making signs and symptoms disappear. However, the infection can reoccur. Let's explore the various treatments that are available for the treatment of nail fungus.


Instructions








1. Take standard precautions against toenail fungus. Avoid going barefoot in places where fungus is commonly spread including health spas, public swimming pools, public showers, and/or gyms. Instead, wear flip-flops, Crocs or swimming booties that prevent direct contact of the feet. After visiting such areas, always wash and thoroughly dry your feet. Wear socks that absorb moisture away from the feet. Wear shoes that allow air circulation. Always dry feet thoroughly after bathing or showering.


2. Take extra precautions to stave off fungus. Wear only shoes that fit properly. Shoes that scrunch or pinch the toes make them more susceptible to toenail fungus. Store shoes in a cool, dry place. Warm and moist areas promote the growth of this type of fungus. If your shoes have removable insoles or footbeds, remove and replace them regularly. Use an anti-fungal product inside your shoes. If your shoes get wet, dry them out thoroughly before wearing them.


3. Cut toenails regularly. Keep them at a reasonable length that isn't too close to the nail bed.


4. Get an authentic fungus diagnosis. While you may be tempted to self-diagnose your condition, in general, you likely cannot determine the particular type of fungus involved.


5. Decide if you want to try an all natural or other form of treatment for toenail fungus. Results of both forms of treatment are mixed. Much of your decision may depend upon the exact type of nail fungus involved, what stage of the fungus treatment you are in and the exact treatment itself.Some people report that natural treatments involving almond, coconut, lavender or tree oil have worked well for them in treating early stages of toe nail fungus. Others claim that treatments involving garlic, goldenseal, oregano, and vinegar work. Many, however, report that none of these natural ingredient treatments work at all.There are natural herb natural fungal cures on the market. Research indicates that the most well respected one at the moment is Zeta Clear. Others include Nail-RX, Tetrasil, Pedi-Cure, and Toenail Therapy. Most of these involve direct application to the nail site on a regular basis. Amounts used and how often these are applied vary according to the individual and the fungus condition.


6. Decide if you want to try a vitamin supplement fungal remedy. Although the research on the effectiveness of this type of treatment is still out, most physicians agree that vitamins taken in the proper dosage and with the right moderation can't hurt. Many believe that vitamins B, C, D and E can help to stave off possible fungi as well as help to cure it and prevent it from spreading. While that still remains to be seen, it is another viable option to consider.With the exception of vitamin E which may be oral and/or applied in oil form directly to the nail site, most of the remaining vitamin treatments are oral in nature. Vitamins should be taken in amounts and in time frames specifically outlined in the instructions for that particular vitamin.


7. Determine if a prescription strength drug is the solution to your fungus problem. This can only be properly determined by a physician so you will have to trust his or her opinion regarding this matter. Be sure to get information about the possible side effects of prescription drugs so that you can weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. The most common problem related to oral medications of this kind is liver damage. Individuals with preexisting liver problems, therefore, may not be candidates for this type of treatment. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast feeding may also choose to opt out of this treatment as may others with other preexisting health conditions or liver concerns.Prescription strength fungal cures should be taken exactly as outlined by the prescribing physician.


8. If the first method you choose does not lead to the changes you want or need, then you may opt to move to another form of treatment.

Tags: toenail fungus, nail fungus, this type, your shoes, Decide want, feet Wear