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Nail fungus:What is the best treatment for nail fungus?

Fingernails or toenail fungus infection


A nail infection is caused by a fungus. This infection can happen in toenails and fingernails. It is more common in toenails. A fungal infection of the nail is also called onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis is the name of the type of fungus that causes infection on nails – both toenails and fingernails. This infection takes time to develop so you might not notice is initially.
According to Richard A.Berstain,"It is fairly common, with about 12 million Americans being affected. We all have a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, growing in and on our bodies. Some of these are absolutely essential to our health (for instance, the bacteria in our intestines that assist in digestion). Others may cause illness (infection) whenever they invade us, or only if they multiply rapidly and out of control. Fungal infections are caused by fungi, which are microscopic plants."


Symptoms of nail fungus


The common symptoms of toenail fungus:

✓The darkening of nails
✓Nail thickening
✓Distorted nail shape
✓Brittle, ragged, or crumbling nails
✓A lack of shine
✓Pain in the tips of toes
✓Foul odor

What causes nail fungus?


According to annaiarulhospital,"Nail fungus is mainly caused by dermatophyte, yeast and molds.

Fungal nail infections are more common in adults rather than children. As nails age, nails become brittle, dry, then fungi enter the resulting cracks in the nails and cause the infection. Other factors like reduced blood supply to the feet and weakened immune system also are reasons for nail infection.

Toenail infection can spread from one nail to the other nail but it is non contagious."

Treatment of Nail fungus infection


Treating nail fungus infections can be a long and expensive process. There are oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, and alternative therapies. Over the counter creams and ointments are available, but they have not proved very effective.

1.Vinegar

Vinegar is a common product found in every household. Used for cooking and cleaning purpose, this product is excellent for treating toenail fungus.
Soak your affected foot in a bowl containing one part vinegar and two parts of warm water for about 20 minutes. Repeat this process every day.


2.Oral Medication 

According to everydayhealth,"Oral medications used to treat toenail fungus include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox, Onmel). Both medications require at least a three-month course of treatment for toenails; if used consistently, they have a good success rate. Because both drugs can affect the liver, however, blood tests of liver function are recommended before treatment is started and every four to six weeks during treatment. A third medication, fluconazole (Diflucan), is sometimes used on an off-label basis for toenail fungus caused by yeast."

3.Garlic

Garlic is another great topical remedy for nail fungus. Freshly-crushed garlic contains active compounds, such as allicin and ajoene, which have significant antifungal and antibacterial properties.

4.Olive leaf extract.

Olive leaves contain many beneficial compounds, including phenolic compounds. Extract from the leaves of olive plants have been shown to have significant antibacterial and antifungal effects, making it a useful tool for fighting toenail fungus.Look for the liquid form, and use a small amount to cover your infected toenails multiple times per day.

Source of images: istockphoto

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