Toe fungus is a common condition affecting most of the world population at least once in their life. In the United States, more than 35 million people are affected by this condition.
What is Toe Fungus Infection?
Toe fungus or “onchomycosis” is a condition, which affects the nail of the toe. Generally this tiny microscopic plant loves to live underneath your toenail because the dead keratin cells provides a good environment for its growth. Our toenails are constantly kept in dark, warm and moist environment, which provides a conducive environment for its growth. This contagious condition can readily be spread to other individuals without any hesitant.
Causes for Toe Fungus
Wearing tight shoes that pinch the toes constantly.
Secondary development of athlete’s foot.
Damage in a nail.
Signs of Toe Fungus
Change in color (yellow to brown) of nail is the first sign to observe in nail infection.
Thick and flaky nails.
Foul odor from the nail due to collection of debris underneath.
Pit marks in the nail and sometimes nail splitting.
Itching, stinging and burning below the toenail.
Treatment for Toe Fungus
Toe fungus cure varies between the individuals. Once the toe fungus gets it hold in the nail, it is a Herculean task to get rid of this condition. Wearing well-fitted shoes is the first and foremost treatment offered to the affected individual.
Health care professionals are ready to treat this condition symptomatically. Over-the-counter medications such as terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole made available to the toe fungus sufferers against prescription. The toe fungus condition requires a long duration treatment. Forty eight weeks treatment with ciclopirax is a proven treatment for complete cure. A natural substance called Amphotericin also holds good for treating this condition.
Podiatrists sometimes recommend nail oil. The common constituents of nail oil are Emu oil, Vitamin-E oil, Neem oil, cedar wood oil and Essential oils of Myrrh, Patchouli, etc. This acts as a good remedial measure for some toe fungus patients.
Home Remedies of Toe Fungus
Home remedies also being offered to control toe fungus.Garlic, Ginger, Grape fruit seed extract, Turmeric and Tomato-and –herb sauce can be used for controlling toe fungus. These items helped for increasing the build immune system of the body by stimulating white cell production