How to Treat A Fungal Toenail Infection

Decide Whether You Want to Treat or Remove The Nail

Before treating a fungal nail, you should first decide if you want to treat it or remove the nail. If the fungus is in the very early stages, this infection can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and by changing your habits. However, if the infection has progressed and you have thickened and discoloured nails, then the best option is to get rid of the nail. If your toenail fungus is located only on the nail’s surface, then you can simply remove the nail and treat the remaining skin with an antifungal cream. This kind of treatment is safe, easy, and effective. However, if the infection has spread to the skin beneath the nail, you’ll need to get rid of the nail entirely.

Treating The Fungus With Medication

There are many over-the-counter treatments that can help get rid of nail fungus. These are applied once or twice a day and can be used by both children and adults. Some of them can even be used on nails that are already broken or damaged, such as Zetaclear. However, these treatments don’t treat the root of the problem. They only treat the surface of the toenail, so they have to be used continuously to work. There are also prescription medications that you can use to kill the fungus, such as Lamisil, Cicloprid, or Sporanox. They have to be taken for several months, with the length of the treatment varying depending on the type of infection and the medication you take. However, these drugs can have some side effects.

Laser Treatment For Fungal Toenails

If you want to get rid of your toenail, laser treatment can be a good option. This procedure is used for mild to moderate cases of nail fungus and works by destroying the nail matrix. Once the nail matrix is destroyed, it’s impossible for the fungus to grow back. This procedure is done in two steps. In the first step, a laser is used to destroy the nail matrix. In the second one, a cauterizing agent is applied to seal the open wound and stop any bleeding. The entire process takes about an hour, and you can go back home the same day. In order to be a good candidate for this procedure, your nail has to be thick enough to be able to withstand the heat generated during the cauterization process. Make sure to talk to your doctor to find out if you’re a good candidate for laser treatment.

Other Ways To Treat A Fungal Toenail Infection

If you don’t want to remove your toenail, you can also use a combination of antifungal ointments and a fungal nail infection treatment. Zeta Free is a natural treatment made with tea tree oil and other essential oils that can help eliminate the fungus and prevent it from coming back. You can also try using oil of oregano, olive leaf extract, or cinnamon extract to get rid of a fungal nail infection. You can also use baking soda and water to clean and disinfect your nails. Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer on the skin beneath your nails to prevent cracking, itching, and discomfort. Regularly cleaning and moisturizing the affected area can help your nails recover and prevent the fungus from growing back. You can also switch to clean and dry socks and shoes to reduce the risk of contracting this infection.

How to Avoid a Fungal Toenail Infection

To avoid contracting a fungal toenail infection, you have to keep your feet dry and clean. Wear clean and dry socks and shoes every day, and avoid walking around barefoot as much as possible. You can also soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt once a week to remove dirt and bacteria. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after soaking them, as wet feet can be an invitation for fungi and bacteria. You can also apply tea tree oil to your toenails to prevent fungi and bacteria from growing. You can also use coconut oil, baking soda, or white vinegar as a nail scrub to keep your nails clean and healthy.

Bottom line

Nail fungus can be very uncomfortable, but it can be treated and prevented. You should see a doctor if your toenail has turned yellow, brown, or black, as this is an indication that the fungus has spread to the surrounding skin. There are many ways to treat and prevent a fungal toenail infection. You can also prevent the infection by keeping your feet clean and dry. If you notice any signs of infection, don’t wait to treat it.