Friday 23 October 2009

3 Ways to Handle Treatment for Toenail Fungus

By Neo Miley

Treatment for toenail fungus varies greatly. Many people suffer with a condition called toenail fungus or onychomycosis. In fact, an estimated 48% of people residing in the United States suffer with toenail fungus in at least one toe by the time they reach 70 years old.

Onychomycosis is actually quite common and the risk of developing the condition goes up according to your age. Toenail fungus is highly contagious and easily transmittable from one person to another. However there are some effective natural toenail fungus solutions for the problem.

Toenail fungus is serious and destructive to the nails and surrounding skin. It creates different problems such as disfiguration and discoloration involving the nails. Onychomycosis can even end up destroying the entire toenail. This destruction is caused by dermatophytes; which are invading fungi that thrive in a moist warm environment.

Dermatophytes are harmful because these fungi invade and feed on the protein called keratin that the hard surface of the toenails is made from. When the toenail is infected by this fungus, it turns yellow or brown. The infected toenail also often becomes thick and overgrown. In some cases, the nail becomes so thick that it can be very painful to wear shoes. In others, the nail may eventually fall off if left untreated.

Known factors actually promote the outbreak and growth of toenail fungus. Wearing dank, dirty shoes and walking across moisture laden floors put you at risk for developing fungal breakouts. The places where you are most likely to contract onychomycosis include public settings such as gyms, showers, pools and restrooms. These environments are all places where the disease is rampant and easily spread.

Developing toenail fungus is also linked to a lack of care in personal hygiene. If you are not drying between the toes regularly, keeping your feet clean and changing your shoes, socks and stockings as necessary you will be more likely to develop this problem. Those individuals who have chronic health ailments and immune disorders are also have a higher risk of getting fungus on their toenails.

Natural toenail fungus treatment is proving to be very effective. Diets that include probiotics can help keep toenail problems like this at bay. Some people choose to treat the problem with topical applications made from warm water and natural apple cider vinegar. You can also try using, oregano, olive oil or Listerine mouthwash.

A common natural toenail fungus treatment option involves using tea tree oil. This oil is one suggested by physicians and homeopathic healers because it is inexpensive and has no side effects. Tea tree oil is also known for powerful natural antifungal properties and it should be used only for topical toenail fungus treatment. It is suggested that you use 100% tea tree oil if you are going to try this solution to the problem.

The oil must be carefully applied on the surface of the toenail and any surrounding tissue which is also affected by the fungus. Make certain that this toenail fungus treatment plan includes washing your feet several times a day with a formula made from either tea tree oil soap or shampoo. When you decide to use this herbal therapeutic regimen consult your doctor first and be wary of overusing the product which can create irritation.

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