Toenail Fungal Infection Quick
Reference Guide
Over the
past few years, I’ve done extensive research on toenail fungal infection. A few of my family members (including myself)
have been plagued by this condition for many years. I made it my mission to find out all I could
about the condition and how to effectively treat it.
I’ve
uncovered a multitude of facts about toenail fungal infection and have put
together this article to share these facts with others who may be suffering
from this unsightly “thick yellow toenail” problem.
·
Toenail
fungal infection (medical term – Onychomycosis) is a common problem. Over 35 million Americans suffer from this
condition.
·
Fungal
infection of the toenail is caused by an organism known as a dermatophyte,
which is a type of fungus – this type of organism also causes athlete’s foot,
jock itch, and ringworm.
·
The
dermatophyte lives and grows under the toenail in the nail bed.
·
Symptoms
of toenail fungus can include one or more of the following:
-white spots on the nail in its
earliest form
-discoloration; green, brown, or yellow toenails
-brittle or crumbling toenails
-thickened toenail
-unpleasant odor
-dull or rough appearance of the
toenail
-separation of the toenail from
the nail bed
·
Dermatophytes
thrive in moist, warm and dark environments – such as inside of shoes and
socks.
·
It
is very difficult to cure this condition once the fungus finds its way under
the nail.
·
Wearing
acrylic nails or nail polish to hide the problem just makes it worse – the
toenail can’t breathe.
·
Topical
over-the-counter creams or liquids are usually ineffective treatments for this
condition except in very mild cases.
·
Oral
medications are available by prescription for treating toenail fungal
infection, but they are only effective in about 50% of all cases, and they can
cause harmful side effects.
·
In
severe, long-term cases of toenail fungus the nail may have to be surgically
removed or there may be permanent damage to the toenail.
·
It
can take from 4 to 12 months for a new toenail to grow in completely. Patience and commitment is required to get
rid of toenail fungal infection.
·
Even
after successful treatment of this problem, recurrence of the infection is
often the case. You must take active
prevention measures against re-infection.
·
By
far, the best remedies for toenail fungus are natural remedies.
Get rid of
those unsightly, embarrassing thick yellow toenails once and for all, and keep
your toenails looking great!