Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a very common ailment among humans. It usually infects the nails and can cause severe pain, especially when the infection gets deep. The nail becomes deformed and thickened, turns yellowish, and breaks off at the tip. Although fungal nail infections are not life-threatening, they can be very painful. Let me share with you some tips that will help you cure a fungal nail infection.
Nail fungus develops in warm and moist environment, which makes you commonly come in contact with it. You might be carrying around the fungus in your mouth, or around public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. Fungal nail fungus infections are more prevalent in older people, especially those who have diabetes and Lupus. They’re also common in individuals who have liver problems. People with diabetes also have a higher risk for fungal infections because the disease causes the body to make more sugar, which is converted into glycogen (the fuel for the body).
Fungal nail infections are also associated with people with a weakened immune system like HIV/AIDS patients. If you’re HIV positive and have guessed fungal onychomycosis, you must avoid the spread of the infection to your fingernails and to any other parts of the body. Although there are several medications available for onychomycosis, the best treatment is probably an antifungal drug called Tioconazole (Monistat). If you don’t take antifungals regularly, the infection can spread to your nails and to other parts of the body. If you have long fingernails, you should trim it frequently and keep it clean.
In addition to antifungals, you can also use natural home remedies for treating nail fungus. Home remedies for fungal toenail infections include vinegar (especially apple cider vinegar), tea tree oil, essential oils, oregano oil, thyme oil, oregano and neem oil. Most of these ingredients can be bought at local health food stores.
Occasionally, nails may thicken as a result of onychomycosis. This thickened condition of the nails is called onychomycosis and usually occurs due to dermatophytes. Nails infected with dermatophytes turn yellow and thicken. Nail thickening caused by onychomycosis can be cured by applying an antifungal cream or lotion topically (look for one that contains Tea Tree Oil). You can also get help from your doctor or pharmacist.
Nail fungal infections usually spread in nature, so it is important to protect your nails from the infection spreading to the rest of the body. Wear safety gloves when in water or when having physical activity with water. Keep your fingernails short and keep them neatly trimmed. Do not use nail clippers around the nails because this can further infect them and worsen the infection.