With unpleasant implications ranging from simple discoloration to foul odor, seepage, and nail loss, toenail fungal infections are ailments that need to be treated as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Luckily, there exist a wide range of potential cures. Here's how to know which is best for you.
Toenail fungus likely ranks pretty high on the list of embarrassing physical maladies a person can suffer: unless you are noted foot enthusiast Quentin Tarantino, you probably find feet kind of an unappealing region of the body to begin with, even without adding the icky notion of fungus into the mix. Social mortification factor aside, fungal infections can cause big problems for diabetics and, left untreated, can advance to the point where the nail falls right off the toe, so it's unquestionably a condition that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Prevention
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the best way of keeping your tootsies fungus-free is naturally to never develop it in the first place. Wearing sandals in public areas where many people go barefoot, such as saunas and dorm showers, is good practice. Also, fungi thrive in toes with weak or damaged nails, so to ensure your toenails' integrity, consider sticking to organic nail polishes that are free from harsh chemicals. If you plan on getting a pedicure, double-check that your salon sterilizes their instruments—or, better yet, bring your own, which will ensure that yours will be the only feet they touch. (Granted, you may feel a little silly bringing a satchel full of pedicure supplies with you, but think how much sillier you'd feel with a foot full of malodorous, seeping toenails.)
Home Remedies
Of course, it's nearly impossible for a person to avoid all potential fungal breeding grounds, so even the most vigilant among us can pick up fungus. Nail treatment remedies a person can attempt at home range from oral remedies to medicated polishes, though bear in mind that topical remedies can be dicey, as the infection takes root under the nail and as a result is difficult for medicine applied topside to reach. Other home remedies exist, ranging from soaking your toes in a water/vinegar mixture to avoiding socks, but it's best to consult a podiatrist so you don't end up wasting a lot of time on what may turn out to be an old wives' tale.
Laser Removal
For particularly stubborn cases, laser removal may be the most effective method of healing the infection and discoloration of fungus. The home remedies listed above, if they work at all, often work incredibly slowly, which can allow infections to spread between toes (particularly if you keep them pressed together in tight socks or shoes). Laser removal, on the other hand, has been found to cure up to 88% of cases with a single zap, and any fungal infection that remains in the rest of the feet can generally then be treated topically. Sadly, laser removal can be costly and is generally not covered by medical insurance, but those with particularly insidious fungal growths may find the expense worth it. Again, consultation with a qualified podiatrist is the best way of determining which approach for restoring your feet to health is best for you.
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