Toenail Fungus Affects 6 to 9 Million Americans

Toenail fungus affects six to nine million Americans, with athletes being the most affected. Toenails should be kept clean and trimmed because fungus can live under them. Prevention is the best form of treatment; preventing the fungus from spreading may be the best treatment option.

Toenail thickening can occur as a result of genetics, fungus infections, some systemic diseases, poor circulation, the natural aging process, or injury. Toenail fungus grows beneath the nails, causing discoloration and crumbling. The fungus that causes athlete's foot, jock itch, and toenail fungus is the same one that causes athlete's foot, but it usually affects the scalp, body, feet, or nails. One of these complications occurs when the fungus toenail becomes abnormally thick. If your toenail fungus is so severe that your nails are 1/4" thick and curling, they must be surgically removed.

Toenails should be kept clean and trimmed because fungus can live under them. While there is no sure way to keep toenail fungus at bay, keep your feet dry and clean. It may also be necessary to stop using toenail polish because it can trap moisture under the polish and promote the growth of fungus. The fungus will spread as it grows until the entire toenail is thick and yellow with crumbling edges.

Fungus Treatments at Home

Toenail fungus infection is more common than fingernail fungus infection because toenails are frequently confined inside dark, moist socks and shoes. Toe or nail fungus should be treated from the inside out. Toenail fungus can also be treated with garlic powder. Tea tree oil has recently gained popularity for its ability to treat toenail fungus. Sporanox represents the first breakthrough in the treatment of toenail fungus. A month of daily effort is usually required to rid yourself of the toenail fungus.

However, like most topical agents, toenail fungus ointment has never been shown to be effective against persistent nail fungus. Prevention is the best form of treatment, and preventing the fungus from spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment option. A doctor can prescribe powerful drugs to treat toenail fungus, the most common of which is LamisilTM (terbinafine hydrochloride tablets).