Have you taken a good look at your feet lately? If you have and you happen to notice some type of abnormality with your one of your toe nails, then you may be suffering from a condition called “dermatophytic onychomycosis” which in easy to understand laymen’s terms means your suffering from a fungal infection.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is simply an infection that is caused by a combination of different types of tiny organisms which can take up residence underneath your infected toe. It should also be noted that a fungal infection can also occur on a person’s fingernail also. The nail itself actually provides a safe haven for these organisms as they enjoy dark and wet places and they tend to flourish if left untreated.
The first signs of an infection are a discoloration of the infected nail, where the nail can take on a pale yellowish color and eventually turn brown. The infected nail may also exhibits signs of an odor and will also get thicker. If left unchecked, the infection may spread to other fingernails and toes.
There are many different types of nail fungus cure medications that are available with and without a prescription, and what you use will depend on the severity of the fungal infection. They are either available as an oil, a cream and also as an oral medication.
A list of nail fungus cure medications includes a few names that you may be familiar with such as:
• Lamasil-The medical name for Lamasil is Terbinafine and this medication is available in both a cream and an oral capsule. There are side effects associated with taking this medication.
• Sporanox-This is a new drug on the market, and it works in a similar fashion as Lamasi.
• Penlac-also referred to as Ciclopirox this medication is actually a nail polish application.
• Tea Tree Oil- Melaleuca Alternifolia or Tea Tree Oil is a natural medication. It’s an essential oil that has a yellowish tint to it and has an odor much like camphor and is indigenous to the area of New South Wales in Australia.
All of these medications are effective nail fungus cure treatments, and in most cases they require a 12 week regimen before the treatment is completed. Those who are at risk for toenail fungus include people who are:
• Diabetics
• Older people
• Males
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Athlete’s Foot
The first thing that you should do if you notice any sort of abnormality that has been mentioned in this article, is contact your physician as soon as possible and discuss a method of treatment that will address the problem as soon as possible.
