Treatment for toenail fungus varies greatly. Many people suffer with a condition called toenail fungus or onychomycosis. In fact, an estimated 48% of people residing in the United States suffer with toenail fungus in at least one toe by the time they reach 70 years old.
Onychomycosis is a very common ailment that occurs more frequently as a person ages. Toenail fungus is known to be easily transmitted and it is difficult to combat. Today there are some reliable, safe and natural toenail fungus treatment options that can address the problem.
Toenail fungus is serious and destructive to the nails and surrounding skin. It creates different problems such as disfiguration and discoloration involving the nails. Onychomycosis can even end up destroying the entire toenail. This destruction is caused by dermatophytes; which are invading fungi that thrive in a moist warm environment.
Dermatophytes are harmful because these fungi invade and feed on the protein called keratin that the hard surface of the toenails is made from. When the toenail is infected by this fungus, it turns yellow or brown. The infected toenail also often becomes thick and overgrown. In some cases, the nail becomes so thick that it can be very painful to wear shoes. In others, the nail may eventually fall off if left untreated.
There are contributing factors that may promote the outbreak of toenail fungus. Damp warm shoes and floors create the ideal environment for fungal breakouts. The worst areas for onychomycosis are public gyms, showers, pools and restrooms. These all are places where the disease can spread easily from one toe to another toe and from one person to another person.
Other contributing factors include a poor hygiene, not drying toes properly after bathing, wearing tight- fitting shoes or hosiery and an abnormal pH level in the skin. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes or HIV are particularly at risk.
Using natural home remedies to treat toenail fungus has proven to be effective. These home remedies include eating a diet with a high level of beneficial bacteria or probiotics, warm water and natural apple cider vinegar, oregano and olive oil or Listerine mouthwash.
One of the most common natural toenail fungus treatments is tea tree oil. This oil is often suggested by physicians because it is cost-effective and free of side effects which prescription medications can sometimes cause. Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties and should be used as a topical treatment only. Physicians recommend that you use 100% tea tree oil.
The tea tree oil is applied on the surface of the toenail and also to the surrounding skin if it is affected by the fungus. This toenail fungus treatment plan should also include frequent washing of your feet several times a day. For this you can use either a tea tree oil soap or tea tree oil shampoo. Ask your doctor before using this natural nail treatment and remember that any overuse can cause irritation of the skin.
Stop wasting time and discover the best Treatment for Toenail Fungus and get rid of Toe nail Fungus problems fast.