Clearing the Way
If you are dealing with nail fungus, we recommend that you don't panic, as this is quite normal for many people. Although guys tend only to cut their nails whilst women get pedicures, nail fungus can occur in both genders. With time or due to an unbalanced diet and poor nutrition, your pink, shiny and smooth toenails can become brittle and even painful due to a fungal infection. For toenail fungus, many treatment options are available, each with a different success rate. Which one is best for you? Keep on reading and discover your options for how to get rid of nail fungus down below.
How Can You Tell if You Have a Fungal Nail Infection
A dermatologist can tell if you have nail fungus by looking at your nails and the skin around them. You can also see a couple of online pictures for comparison. Because the fungus could spread, a skin check is essential. One possible cutaneous fungal infection is the athlete's foot.
If you truly want to eliminate the infection, you must treat it anywhere it has taken hold. To get an accurate diagnosis, your dermatologist may additionally test your skin & your infected area. It's often helpful to clean under a nail, remove a little piece of skin or clip it. These samples can be examined in a lab using a microscope to help pinpoint the problem.
How Can a Dermatologist Treat Toenail Fungus?
A dermatologist will first trim the afflicted nail or nails, typically clipping them to the point where they connect to the affected finger or toe. To clean up the dirt from under your nail, your dermatologist could also use a scraper. Using this technique makes it simpler to get rid of fungi. The process takes 10 minutes and is the best solution for sensitive skin and not as much time for DIY home remedies. If you have big issues with your fingernail fungus, this might be a quicker way of solving things in your case.
The Top 4 Methods for Clearing Up Your Nails
Here's how to get rid of nail fungus:
1. Anti-fungal Drugs
These drugs are often the first choice for treatment. One possible option is itraconazole (Sporanox). The typical course of treatment with this drug involves daily dosing for 6-12 weeks. But you won't feel the full benefits of the treatment until your nail has fully recovered and grown back all the way. In some instances, an infection may clear up after four months.
Oral antifungal medicines may cause a rash, so you shouldn't use them for too long. It is possible that oral antifungal therapies shouldn't be taken by people who have liver disease, heart failure or are on certain medications. Heads up before you buy these over-the-counter medicines.
2. The Right Type of Oil
Melaleuca, or tea tree oil, is an essential oil with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Did you know some preliminary clinical studies suggested that tea tree oil may effectively treat toenail fungus in the long run? Apply two coats of tea tree oil to the nail using a cotton swab twice a day.
You can also use thymol and oregano oil while applying them onto the affected nail twice a day using a cotton swab. These substances are very concentrated and could cause respiratory or skin issues. Don't go too heavy with it and its application to avoid irritating your skin.
3. Your Diet Also Matters
The connection between diet and health is unmistakable; a healthier diet increases your body's resistance to infections like toenail fungus. Not only that, but you'll feel a lot better overall.
To prevent brittle nails, eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like low-fat dairy products, and get plenty of protein to promote nail regeneration. You should also drink a lot of water. Taking care of your body is an essential step. Keep your hands and feet clean and dry, as well as moisture-free. Aim for short, straight-cut and healthy nails at all times for the best results.
4. Use Garlic
Since now you've determined your nail fungus diagnosis, why not treat it with an at-home DIY remedy? One of the toenail fungus treatments is the use of garlic! Garlic cloves can be applied topically to the damaged nails for 30 minutes once a day for a week, but you can also eat raw garlic.
Also, some garlic-containing herbal supplements can be purchased by inquiring at a pharmacy. Those with stomach ulcers, digestive issues or blood diseases should avoid using garlic supplements. Down them with just enough water, and your skin will thank you!