Nail Fungus (also called tinea unguium or onychomychosis) affects the fingernails and toenails of millions of people in the world. This disease is commonly misunderstood and left untreated for various reasons. The fungi that cause toenail fungus are related to those that cause ringworm, athelete's foot, and other common fungal infections. These fungi can also be confused with other conditions, such as psoriasis of the nails, nail ridges, and sometimes bacterial infections.
This fungi is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails. Our nails are naturally built to be strong barriers, and resistant to fungi and other infections. However, because of how strong this barrier is, once nail fungus is present, it is sometimes very difficult to eliminate the infection.
What is the best treatment for nail fungus?
The best treatment will vary depending on many factors. For example, certain treatments are more effective in treating severe toe fungi, while other products may be better suited to treating moderate cases of fungal infections in the fingers.
Lamisil (Terbinafine HCL), is manufactured by Novartis, has less drug interaction, and costs slightly less than Sporonox. The spectrum of activity of Lamisil, however, is also less than that of Sporonox. This means that Lamisil does not inhibit as many other pathogens as Sporonox, although the success rate of each drug is reported to be the same. Lab work and physician care costs are the same and both drugs are in the same price range, although Lamisil’s dosage is 250 mg once daily for 90 daysnail fungus is not destroyed by taking Sporonox or Lamisil, the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the drug will reimburse the patient for his financial investment for the drug. It is important to know that taking the medication might destroy the nail fungus yet still leave the nail discolored and disfigured. This would leave the patient with an unaccomplished goal. Despite the fact that the nail does not appear normal, the pharmaceutical company would not reimburse the patient for the cost of the drug, as the fungus would no longer be present. Fortunately, this happens in a relatively small percent of all cases, only 10 to 15%.Another treatment option available to patients with fungal nails includes the use topical antifungal agents. Topical antifungal agents only work on the superficial spreading of onychomycosis. Characteristically, this variety of fungal nail disease has superficial pitting with whitening of the nail plate. In order to effectively treat this condition, one must also keep foot moisture at a minimum. Drying agents, powders, and the use and frequent changing of cotton socks often help to dry the foot. The majority of topical nail fungicides are over-the-counter. These are Fungi Nail, Mycocide, and Restore AF. These agents are not as successful in the treatment of nail fungus as the oral antifungal agents. Surgical intervention has great merit when chronic ingrown nails, thickened (dystrophic) nails, and pain are associated. The goal of the surgery is to remove all or part of the nail matrix (root) so that the nail plate is permanently destroyed. This method offers a success rate of about 95 to 99%. There is minimum discomfort post-operatively, and it is easily performed in the Doctor’s office under a local anesthetic. Remember that if the nail plate is removed, the nail disease is also removed. Onychomycosis (fungal nail) is not considered to be a strong contaminant. Rather, it is considered to be a condition that some individuals are more susceptible to than other individuals. Factors that permit this disease include the pH level of the skin, trauma to the nail, hygiene of the foot and susceptibility of the patient. The fungus is prevalent and opportunistic. The treatments available are dependent on cost, ease, lifestyle, and effectiveness of the eradication of this nail disease.The condition of fungal nails can be treated successfully, but can reoccur later. Your choice of treatment should be decided by you and your Podiatrist so that compliance, expectations, and results of therapy are realistic. Should you suspect that you have this condition of your toenails, please consult a podiatric specialist and ask questions regarding all treatment options available. This will allow you, the consumer, to be informed of which treatment will be most suited for your needs.
Among the many home remedies and empiric cures spread by word of mouth, vinegar is one of the best known ways to cure toe nail fungus. Whether white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, this is the cheapest treatment intended to eradicate fungal infections from toenails or fingernails. Most vinegar cure toe nail fungus consists of daily foot baths in a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar. It is suggested to alternate and mix hot baths and cold baths, although in either case, it is necessary to keep your feet soaking for at least 30 minutes. People who have successfully tried this treatment recommend 3 baths a day, morning, noon and evening.
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD suggests undiluted tea tree oil on the nails, adding some olive oil if the nails are dry. Some folk attribute nail fungus to internal overgrowth of yeast. Yeast, while a minority in the gut, can become problematic when the gut pH is altered from stress, antibiotics, hormones (HRT/ERT, birth control pills, latter part of menstrual cycle), climate and/or diet. The diet seems to be a key variable, from my own experience. Reducing refined carbs, esp. sugar, any mold- producing foods (melon, tea, mushrooms, dried fruits, berries), dairy, vinegar, and others, if done consistently for several weeks, can help. Taking protease followed 15 minutes later by acidophilus, both before breakfast and before bedtime, is useful. Some find olive leaf extract an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.
You can find out more in the following sites.
http://www.dermisil.com/dermisil_af.htm?gclid=CIPq2YPUiIoCFRZ8bgodrRZrRg
http://rxinsider.com/monographs/nail_fungus.htm
http://www.coolnurse.com/nail_fungus.htm
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/NailFungus.htm
http://www.nail-fungus.org/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nail-fungus/DS00084
http://www.footcarezone.com/page/page/2674831.htm
Remember, this information is meant to help educate people who have fungal nail infections, but you should always see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
