Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection to give it the more common name, is a very unpleasant condition and, while its hardly a life threatening ailment, most people try very hard to get rid of it. Its also very widespread, with over 700 million reported cases worldwide and an amazing 10 million sufferers in britain alone. What makes it particularly disagreeable is the amount of time it takes to get rid with the situation. Treatments can last for months, or in some instances even many years and costs can soon mount up.
Fungal nail infections are often the result of a cross-contamination from another fungal infection such as athletes foot or candidiasis, and are caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. They infect the nail bed and once established they are very difficult to get rid of. Re-infection is a constant source of concern as well. You have to be very careful with your hygiene and follow a vigorous regime if you are to stay clear of the contamination.
However, rather than being serious or life threatening, it has to be said that the effects are normally just cosmetic in nature. Sufferers tend to report embarrassing rather than painful symptoms although, like many seemingly minor complaints, if left untreated a fungal nail infection can often turn into something quite nasty indeed. If the nail edges are allows to become broken and ragged, as they will when the infection deepens, then the end result can be bleeding, cutting of the toes and a great deal of pain when walking. It can also lead to corns down the side of the nail and in some cases can even alter the shape and curvature of the nail. The nail also turns an unsightly yellow colour and can smell badly, as well as thickening and, as mentioned, becoming ragged around the edges.
So, what can be done to get rid of the condition? Nicely, since its such a typical criticism, several decent toe nail fungus reatment methods have been tried and tested more than the years. Some have been great, others, well, lets say they havent been a roaring good results. First of all we have the 'old wives' and alternative treatments. They cover a wide range of techniques such as using vinegar, diluted bleach and even well known brands of mouthwash - although quite why one brand should be better than another, I have no idea. The problem with many of these methods is that, even if they do work, which is unlikely , they can actually cause other problems that are far more serious than the fungal infection itself.
Moving on, we have the more traditional methods which involve the use of medicated creams, powders and over the counter treatments. Antobiotics can be particularly useful in combating the problem, but, of course not everyone can take them and they do not work in isolation. It can also be problematic to take these drugs for extended periods of time. They also require you to treat the nail itself using specialist powders and creams. Effective toenail fungus treatment also requires good hygeine, clean socks and frequently a alter of footwear. Its important that you change your socks at least twice daily and keep your feet clean, and dry. It is often a good idea to wear sandals or breathable shoes instead of tight fitting or plastic ones.
However, no matter which
toenail fungus treatment routine you choose to follow, be it alternative or conventional, you must prepare yourself for a lot of function more than a lengthy period of time if you would like good results.
But there is another option, and its one to which an increasing number of people are turning - laser nail surgery. As its name suggests, it uses a small high powered laser to destroy the fungi where they grow - right in side the nail itself. Its possible, in a single hour long session to completely erradicate the fungi that cause the complaint for good - compare that to months of work using traditional methods. It really is a one time procedure that doesnt need and creams, powders, follow up visits and certainly no need for harsh antibiotic drugs. Whats more, its completely pain free meaning that anyone, including children and the elderly can take advantage of it. Best of all, the results are amazing. You can see an immediate improvement and when the old nail grows full out - a natural process that can take several weeks - the results are a nail that looks like new. The process also boasts an impressive 88% clear up fee which means that its one of the most efficient toenail fungus treatments on the market today.
The procedure has become very popular in recent years and a large number of laser nail clinics have grown up around the country, so chances are, theres one near you. If its a quick and effective toenail fungus treatment regime you are right after you then can't do any better than laser nail surgery.
One of the most effective
toenail fungus treatment regimes is laser nail surgery. This simple procedure takes only about an hour to complete and is safe, suitable for all ages and clinically effective. Make sure you seek out a qualified professional who is familiar with all aspects of
toenail fungus treatment to ensure the best results.