Toenail or finger nail fungus can be a very annoying and uncomfortable infection to have. It's not only inconvenient, it's embarrassing too. In order to get rid of your toenail fungus you need to get a hold of the fungus itself. Here is what you can do.

Topical nail fungus treatment can appear to be clear-cut solutions, but more often than not, don't completely clear up the infection. Other home treatments shown to have potential effective clinical outcomes on nail fungi include: Vicks VapoRub, Penlac, Psyllium and Epsom salts. It's important to note that if your infection is recurring, you should seek medical advice from your doctor. Don't take chances with home remedies. If you're able to confirm the presence of fungi in your nails, treat them.

Nail infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients. Fungi typically infect skin surrounding the nail, but can also infect the skin around any other site on the body. If left untreated, a nail infection can result in severe pain and permanent damage to the nail, especially in cases where the infection is caused by fungi growing on your skin. Top customer reviews on BestReviewsTips Canada When treating a nail infection, treatment options depend on its cause. Some of these options include topical creams, prescribed drugs, natural remedies, or surgery.

Penlac is a prescription topical medication prescribed for infections of the skin and nail, available in oral and suppository forms. Penlac works by limiting the ability of fungi to grow through a skin toenail barrier, thereby causing an infection. Penlac must be used regularly in order to succeed. In most cases of penal treatment, symptoms may not be evident for up to six weeks, and the full effect may not occur for more than a year. It can cause painful or discolored nails, and it may not provide any relief from discomfort during the initial phase of treatment. Penlac may also cause a buildup of yellowish scaly spots that fade after several months; these spots are often mistaken for dandruff, which can also be a source of nail fungus.

Nystatin is an oral antifungal drug that is sometimes used in combination with penlac to treat onychomycosis. It works by inhibiting the production of a skin pigment, melanin, that protects the uppermost layer of the nail from fungal attack. This drug is effective in onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and is rarely recommended for candida, although some practitioners do prescribe it for mild to moderate nail infection. Like penlac, Nystatin must be taken frequently in order to have maximum effects. Because of this, many patients choose to use both nystatin and penlac along with other remedies in order to effectively treat a full nail bed of onychomycosis.

Several options exist for oral and topical treatments of dermatophytes on the feet. Your doctor can recommend one or more treatments that will help you rid yourself of this condition. One option is to switch to an antifungal shampoo, which can help to kill the spores that live on your skin and in the hair. Many dermatologists encourage their patients to try an antifungal ointment to begin treatment; however, the results of this treatment may vary, depending upon the individual characteristics of your skin. You should consult your dermatologist to determine the best course of action for your specific case.

Sometimes a healthcare provider may recommend that you seek medical intervention if your infection has become too severe. These include patients who have had an illness such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or kidney disease, or whose immune systems have been compromised by another condition or antibiotic use. A healthcare provider may prescribe a prescription medicine to boost your body's ability to fight off the infection or to reduce inflammation of the skin and nail, and improve the circulation problems that often accompany nail fungus. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you whether or not these measures are appropriate for your particular situation.

Nail fungal infections are no laughing matter. They can cause pain and embarrassment and ultimately affect the health of your nails and surrounding skin. If left untreated, they can progress to more serious conditions such as skin candidiasis, or abscesses. Remember that toenail or fingernail onychomycosis is a serious condition that deserves immediate medical attention, especially if you notice the symptoms such as thickened, discolored, crusted, or discolored nails. If you suspect that you have onychomycosis, consult your doctor or health care provider before taking any other medication or resorting to other treatments.