How To Treat Toenail Fungus

Figuring out how to treat toenail fungus can be difficult depending on the severity of the infection. Toenail fungus occurs because of the damp, dark environment that your feet spend the majority of their time in. Fungi strive in damp, dark environments. Shoes and moist socks can be a haven for a toenail fungus to grow in. If you catch the fungus when it first appears, chances are, you can get rid of it without much of a problem. If the toenail fungus is allowed to spread, then you could be in for a hell of a battle to reclaim your toes. Here are some ways that toenail fungus issues are treated.

1. Toenail discoloration. You know you've been invaded if your toenails begin to look yellow, brittle, and thick. Now it's time to fight back. The first wave of offense comes in the form of over the counter fungal creams and medications. These should wipe out the infection if you catch it soon enough. If, however, the fungus has begun to imbed itself in the layers of the toenail, you're going to have to break out the big guns.
2. Oral meds. These medications are like the surface to air missiles in the fight against toenail fungus. You generally have to take this stuff for about twelve weeks. You wont even know that the fungus has been destroyed until your entire nail grows back. Yeah, your nail has to grow back! This is some powerful stuff. You'll need a doctor's OK to even get the stuff. Oh, and there's a chance of side effects. Whoopee! You could develop a rash or even liver damage. All over a damn toenail fungus.
3. Antifungal toenail polish. Yes, toenail polish. Basically, you'd apply this polish to the nails and surrounding areas once a day. After seven days, you remove the piled on polish. You have to keep your nails cleaned with rubbing alcohol as well. Here's the catch. You may have to do this for up to and over a year to totally eradicate the fungus. An entire year of polishing your toenails.
4. A combination. Doctors may subscribe topical creams and oral medication. Sort of a one-two punch against the fungus. Oh, they may even file the nail down just to get most of the fungus off. Damn! All of this work for a freaking fungus.
5. Surgery. Yeah, it's an option when the fungus has completely taken over. Your nail will be removed and some sort of anti-fungal medication will be used to prevent it's return. It'll take your nail about a year to grow back.
6. What have you learned? Keep your feet clean buddy! Make sure your socks are dry as well. A fungus is like a freaking vampire. Once you invite it in, it's not going to leave without a fight. Oh, and garlic doesn't work on a fungus.