Different Treatments for Toenail Fungus

Onychomycosis, another name for toe nail fungus, is a common problem affecting a large percentage of people. The symptoms of this includes discolouration of nails, the crumbling of the edges of the nails, swelling, inflammation and also pain, though pain might not be experienced by all those suffering from this. Not having pain is no reason to ignore this foot ailment as this can lead to chronic problems like the infections spreading to the other nails and at times, even the skin. This fungus thrives in moist and warm conditions in those who have a low immunity system or are suffering from diabetes or even AIDS. If toenail fungus treatment is not opted for at the right time it can lead to the loss of the nail.

Options in the Different treatments available for toe nail fungus

Most of us tend to take this infection lightly and opt for over the counter non prescription drugs. This might help for some time, but you need to be aware that there is a possibility of this re-occurring if not treated in the right manner.

1. Anti-Fungal Oral Drugs:

If detected in the early stages, this infection can be treated with oral drugs prescribed by your Podiatrist. These drugs are helpful in the growing of a new nail while replacing the infected one. This treatment can last from 6 to 12 weeks but the new nail takes around 4 months to come up. The success of this treatment seems to be when you are able to combine this line of treatment with the antifungal topical therapies.

2. Removal of the Nail:

You might need a surgery to remove the nail, which is infected if the infection is severe and is causing a lot of pain. This can be decided only by your doctor. At times, ciclopirox is used along with the surgery for the treatment of the nail bed. You can expect a new nail to grow back but this procedure helps the new nail to grow in about 1 year’s time.

3. Light-based therapies and laser therapies:

The laser treatment for these infections has gained popularity over the other treatments as these are comfortable and quick. The heat energy and the laser beams target the fungus on the cell wall directly and cause cell death. This can increase the flow of blood to the affected nail and help in the growth of nail while strengthening it. This is one of the preferred choices as there is no anesthesia required besides this treatment has no side effects and is a quick therapy based on ‘walk-in’ and ‘walk-out’ system.