Nail fungus, or also known as onychomycosis is a common condition that affects primarily the toenails (sometimes the fingernails too). There are various treatments available to treat nail fungus, but it can be very challenging to eradicate the fungus completely and quickly. Below are some safe and effective ways to treat onychomycosis. It’s important to note that responses to treatments may vary as what may work well for someone might not be as effective for someone else.
Topical antifungal medication
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of onychomycosis it’s important to visit your doctor, so you can be prescribed some antifungal medication. This effectively helps clear the fungus, so your nails can return to normal. Additionally, you can also purchase over the counter creams too.
These topical creams can be applied directly to the affected nails, make sure you follow the instructions provided.
Oral antifungal medications
Another treatment option for nail fungus are oral antifungal medications. You can be prescribed this from your doctor and they are taken over a period of several weeks to help fight the infection within. However, the down side to this treatment option is that they may have side effects and require monitoring by a healthcare professional.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is a safe, non-invasive, and effective way of treating onychomycosis. This involves lasers targeting the microorganisms beneath the impacted nails, effectively killing them and promoting new and healthy growth. The lasers leave the keratin in your nails intact too. When it comes to laser treatment, multiple sessions may be required to eradicate the fungus from your nails.
Antifungal nail lacquers
Prescription-strength nail lacquers are topical solutions that can be applied directly to the affected nails. They are painted on like nail polish and are typically used over an extended period. This treatment is an effective way to get rid of nail fungus infections.
Prevention
Now that we’ve discussed the treatment options, it’s also worth discussing how to prevent nail fungus infections from happening in the first place. Maintaining good foot hygiene is important for this. Below are safe ways you can help prevent onychomycosis.
- Wear shoes in damp public areas such as changing rooms
- Trim your nails regularly
- Wear breathable socks and choose well-ventilated shoes.
- Rotate between different pairs of shoes
Important Considerations
Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting any treatment, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Patience is key: Treating nail fungus can take time, and improvement may be gradual. Consistency is very important, you should follow the prescribed plan carefully.
It’s important to note that nail fungus can be persistent, and recurrence is possible. Prevention measures, such as good foot hygiene and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas, can help reduce the risk of reinfection. Always seek guidance from a healthcare professional for personalised advice based on your specific situation.
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