How to Stop Toenail Fungus Once and For All

Toenail fungus does not go away by itself and though it does not hurt, there is a chance of getting worse.The treatment for toenail fungus is a challenge and can take a long time to heal. It is also challenging to avoid contact with microscopic organisms present in warm, dark, and moist areas. Some people are more vulnerable to toenail fungus infection than others. Measures that you can take to ensure that you stop new toenail fungus and the spreading of the fungus.

Some measures include:

• Use warm water to wash the feet. Pat dry before putting on your shoes and socks.
• Trim the toenails straight across to protect the delicate tissue underneath the nail.
• Wear proper-fitting shoes to allow the feet to breathe. Avoid tight shoes that cause the feet to become damp and cramped up. If your socks are damp, change to a dry pair immediately.
• Buy an over-the-counter antifungal spray product and spray your shoes. Shoeshave a great environment for the toenail fungus to thrive.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places. Always wear shower shoes in locker rooms, swimming pools, and shower rooms.
• Clean and disinfect all pedicure tools thoroughly.

Getting rid of toenail fungus can be difficult, it is why your podiatrist comes up with a Houston toenail fungus treatment plan that is the right step toward eliminating the fungus.

How is Toenail Fungus Treated?

Treatment for toenail fungus is developed depending on the severity of the infections. Combination therapy is proving a more effective treatment.

1. Debridement

The thickened portions of the nail are removed to allow the topical treatment to penetrate effectively.

2. Nonprescription topical medications

Buy antifungal gels, creams, and nail polish over-the-counter. If the infection is not too bad, you can try these options. The medications might not move deeply enough to treat nail infections and you will be required to use them for long.

3. Prescription creams and polish

The podiatrist will trim the nail and file away the dead layers of the toenail. A piece of the nail may be taken and sent to the lab for proper diagnosis. The doctor might prescribe an antifungal polish that you can use to paint the nails.

4. Prescriptionoral medications

It is best to take antifungal pills because they are effective. The foot doctor will watch you closely as you take them to avoid side effects such as liver damage. Remember to tell the foot doctor about other medications you are taking. The medication needs to be used consistently for effectiveness.

5. Nail removal

The toenail fungus infection might be deep and the podiatrist might suggest the removal of all or part of the nail. Serious infections can lead to the removal of the nail in the hope that in a year a clean nail will grow. In cases where the entire toenail has to be removed, the area is protected to avoid infections or trauma to the toenail.

6. Laser treatment

Houston laser treatment for toenail fungus is becoming popular and is still under research with reported mixed results. Laser devices are approved and the toenails fungus clears with time.