Nail Fungus Treatment

Nail Fungus Statistics

2009-01-31T18:12:00.000-08:00

We hear that more people are getting fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) than ever before, and that these infections are more prevalent in certain groups, but how often do we get any real nail fungus statistics? Just how many people get onychomycosis; what are the risk factors, and what types of infections do they get? Are the numbers we hear passed around accurate? What’s the most common form of treatment? Very few scientific studies have tried to accurately answer these questions. Recently, researchers in France published the results of a fifteen month survey of dermatologists in that country.

One of the more interesting statistical facts for onychomycosis coming from the study is that in many cases, the dermatologists did not do any laboratory testing before treating patients for the infection. This is important because, of those who did have samples sent to the lab for fungal culture, about a third had negative results. Although some of these were probably false negatives, it’s clear that not everyone with suspicious symptoms actually has onychomycosis—and when people are treated without confirming the diagnosis, it puts them at risk of side effects and skews nail fungus statistics.

Also of interest, the study found that the majority of patients had toenail infections (88.7%), and that the majority of these infections were caused by a dermatophyte – a fungus that lives in hair, skin, and nails. The nail fungus statistics results showed that the few people with fingernail infections usually had yeast infections – infections caused by the same organism that causes oral thrush and vaginitis, or a closely related organism.
Almost three quarters of toe infections involved the nail bed nearest the tip of the toe. Statistical facts for onychomycosis gathered also identified some associated diseases, such as diabetes; however, these involved only a small number of patients.

The study looked at treatment as well. As would be expected, French dermatologists often used oral pharmaceutical treatments (59% of cases) as opposed to topicals, and the resulting statistical facts for onychomycosis do not provide any information about popular home remedies or alternative treatments. In 65% of treated infections, two medications were used at the same time, reflecting the current difficulty of treating these stubborn fungal infections. Though one study does not does not give us the whole truth about nail fungus statistics, it does provide valuable information about the current situation.

Source: Guibal, F., R. Baran, E. Duhard et al. “Epidemiology and Management of Onychomycosis in Private Dermatological Practice in France.” Ann Dermatol Venereol 2008 Aug-Sep; 135(8-9):561-6.

Nanoparticles for Nail Fungus

2009-01-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

One of the most recent advances in the treatment of fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) is the development of nanoparticles for nail fungus. The particles, droplets one millionth of a millimeter wide, are suspended in a liquid that scientists hope will prove a potent topical treatment for a stubborn health problem. When these tiny droplets come in contact with fungal spores or hyphae (the long branching stalks typical of actively growing moulds and other fungi) they fuse with the cell membrane and cause it to disintegrate, spilling its contents and killing the cell.

A nanoemulsion treatment for onychomycosis makes sense because one of biggest obstacles to treating fungal nail infections is getting a topical antifungal to the infected area. Fungi typically begin to grow under the edge of the nail and spread adjacent to the nail bed, protected from the outside world by the hard, impermeable nail. Topical ointments applied from above can’t penetrate the nail, but nanoparticles for nail fungus are so tiny that they not only go through the nail, they also penetrate the surface of the skin and travel through the nearby tissue to reach the fungus.

Nanoemulsion treatment for onychomycosis appears to be safe. A study that followed twenty volunteers who used the suspension found that there were very few side effects, and the majority involved only mild skin irritation. In addition, the nanodroplets do not appear to be absorbed into the body except in the local area of infection. Volunteers in the study applied the nanoparticles for nail fungus to the surface of the nail and surrounding skin twice each day for four weeks. Study conclusions were that the treatment was safer than the oral drugs currently available to treat this type of infection.

It remains to be seen how well nanoparticles for nail fungus will work over the long term and with infections caused by different species of fungus. In laboratory testing, the suspension had lethal effects on four common dermatophytes (fungi that infect skin, hair, and nails) and against yeast, at a concentration about one thousand times less than the concentration of the solution used in the study. This bodes well for the future of the treatment. More clinical trials have already begun to confirm the efficacy and safety of nanoemulsion treatment for onychomycosis.

Source: Jones, T., M. Flack, M. Ijzerman, and J. R. Baker Jr. “Safety, Tolerance, and Pharmacokinetics of Topical Nanoemulsion (NB-002) for the Treatment of Onychomycosis.” Presented at American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, February 1-5, 2008, San Antonio, Texas.

Bathrooms Spread Nail Fungus

2008-12-31T06:09:00.000-08:00

Most of us tend to think of nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) spreading via public swimming pools and borrowed footwear, but shared bathrooms spread nail fungus as well. Conditions for fungal survival and growth are similar in pool areas, foot wear, and bathrooms: continuous moisture, relatively warm temperatures, and limited air circulation. The other thing that’s a constant in all three places is the presence of multiple pairs of naked or partially clothed feet. Be vigilant in gymnasium restrooms, dormitory restrooms, hotels were bathrooms don’t look clean, and of course the washroom at home if other family members have fungal nail infections.

Washrooms and onychomycosis are linked because the fungi that cause the infection require moisture to survive, even in their resistant spore stage. When spores fall from infected feet or hands, they can live a very very long time under the right conditions before infecting another person. At home, clean regularly and occasionally use an antifungal product such as an anti-mildew spray to kill fungal elements. (Mildew, the black surface mold that often grows on shower grout, and ceilings where condensation collects, is not infective but its presence does tell us that the conditions are right for fungal survival, and reminds us that bathrooms spread nail fungus.) Having a fan in the bathroom and turning it on during and after showers and baths will keep the bathroom dry and discourage molds.

In hotels, if facilities appear unclean, request that someone be sent to clean, or ask for cleaning products and do the job yourself. It’s not just the taps and fixtures of course—spores picked up from dirty floors in bathrooms spread nail fungus even more often. Don’t be reluctant to demand that your washroom is kept clean – a little assertiveness now could save a world of trouble later. You might also wish to remind the manager of the link between washrooms and onychomycosis.

In more public restrooms, like those in dormitories and gyms, you’ll have to be even more proactive, and practice a little habitual self-care. Remember that others may not know that bathrooms spread nail fungus – you can’t expect them to clean up for you. Wear something on your feet at all times, even if it’s just a pair of flip flops, and wash and dry hands and feet carefully if they are wet. Take good care of your feet: keep nails trimmed and clean, look after any breaks in the skin, change your socks daily, air your footwear, and have any suspicious symptoms looked at promptly by a health professional. You can’t avoid going into washrooms and onychomycosis will always be a risk.

Risks for Nail Fungus

2008-12-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

People often ask about risks for nail fungus (onychomycosis): what would make you more likely to get such an infection, and what can you do to avoid it. Though it’s still unclear exactly what predisposes people to nail fungus, doctors have identified certain risk factors, and like so many other health problems, it’s true that this one is easier to prevent than to cure.

An immune system that isn’t working as well as it could is certainly one of the risk factors for onychomycosis. This is probably one of the reasons why your chances of having the problem increase with age: immunity wanes when we reach our senior years and we are less able to fight off many different infections. Diseases and inherited conditions that compromise immunity are risks for nail fungus as well, although this applies to a relatively small segment of the population. For the average person, simply following a healthy lifestyle and keeping the immune system healthy will help avoid these opportunistic infections.

Some occupations are risk factors for onychomycosis simply because they tend to bring people in contact with the fungi that infect human skin, hair, and nails. Gardeners and construction workers, who have a lot of contact with the soil and suffer frequent nicks and scratches to the fingers, may be at higher risk. Hair dressers and manicure or pedicure professionals suffer higher risks for nail fungus as well, because their clients may have infections. Anyone whose hands or feet are frequently immersed in water is in danger of contracting yeast infections of the nails. Poolside lifeguards, swimming instructors, swimmers etc. come into contact with fungal spores left on pool decks and in shower areas and locker rooms.

Poor personal hygiene is one of the risks for nail fungus that we can all avoid. Take care of your nails, keeping them clean and neatly trimmed. Don’t borrow other people’s footwear and keep your own footwear clean, dry, and well aired. Use antifungal powder in shoes if your feet tend to be sweaty. Wear a clean pair of socks each day, and try to choose socks that let the feet breathe. Tend to nail injuries and breaks in the skin near the nail with extra care, because fungal invasion of the skin near a nail is one of the risk factors for onychomycosis.

If you suspect that you have a fungal infection starting up, have it looked at immediately by a health professional. Onychomycosis is much easier to treat when caught early.

Surgery for Toenail Fungus

2008-11-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

Though it seems a radical response to what many would consider a cosmetic problem, surgery for toenail fungus is actually quite common. This is because, even in the days of modern medicine, we simply don’t have an easy, safe, and reliable way to get rid of persistent nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Many people opt for surgery only after trying a variety of home remedies, alternative medicine treatments, and even prescription drugs without success.

The option of a surgical cure for onychomycosis appeals to people who have been struggling with the infection over the long term. Though there are numerous traditional remedies, the difficulty is that most topical treatments don’t penetrate the nail to reach the nail bed where the fungus thrives. Even after long treatment, fungus persists or returns discouragingly. Prescription drugs, meanwhile, are expensive and come with the possibility of unpleasant side effects. Faced with these choices, surgery for toenail fungus seems like the best option for people who just want to be free of the problem.

A surgical cure for onychomycosis involves not just removing the part of the nail that’s infected, but also destroying the nail matrix where the nail is produced. Destruction of the nail matrix is achieved with chemical treatment, with a laser, or by conventional surgical removal. Once the nail is gone, the fungus has nowhere to grow, and the infection clears up permanently. After surgery for finger- or toenail fungus, the nail never grows back, and this is why the procedure should be used only as a last resort. Once done, the operation can’t be reversed.

You may think that if you have surgery for toenail fungus, your problems will be over; however, think carefully before opting for this treatment. We have tough nails on the tips of our fingers and toes for a reason – to protect the sensitive tips of these digits. Without nails to provide a shield, stubbing your toes, knocking toes or fingers, and other minor injury becomes more painful. In addition, the healed toe or finger looks peculiar – but probably not as bad as a digit affected by onychomycosis. It’s best to carefully weigh all the options before choosing surgical cure for onychomycosis.

Infectious Nail Fungus

2008-11-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

For most people, worries about infectious nail fungus are not an everyday concern. With cases of fungal finger- and nail fungus (onychomycosis) on the rise, however, it’s good to have a general knowledge of the problem and the personal hygiene steps that anyone can take to avoid this type of persistent infection. What are these fungi and where do they come from? How infectious are they? And what, if anything, makes people more susceptible to them? In fact, some of these things are still not well understood, but we can at least begin to answer the questions.

What is infectious nail fungus and where does it come from? There are actually a number of different fungi involved in the process. Some are fungi naturally occurring in nature, in decaying organic material. They don’t normally infect living organisms but can do so in the right circumstances. Another group, called dermatophytes, includes fungi adapted for living on and consuming hair, skin, nails, hoofs, horns etc. These are the species we really need to know about if we want to avoid onychomycosis. Though they can be present in soil and other places in nature, they are usually passed more directly between people or between animals and people.

How infectious are they? Well, it’s true that some people can’t seem to avoid onychomycosis while others never have to deal with it. The basic answer is that these fungi get nutrients by breaking down keratin, a protein found in dead skin cells, hair, and nails, and therefore they need these materials for success. They will establish themselves in finger-and toenails whenever they get the chance. To ward off infectious nail fungus we need to make sure they don’t get the chance.

What makes some people more susceptible? Again, we’re not sure, but certain groups stand out as being more likely to contract infectious nail fungus. There may be a genetic connection: it seems to affect some families more than others. It becomes increasingly difficult to avoid onychomycosis as we grow older, presumably due to waning immunity. Certain occupations are at higher risk: those who often have damp feet and hands, people who work with soil of other organic material, people working in hot damp conditions. But these things don’t explain all cases.

To avoid onychomycosis, there are basic things we can all do. Keep hands and feet cool and dry, wash frequently and clean and dry carefully between the toes. Keep nails trimmed and do not share nail grooming equipment with others. Don’t wear other people’s shoes. Change socks daily. Avoid going barefoot in public places, particularly where the ground is damp, and see a medical professional at the first sign of infectious nail fungus.

Ozone for Nail Fungus Treatment

2008-10-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Most of us have heard that ozone in the air protects us from harmful ultraviolet sun rays, and some of us know that it’s being used to kill organisms in drinking water, but how many people know that we can also use ozone for nail fungus treatment? Ozone is a powerful oxidant – that is, it contains oxygen molecules that will react with other molecules it comes in contact with, often damaging them in the process. This is oxidation, deadly to many organisms and thought to be involved in disease and aging processes in humans.

Scientists have been studying the antifungal potential of ozone, using it in gaseous form on stored foods, adding it to water, and producing ozonized ointment for onychomycosis and other fungal infections. It is very effective at killing fungi in grain stores, has been effectively used against fungal skin infections, and has shown potent antifungal activity against the fungi that cause onychomycosis in laboratory conditions. The key to using ozone for nail fungus treatment will ultimately likely depend on getting the ozone to the fungus.

Preliminary efforts have involved forcing ozone into a carrier such as olive oil. This approach makes sense because olive oil is also known to possess some antifungal properties, providing some extra punch, and the process causes the oil to solidify, creating ozonized ointment for onychomycosis. Theoretically, this product could be applied topically to both skin and nail infections. Properly designed, conclusive trials of ozone for nail fungus treatment, however, are still to come.

One stumbling block will be whether the ozonized ointment for onychomycosis is capable of penetrating the nail to reach and act upon the invading fungus. Nails are tough and impenetrable, and topical treatments tend to be unsuccessful – the medication does not contact the fungus until the infection is very advanced, if then. A further question about ozone for nail fungus treatment is whether the ozone will act in the same way in an actual infection as it does under laboratory conditions. The two situations are not the same.

Lack of conclusive evidence for ozone does not mean it doesn’t work: it means we’re not sure that it works, or how well it works. For those suffering from nail fungus and interested in an alternative medicine treatment, ozonized ointment for onychomycosis might be worth trying. Have the infection confirmed by a health professional before choosing any treatment.

Essential Oils Against Nail Fungus

2008-10-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

The idea that we can use essential oils against nail fungus infections (onychomycosis) is now well established, and scientific research continues to provide proof that its not just folklore. The best approach, however, is still unclear. Various plant species have been investigated, including the Australian tee tree, a handful of aromatic herbs and spices such as oregano, mint, and cloves, and even olive oil, a culinary oil thought to have many healthful properties. The good news is that all of these plants appear to produce compounds that are toxic to the fungi that invade skin, hair, and nails.

Using plant extracts for onychomycosis is not a new idea; in fact, it is probably the oldest antifungal remedy on earth, dating from prehistoric times when people had only the natural world around them to provide cures for disease. The theory behind using essential oils against nail fungus is simply that plants in nature have to fight off fungi too, and they usually do so very effectively. If we can isolate the compounds that a plant uses to fend off fungal attack, we can use them against our own fungal infections.

Among the essential oils against nail fungus that have been studied scientifically, tee tree oil appears to be in the lead. Considerable research has proven the antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of this plant and the extract made from it is now in widespread use, particularly in the alternative therapy market. Some of the herb and spice plant extracts for onychomycosis have also been studied and, recently, addition of ozone to some of these substances has shown promise in enhanced antifungal activity.

The difficulty with using plant extracts for onychomycosis lies in the nature of the infection itself. Fungi that succeed in invading a finger- or toenail typically begin to grow in the nail bed, under the nail, protected from the outside world by many layers of tough keratinized cells. In order to use essential oils against nail fungus, we must find a way to get a topical treatment through the nail to the infection – and this proves to be problem.

If you think you have onychomycosis, consult a health professional for a proper diagnosis. If you decide to use plant extracts for onychomycosis treatment, begin as soon as possible, follow instructions carefully, and keep affected nails clean and thoroughly trimmed, so the tropical treatment has a chance to work.

Nail Infection Fungus

2008-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

The different types of nail infection fungus can be divided up into three basic groups: dermatophytes, saprophytes, and yeasts. Although many cases of fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) do respond to the same medication, the three groups generally have different sources and sometimes require different treatment so it is important in each case to know which type is involved. Before treating an infected nail, it’s a good idea to have it examined by a physician and sampled for lab testing if appropriate.

The dermatophytes are the most common fungi in onychomycosis. These species are specially adapted to break down keratin, the protein in nails, horns, hoofs, hair, and even skin cells, as a nutrient source. Dermatophytes belong to a number of different genera but they have been well studied and specialists know how to distinguish them from other fungi that are sometimes isolated from nails. In fact, many fungi isolated from nails are not nail infection fungus, they are simply environmental contamination. Hands and feet are often dirty!

The second group of nail infection fungus is the saprophytes. These are actually environmental fungi typically involved in the breakdown of decaying organic matter in the world around us. They don’t usually cause nail infections but they are capable of doing so in some individuals and under some conditions. When we find these fungi in onychomycosis cases, the significance is unclear – it’s up to your physician to decide whether the species is causing a problem.

Yeasts are not truly nail infection fungus, but they are closely related organisms that can infect nails, particularly the soft tissue nearby, causing a painful condition. Typically seen in people whose feet or hands are often in water or wet conditions, the infection generally comes on much more quickly that one caused by dermatophytes or saprophytes and is so uncomfortable that the victim quickly seeks medical aid. Of all the fungi in onychomycosis, yeasts are the least likely to go untreated.

If you suspect that you have onychomycosis, see your physician promptly – nail infection fungus is best treated early.

Nail Fungus Lab Tests

2008-09-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

When a physician suspects that a patient has a finger- or toenail infection caused by a fungus (onychomycosis), he or she will frequently want to send a sample for nail fungus lab tests. This is important because a variety of different nail conditions can look similar to onychomycosis but are actually caused by something else. Harmless bacterial colonization appears as a discoloration of the nails, and even keratin debris, a buildup of dead skin cells under the nail, can look like the start of a problem. There are also a number of systemic diseases that make nails look bad. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with before you try to treat it.

A typical sample for onychomycosis testing is clippings or fillings, or if the nail is starting to flake and come apart, a collection of flakes and crumbly bits. The patient can usually collect the sample themselves and take it with them to an appointment, as long as they collect it and store it in a clean and hygienic manner (Note that some labs may not accept specimens collected at home for nail fungus lab tests, so ask first).

Use a clean pair of nail clippers, scissors, or nail file – preferably something that has not been used by anyone else, or at the least, that has been thoroughly washed. Onychomycosis testing doesn’t require a large specimen, but collect at least a sixteenth of a teaspoon if possible. Place the sample in a clean container – again, it’s important that the container has been thoroughly washed because a dirty container may already contain environmental fungal spores and nail fungus lab tests can be invalidated by contamination. The sample is not very perishable, but take it within a day or two of seeing your physician.

In the lab, onychomycosis testing has several stages and may differ from place to place. Generally a quick examination for fungal elements using a microscope gives a rapid preliminary result. Then the sample is planted on culture media and incubated. Some fungi take weeks to grow, even in laboratory conditions, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a month or longer for the results of your nail fungus lab tests. If something does grow, laboratory staff will do extra testing to determine the fungal species so that your doctor knows whether your treatment is the right one.

Avoid Getting Nail Fungus in the Fall

2008-08-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Colder weather signals the end of sandal season for many of us, and should trigger some extra precautions to avoid getting nail fungus in the fall. Although there may be less risk of exposure from going barefoot, there is a greater likelihood of feet being enclosed in sweaty airless shoes for hours at a time – an environment that fungi love. As you’re getting back into shoes, take some extra time to look after your feet.

Autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis includes keeping your feet cool and dry, because fungi thrive in dark, moist, warm environments. Change your socks frequently, air your shoes, and use foot powder if your feet tend to be sweaty. Try to get your feet out of tight fitting airless shoes as soon as possible: wear slippers or light shoes with plenty of air circulation. Other tips to avoid getting nail fungus in the fall include wearing only cotton socks and dusting shoes with antifungal powder when they’re not being worn.

If you’re moving from the beach to the pool for the cooler months, avoid getting nail fungus in the fall by wearing flip-flops or deck shoes on your feet: damp public places like pool decks and public showers are known to spread the fungi that cause infections from one person to another. Be cautious even in places that you expect to be clean, such as hotel rooms, and health spas. While trips to the sauna and nail salon may be part of your autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis, these activities may also carry some risk of infection.

Wash your feet thoroughly at least daily and carefully dry between your toes. Avoid getting nail fungus in the fall by paying careful attention to any injuries or breaks in the skin, even minor ones. And don’t cut your cuticles: they are part of your natural protection against infection and should be left alone. When seeking professional care for nails, take your own tools along so that you’re not exposed to instruments that have been used on others. If you’re prone to fungal nail infections, discuss autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis with your nail specialist or podiatrist.

Even if you have practiced good autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis, you may experience an infection, Deformed or discoloured nails should be assessed promptly by a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

Foot Care to Avoid Nail Fungus

2008-08-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Medical research tells us that some people are at greater risk of fungal infection than others, but all of us can lower our risk with good foot care to avoid nail fungus. These infections usually start in a toenail and spread to other toes and then to the hands, so paying extra attention to the feet lowers the risk of fingernail infections too. It’s likely the feet are more often infected because they get less air circulation, are washed less often, and come in contact with contaminated surfaces more frequently.

Good nail hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis. A simple routine of foot washing and nail care can make a big difference. Wash your feet daily, making sure that you wash between the toes where dirt and dead skin cells can easily become trapped (dirt often contains fungal spores and dead skin cells are one of the things fungi use for food, so its important to clear these things away). Complete your foot care to avoid nail fungus by drying just as carefully between the toes using a clean dry area of the towel for each toe. If you put moisturizer on your feet, do not use it between your toes because this can increase the moisture there, which encourages fungi to grow.

Healthy nails are another part of foot care to avoid nail fungus. Keep your nails clean and trimmed, clearing away any material lodged under the nail, and removing jagged or chipped ends. Trim hangnails carefully, doing as little damage to the surrounding tissue as possible, and do not cut the cuticles. If you wear nail polish, clean it off frequently so that you can see the condition of the nail underneath. Remembering that good hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis, always wear shoes in public places and do not share nail care instruments with others. Buy your own tools and take them with you if you visit nail salons.

Keeping your feet comfortable not only makes sense, but it’s important foot care to avoid nail fungus. Footwear that’s tight and airless, sandals that don’t protect your toes from bumps and scratches, and synthetic socks that don’t allow air circulation or absorb moisture all contribute to the growth of fungi. Hot sweaty feet should be washed and dried, as should dirty feet or feet that have been in wet shoes or boots. Even minor injuries can be the start of a problem, so first aid is important.

Though good hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis, it sometimes isn’t enough. If you see discoloration of thickening of a nail that could signal the start of an infection, consult a medical professional promptly for a diagnosis.

Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

2008-08-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

Tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, and olive oils, are all reported to be effective essential oils for nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). The belief that these compounds should have some antifungal properties arises from the fact that, in nature, plants must protect themselves from repeated invasions by fungi and other organisms. Over time, they have developed natural defenses against these enemies, and it’s likely that the essences that protect them will protect us also.

Antifungal plant extracts do exist. Laboratory research has shown that compounds isolated from plants can kill fungi or at least prevent them from growing. Because of this evidence and many anecdotal reports of treatment success, essential oils for nail fungus have become popular alternative remedies for the condition. They are, however, not well accepted by medical professionals in general, and typical recommended treatment for onychomycosis remains oral prescription medication.

Essential oils for nail fungus are now readily available as over-the-counter remedies in pharmacies and natural healing shops. Many are blends of essences from different herbs; a majority probably contain at least some tea tree oil because of the convincing scientific evidence that it’s likely to work (results of scientific trials are not yet conclusive). In purchasing these products, keep in mind that antifungal plant extracts are concentrated formulations that are not meant to be taken internally and may even be irritating to the skin. Use with care.

Despite their attractiveness as an alternative remedy, essential oils for nail fungus should be used without confirming that the condition is actually onychomycosis. There are a number of nail conditions that look very similar, some of which are harmless while others require medical treatment. Before turning to antifungal plant extracts, see your doctor to get a competent diagnosis, with confirmatory laboratory testing if possible. Then take the time to discuss treatment options with your doctor and weigh the alternatives.

Plant Oils that Kill Nail Fungus

2008-07-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Alternative medicine practitioners put considerable faith in plant oils that kill nail fungus (onychomycosis) as an alternative to costly and risky prescription drugs. Unfortunately, like many alternative treatments, these extracts lack the scientific proof of efficacy that doctors and many informed people demand. This does not mean that they don’t work – it means they haven’t been studied. Properly conducted scientific studies are costly and take a long time. To date, the financial backing for trials of these alternative treatments has been largely lacking.

The essential oil treatment for onychomycosis with the greatest scientific evidence so far is tea tree oil. Testing under laboratory conditions has proven that essence of tea tree has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Pitting it against fungal cultures grown in the lab and using it to cure infection in actual patients, however, are two different things. Clinical trials with tea tree oil and other plant oils that kill nail fungus have been inconclusive.

One of the reasons that essential oil treatment for onychomycosis may not work as well on infected nails is the structure of the nail itself. Built of layers of tough keratin, the nail is meant to protect tender finger-and toenails – it is hard, resilient, and difficult to penetrate. Keratin is the very substance that fungi use for nutrients. They break it down, but they usually do so from underneath where plant oils that kill nail fungus cannot penetrate. This is the reason that modern medicine places so much stock in oral medications – the drug can reach the infection from underneath.

The information available about plant oils that kill nail fungus generally mentions some or all of the following plants: tea tree, oregano, lavender, and olive. Frequently, blends incorporate several of these, and olive oil is often the base for one of the other three. An interesting addition to the list is the cold remedy marketed as “vapo-rub.” A clear gel with a strong smell of menthol, vapo-rub contains several herbal extracts and is reported by some to cure fungal infections of the finger- and toenails.

If you’re suffering from persistent fungal nail infection, essential oil treatment for onychomycosis is worth a try. Before self-treating, however, it’s always a good idea to have a medical professional confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.

Nail Hygiene to Avoid Fungal Infection

2008-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Some simple nail hygiene to avoid fungal infection (onychomycosis) can help fend off this common and distressing medical problem. The fungi that can live in fingernails and toenails, and cause them to become deformed and discolored, are found in the environment around us: some of them are specially adapted to living in the nails, hair, skin, horns, and hooves of living things; others land there by accident. The best defense against both kinds involves not only taking good care of nails, but also altering behavior so that we are less likely to pick up the fungi in the first place.

Onychomycosis prevention is harder for some people than for others. Doctors aren’t sure why some people seem to be more susceptible to the infection, but it probably has something to do with the way their immune system reacts to fungi. People tend to be more susceptible as they get older and some families seem prone to infection. There’s not much any of us can do about this, but we can all use basic nail hygiene to avoid fungal infection: keep nails clean and trimmed. Fungi usually get in under the front edge of nails where dirt tends to collect: clean your nails frequently and thoroughly!

Some other basic advice about nail hygiene to avoid fungal infection includes responding promptly to warning signs. Treat skin infections such as athletes foot promptly because these infections can spread to the nails. Any time there is injury to a nail or to the skin immediately surrounding it, take special care to keep the site clean and try to leave it exposed to the air as much as possible. Keep your feet dry all the time; after swimming, showering, or bathing, dry carefully between the toes so that no moisture is trapped there. Onychomycosis prevention depends on not giving the fungi the right conditions for growth.

The dermatophytes - fungi adapted to live in nails, hair etc. – usually spread indirectly from one person to another: infectious spores fall from infected nails, catch in footwear and clothing, spread themselves around pool decks, communal showers, dressing rooms, spas, hot tubs etc., and on equipment in beauty salons. Onychomycosis prevention in these circumstances depends on everybody keeping things clean, protecting their feet and hands, and avoiding such places if they think they are infected. Don’t share footwear, socks, towels etc. with other people; always wear something on your feet in damp public places, and practice good nail hygiene to avoid fungal infection.

How to Deal With Nail Fungus

2008-06-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

At some time in their lives, many people struggle with the question of how to deal with nail fungus (onychomycosis). Today, the puzzle is defined by the vast range of advice available—medical, alternative, and anecdotal. One must choose from prescription drugs, natural remedies, and traditional cures, all of which are surrounded by confusing and contradictory reports of their effectiveness. In addition, treatment of fungal nail infections tends to take so long that many people move on to something else, thinking their first choice has not worked, when in reality they simply didn’t keep at it long enough.

It’s best to take a logical stepwise approach to onychomycosis treatment. First, see your doctor. Nails can be infected by various different organisms, not all of which are fungi, and also by a number of noninfectious diseases. To the untrained eye, many of these conditions look similar, so before researching how to deal with nail fungus, make sure that is what you’re dealing with. If your doctor thinks you do have a fungal nail infection, he or she can collect clippings or scrapings and send them for laboratory analysis and culture. If fungi known to infect nails grow in culture, the diagnosis is virtually certain.

Discuss how to deal with nail fungus with your doctor. Even if you prefer to try alternative or traditional remedies first, before taking prescription drugs, your doctor may be able to tell you what’s worked for other patients, and what to avoid. Weigh this advice carefully and then consult other sources of information about onychomycosis treatment before deciding what to try first. In particular, pay attention to possible side effects or dangers associated with particular remedies. Some traditional remedies use potentially dangerous substances like chlorine bleach. Some prescription drugs come with a slight risk of organ damage.

Once you settle on an onychomycosis treatment, use it properly and be prepared to stick with it over the long term. These infections are difficult to cure and tend to come back: you want to be sure the infection is really gone before you stop using the remedy. Even after the fungi are gone, it takes months for a finger- or toenail to grow back in and look healthy, so be patient and look after the rest of your nails in the meantime. Hopefully in the long run your research on how to deal with nail fungus will pay off.

Treatment Approaches for Nail Fungus Infection

2008-05-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

A long history of infections in humans and a relative lack of effective remedies have lead to a variety of treatment approaches for nail fungus infection. The infection, onychomycosis in medical language, strikes up to thirteen percent of people, often as they reach their senior years, and some authorities believe the incidence is increasing. Toenails are more often infected than fingernails, and males are more often afflicted than females.

Until quite recently, the medical profession has not paid much attention to dealing with nail fungus. Why? Because many infections are “asymptomatic,”—that is, they don’t cause inflammation, pain, disability, or illness, but are merely “cosmetic,”—treatment approaches for nail fungus infection are not high on the medical priority list. The psychological stress that comes with having ugly distorted nails is overlooked.

Sadly the modern pharmaceutical treatment approaches for nail fungus infection are not the magic bullet most people are looking for. They tend to be very expensive, they require a long treatment period, they don’t always work, and they occasionally cause serious side effects. Dealing with nail fungus the medical way is still a gamble at best. People who don’t want to go that route can choose an alternative remedy, or go with a traditional home remedy.

The disadvantage of the non-prescription treatment approaches for nail fungus infection (traditional, home, natural, or alternative remedies) is that very few have been tested in clinical trials to see if they really work—you must trust to hearsay and anecdotal evidence. (While this is discouraging, it’s important to remember that clinical trials of the prescription drugs have clearly shown that they do not work in a substantial number of cases.) Dealing with nail fungus using non-prescription methods requires trial and error, and considerable common sense.

Before staring any treatment, have onychomycosis properly diagnosed by a medical professional to rule out other nail abnormalities. When researching alternative treatment approaches for nail fungus infection, you might want to investigate vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, Vick’s Vaporub, Listerine, Saprox, clove oil and other herbal essential oils, tea tree oil, and pau d’arco.

Effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus

2008-05-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tea tree oil is currently a popular alternative treatment for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), but has anyone really studied the effectiveness of tea tree oil for nail fungus? A major argument against many alternative remedies is that there’s no scientific evidence to prove that they work: tea tree oil is an exception. This essential oil has long been studied by a group of researchers at the University of Western Australia, and the evidence for antifungal activity is growing.

Recent research on tea tree oil has typically tested the compound against disease causing organism under laboratory conditions, that is, in the laboratory rather than in people. The work has shown that a variety of fungi and yeast that cause infection in humans are killed when exposed to tea tree oil. This type of testing, however, doesn’t conclusively prove the effectiveness of tea tree oil for nail fungus in real infections, where other factors may come into play. For example, in onychomycosis, a topical treatment must be able to penetrate the hard material of the nail in order to reach the fungus growing underneath.

Research on tea tree oil that includes clinical trials (the treatment of real patients) is still rather scanty. In one trial, tea tree oil was as effective as clotrimazole, an antifungal pharmaceutical, achieving cure or improvement in almost two thirds of patients. A second trial achieved cure or improvement in 80% of patients treated with a combination of tea tree oil and butenafine, a synthetic topical antifungal; however, it was not clear whether the drug combination or the butenafine was the effective treatment. This small sample of clinical trials still leaves the effectiveness of tea tree oil for nail fungus in question.

While we wait for more research on tea tree oil, the onychomycosis sufferer must make a choice based on anecdotal evidence. Many people have reported success with treating fungal nail infections with tea tree oil or blends of tea tree oil and other essential plant oils. Unfortunately, onychomycosis is difficult to treat and often responds poorly even to the prescription drugs that are presently available.

Source for this article on the effectiveness of tea tree oil for nail fungus: Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. By C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, and T. V. Riley. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Jan. 2006. pg. 50-62.

Cure Nail Fungus Fast

2008-04-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are unsightly and, especially when it’s a fingernail that’s infected, we understandably want to cure nail fungus fast. Unfortunately, most treatments take a long time to work, and even when they do, the speed at which the nail returns to normal is limited by the speed at which it grows. Nails grow slowly: a fingernail usually grows out completely in about six months while a toenail typically takes twice as long. Thus, it’s unavoidable that the fastest cure for a nail fungus infection is going to take months, even if the whole nail is not affected.

A relatively quick cure for nail fungus depends on catching the infection early and starting treatment as soon as possible. A typical case of onychomycosis begins near the fingertip, under the edge of the nail where fungal elements get caught and have a chance to grow in warm damp conditions. A yellow or brown discoloration of the nail in this area is a warning sign that something is happening: to cure nail fungus fast, don’t wait until the infection has spread to involve a larger area of the nail.

When you treat onychomycosis early, you have a wider choice of options for treatment. At this stage, you can use the only topical prescription drug for nail fungus, a polish-like lacquer that has few risks of side effects, making it a reasonable option to cure nail fungus fast if the cost is not too prohibitive. Among the alternative treatments, those containing tea tree oil may be the best choices: tea tree oil has been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, so besides being a quick cure for nail fungus, it may well help clear up an infection caused by bacteria.

When onychomycosis is advanced and the nail is starting to flake and crumble, it will not be possible to cure nail fungus fast. These well established infections take many months to heal and often recur. To speed healing, remove as much of the affected nail as you can: cut or file it away, leaving only the material that will not readily come off. Then choose a form of treatment that you’ll be able to stick with over the long term—again, tea tree oil preparations have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive and don’t require long periods of soaking in solutions or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals or drugs. Although not the elusive quick cure for nail fungus, a topical substance applied daily is a treatment most people can live with.

All possible cases of onychomycosis should be examined and diagnosed by a competent medical professional to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

Fungus That Infects Nails

2008-04-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

A species of fungus that infects nails is called a dermatophyte—literally meaning a “skin plant.” The reference to skin results from the fact that the same types of fungi can also invade skin, deriving their nutrients from the same protein that is abundant in nails: keratin. Keratin is a hard substance that is found in hair, the outer layers of skin, toe- and fingernails, animal horns, hoofs and claws. Dermatophytes can grow in all of these tissues and they are amongst the very few fungi that can.

Known dermatophyte facts tell us that even though these fungi often become established on nonliving materials such as nails and dead skin cells, they usually cannot spread further because the immune system of a live animal keeps them at bay. (The vast majority of fungi live on dead organic material such as leaves, decomposing bodies of animals, animal excrement etc. and help to break it down). Nails and hair, and even the outermost layers of our skin lack a blood supply and other body fluids that carry immune cells and molecules, but wherever such protective mechanisms are active, the fungus that affects nails can’t go. In certain rare instances, a dermatophyte may set up an infection in living tissue.

A dermatophyte fungus that infects nails usually belongs to one of three groups or genera of fungi: trichophyton (the most common in most places), microsporum, and epidermophyton. Each of these groups contains a number of species, some of which cause infections in humans while some do not. Thus, scientific knowledge about these fungi is complicated and the medical professional seeing patients with possible fungal infections must know their dermatophyte facts.

To aid in the identification of fungus that infects nails, medical laboratories have special media used to grow the fungus and specific tests to help determine which genus and species it belongs to. Individuals who suspect they have a fungal nail infection should consult their doctor or dermatologist and have nail shavings submitted to the laboratory for culture and identification. Even people who think they know their dermatophyte facts can be mislead by look-alike infections and fungus species that resemble dermatophytes but are actually harmless environmental species.

Fungus that infects nails is very common especially in older people. Any nail abnormality, however, should be assessed by a competent medical professional to determine whether fungus is the cause. Other conditions, some of them serious, can look very similar.

Why Nail Fungus Comes Back

2008-03-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Many people experience the frustration of wondering why nail fungus comes back after they’ve fought a long battle and thought they’d won. Sadly, nail fungus is not only hard to eliminate but notoriously adept at returning time and time again. Medical experts think that there are several reasons why this is so.

Recurrent nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) may actually be the same infection: a reactivation of a dermatophyte that was believed to be gone, but which actually remained alive in such small quantities that it was undetectable. When treatment ended, latent fungal elements had a chance to start growing once again and reestablish the fungal infection in the nail. This is likely to be a common reason why nail fungus comes back, because thorough and complete treatment typically takes many months – people receiving treatment grow tired of the effort required and may end treatment before it is actually safe to do so.

Another reason that some people are plagued by recurrent nail fungus infection is that they are, in some way, more susceptible. The fungi that cause onychomycosis are actually very common – many people come in contact with them and never develop nail infections, while others seem to develop these infections quite readily. If you are one of the people that is easily infected, this provides another clue as to why nail fungus comes back – one infection has nothing to do with the next; it’s simply a result of frequent exposure to an organism that you’re susceptible to for some reason.

Finally, certain occupations obviously provide more exposure to potentially infectious fungi than others do and thus increase the chances of recurrent nail fungus infection. The few saprophytic fungi (fungi that break down dead organic matter in nature and do not usually infect living organisms) known to cause onychomycosis are common in soil, humus, and sewage: people such as construction workers, gardeners, sanitary engineers etc. are at increased risk. Similarly, the more common dermatophytes are found in damp public areas and on human skin, hair, and nails: swimming pool attendants, spa employees, hair stylists, and other beauty experts are doubtless exposed more frequently than the rest of us and have more reason to ask why nail fungus comes back.

Treating Onychomycosis

2008-03-14T06:19:00.001-07:00

Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of nails—finger nails or toenails—and treating onychomycosis is a puzzle that people have been struggling with for centuries. The problem is that once a fungus is well established, growing in the matrix of the nail, it’s hard to get rid of and it tends to keep coming back. Even in our twenty-first century world of medical miracles, nail fungus is a stubborn problem for many many people.

The first step toward an onychomycosis cure is to confirm the diagnosis. There are a number of different infections and medical conditions that cause deformity and discoloration in nails, and many can look disturbingly like onychomycosis. Because of this, consultation with a medical professional who can differentiate and diagnose is important. Treating onychomycosis, of course, requires a different approach from treating the other possibilities.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the physician will probably offer a prescription drug for treating onychomycosis—these range from oral medications such as Lamicil, Sporanox, and Diflucan to a topical nail lacquer called Penlac. These drugs are undoubtedly safer and more effective than prescription antifungals have been in the past; however, many people don’t choose this option because of cost, concerns about side effects, and the lack of a guarantee of onychomycosis cure. There simply is no treatment currently known that is guaranteed to work.

Among the over-the-counter products that promise an onychomycosis cure, the best choices currently seem to be topical preparations made from essential oils. The idea here is that plants, which must defend themselves against fungal attack in nature, produce compounds with antifungal properties that are useful in treating onychomycosis in people. Some essential plant oils, notably tee tree oil, have undergone extensive testing in scientific laboratories and the evidence suggests that these antifungal compounds do indeed exist. Encouragingly, essential oils also appear to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, while being relatively harmless when applied topically to human infections.

Anyone undergoing onychomycosis cure should remain under the supervision of a medical professional and use antifungal preparations only as directed.

Reasons for Nail Fungus

2008-02-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Nail fungus infections are embarrassing and difficult to treat; sufferers wonder ‘why me” but the reasons for nail fungus remain frustratingly unclear. We have identified groups that tend to have a higher incidence, and high risk activities, but doctors still don’t really understand why fungi are able to invade the nails of some people and never afflict others.

Many a proposed reason for onychomycosis takes theories of immunity into consideration. Fungi, being specialists in breaking down decomposing organic material, don’t usually invade living tissue unless there is already some disease process in progress there. In the case of nail fungus the fungi are usually dermatophytes—fungi adapted to living in keratin, a protein that provides the tough texture of nails, hair, horn, hoofs, and even the outer layer of skin—but even they don’t invade living tissue, and they don’t infect everyone. In a certain number of cases, reasons for nail fungus include previous injury to the nail or a more widespread problem with the person’s immune system. This could at lest partially account for the increased incidence in older individuals: immunity tends to wane in old age.

Still a faltering immune system can’t be the only reason for onychomycosis: lots of healthy people have nail fungus infection. Statistics tell us that more men have the condition than women, some families are particularly prone to it, those who engage in sports and frequent fitness centers are at high risk, communal bathing presents a risk, and living in a warm climate is a risk as well. Wearing footwear that does not breathe, and walking barefoot in damp public places such as saunas and swimming pools are well known reasons for nail fungus to settle in.

Epidemiologists tell us that some of the more common and persistent fungi to plague people in Western civilization have come to us from other parts of the world, particularly Africa. In a world where humans move around the globe daily, it’s not surprising that fungi have traveled too, and this may explain an apparent increase in the problem. Still, it seems that reasons for onychomycosis fall into two categories: exposure and susceptibility. Families may have a genetic susceptibility while the elderly, people in poor health, and those suffering from immune diseases become infected more readily. Men working in construction and other physical occupations, atheletes, fitness buffs, swimmers, and those who visit saunas, meanwhile, are more likely to come in contact with dermatophyes. To avoid these reasons for nail fungus, the best defense is to take adequate precautions and look after your nails, hands, and feet.

Nail Infection Treatment

2008-02-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

Most people, when they talk about nail infection treatment, really mean fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis. This is because nail infections caused by bacteria are much more uncommon and generally clear up in their own or are so acute as to require immediate medical treatment. Fungus is different: it comes on slowly, spreads slowly, and causes few physical symptoms. Similarly, once established, it is hard to eradicate and often comes back.

Nail infection medicine, then, is generally aimed at the fungi that cause onychomycosis, and it takes many different forms ranging from old home cures to modern commercial drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies. People suffering from onychomycosis—and there are a lot of them—must make hard choices and it’s best that these choices be based on a good knowledge of the debate about nail infection treatment.

Prescription drugs are backed up by clinical trials which provide data about both effectiveness and safety. One might expect that, by now, good nail infection medicine would be readily available. Unfortunately, the prescription drugs available are not perfect: though newer drugs are safer, there’s still a risk of toxicity and other side effects, there’s a high rate of recurrence of infection, nail infection treatment takes many months, and the drugs are prohibitively expensive. Many people opt not to use the prescription medicines for any and all of these reasons.

Topical over-the-counter products used as nail infection medicine, meanwhile, work much better for fungal skin infections that for infected nails. These are topical preparations and they just don’t penetrate nail well enough to act on the fungus growing in the nail bed. Some possible exceptions that have appeared in recent years contain essential oils—oils of various herbs and spices, and especially tee tree oil, which seems to have some scientific evidence to back it up as a nail infection treatment.

Though onychomycosis seems to be more common now that it has been in the past, there have always been cases of it, and this has given rise to a number of home cures in alternative medicine and folklore. Unfortunately, evidence for the efficacy of this type of nail infection medicine is anecdotal: scientific study is almost completely lacking. The good thing about approaches based on folklore is that they usually involve everyday substances such as vinegar, beer, hydrogen peroxide, and mouthwash that are relatively cheap—an attempt at nail infection treatment using one of these will not cost much.

If you suspect that you have onychomycosis, you should consult a medical health professional for confirmation and information about safe nail infection treatment options.

What is a Dermatophyte?

2008-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

What is a dermatophyte? The simple answer to this is that a dermatophyte is a skin-loving fungus. Dermatophytes are fungi that are adapted to live in animal tissues that contain keratin—the protein found in skin, hair, nails, hooves, and horn. Keratin is a tough protective substance that gives these tissues their firm texture. Dermatophytes are capable of breaking down keratin to obtain nutrients.

The extent of fungal nail and skin infections is normally limited to tissues that are not technically alive. Nails, hair, and the top layers of our skin are continually replenished by more growth from beneath; however, these tissues don’t have a blood supply and antibodies can’t readily reach fungi that grow there. Any answer to the question ‘what is a dermatophyte,’ should include the limitation that skin loving fungi typically only grow on, and break down, dead skin cells. They do not spread to other areas of the body unless the immune system is compromised.

The textbook answer to ‘what is a dermatophyte’ also excludes a number of other fungi that are sometimes implicated in fungal nail and skin infections. Most of these are environmental species that normally live on decaying organic material—compost, leaf litter, humus, animal remains etc.—and only rarely make the jump to living things. It’s generally agreed that these fungi can cause onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) but don’t invade skin. Various species of yeast are candidates as well, but they, too, are well known only in nail infections.

What is a dermatophyte? Specifically, it’s a fungus belonging to one of three fungal genera: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. A number of species within each genera cause fungal nail and skin infections; however, not all species do so. To recap: while being uniquely capable of living on and breaking down the hair, skin, nails, hooves, and horns of living humans and animals, dermatophytes rarely invade other parts of the body except when there is a problem with the immune system.

Tests for Nail Fungus

2008-01-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

The only way to know for sure whether you’re suffering from nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) is to order tests for nail fungus. Only a medical doctor can do this, so the first step is to visit your doctor if you have not done so already. Your doctor may take a sample while you are in the office and send it to the lab for testing, or he or she may ask you to collect the specimen yourself and deliver it to the lab.

The best specimen for nail fungus diagnosis is nail filings or clippings collected from the part of the nail that is most severely affected. Typically, onychomycosis results in crumbly brittle nails, so it is not difficult to obtain a sample. While collecting the sample, take care not to scatter bits of the nail around as these may be infectious to you and others. In the laboratory, the filings will be used to set up cultures and other tests for nail fungus.

Many laboratories provide a specimen kit for collecting a sample for nail fungus diagnosis. Typically this kit will consist of a piece of black or dark construction paper that is folded into a compact packet, and an envelope. It’s important to use the dark paper because tiny pieces of nail show up better against a dark background: laboratory personnel will be better able to find all the pieces of nail you submit for tests for nail fungus. Place your sample in the center of the paper and fold it up securely so that nail clippings cannot fall out. Ensure that the envelope has your name and your doctor’s name, and any other pertinent information on it.

Nail fungus tends to grow very slowly, even in the laboratory, so results from tests for nail fungus can take a long time to arrive in your doctors office—it’s not unusual for a final report to take at least four weeks. Preliminary results can arrive more quickly however – if a microscopic examination of the nail sample reveals fungal elements, or something significant grows quickly in the culture, the laboratory will likely tell your doctor this to help with rapid nail fungus diagnosis.

Waiting for tests for nail fungus may seem like an inconvenient, lengthy, and costly procedure, but remember that a number of other nail conditions can mimic onychomycosis. Before you start treatment, it’s wise to be sure that the nail fungus diagnosis is correct.

Dermatophyte Nail Fungus

2007-12-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Dermatophyte nail fungus is a term that refers to just one of the kinds of fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) that people commonly get. Specifically, it tells us that the fungus growing in the nail is a dermatophyte—a skin-loving species that derives its nutrients from keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This is the most common type of onychomycosis—the kind that is passed from person to person and picked up in swimming pools, public showers, and shared socks and shoes.

Dermatophyte nail infection is caused by a group of fungi, but the most common are Trichophyton spp., usually T. rubrum. In the typical clinical picture, the fungus gains access from the leading edge of the nail, where tiny fungal elements can lodge under the nail and begin to flourish in the warm moist conditions there. This is called distal subungual onychomycosis (distant from the nail bed, under the nail), and this type of dermatophyte nail fungus generally advances back toward the cuticle at a slow but steady rate.

In dermatophyte nail infection the nail may turn white, yellowish, brown, or black. (A green color suggests that the invading organism may be bacteria rather than fungus). The color results from pigments produced by the fungus while it is growing. Eventually, as the dermatophyte nail fungus breaks down all the keratin in the nail, the nail becomes soft and flaky. Pieces break away, and the tissue surrounding the nail may become irritated. In an advanced case, the entire nail is destroyed.

Onychomycosis is very common—dermatophyte nail fungus is found all over the world, and it is typically seen more often in older people. Once it is well established in the nail, it’s difficult to eradicate so any symptoms of dermatophyte nail infection should be seen promptly by a medical professional. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient has a number of choices for treatment, raging from oral prescription drugs and topical treatments to natural alternatives. Don’t discount the alternative treatments too quickly—some of them are backed up by considerable scientific and anecdotal experience.

Salons and Nail Fungus

2007-11-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

You often hear that hair, skin, and nail infections spread through salons and nail fungus is probably the infection that is most often mentioned. Lots of people believe that they have caught onychomycosis (nail fungus infection) at a spa or salon and, although it can be very difficult to prove that this is the case, it's certainly possible. Fungi that grow in hair, skin,and nails spread themselves around when bits of hyphal growth break off or when the growing fungus produces airborne spores. Spores get caught in nail grooming equipment, especially things with rough surfaces such as nail files and emery boards. They cling to brushes, combs and clippers, and they can live a very long time, especially where there is a little moisture present. This is why fungal infection can indeed be passed from person to person in salons and spas, and its one reason why people running these establishments must be licensed.

Understanding the link between spas and nail fungus helps us to protect ourselves from fungal infection. If you use spas, it's a good idea to follow a few simple rules. First, check that the establishment is licensed and has its documentation displayed where you can see it. Likewise, be sure that manicurists and other professionals are qualified - always use well respected salons and nail fungus shouldn't be a problem. Always wear footwear in areas where there is foot traffic. It's likely that the floors will be damp in spots, and others before you may have left fungal spores behind. You don't want your feet in contact with those surfaces. Ask about maintenance and cleaning procedures of hot tubs and foot baths - these should be thoroughly cleaned regularly including the water and any filters. In salons, it's an excellent idea to bring your own manicure tools with you, so you are sure that all tools are free of infectious agents.

Even if you are very careful about choosing spas and nail fungus hasn't been an issue for you, there are some personal habits that you can develop to help protect you now and in the future. First, always keep your nails well trimmed and very clean. Most nail infections begin under the leading edge of the nail where dirt often lodges. If fungal spores find their way there, and there is even a tiny break in the skin, they can take advantage and start to grow. The best way to avoid having a fungus get established is to not give it access to your nails! Second, avoid shaving your legs before using a pedicure spa - you may not realize it, but shaving often causes tiny nicks and abrasions that make your skin more vulnerable to infection. Finally, look after any signs of irritation or infection promptly - remember the association between salons and nail fungus and see a health care professional immediately if you suspect that onychomycosis is starting up.

Many people strongly recommend that everyone have their skin and nails checked by a specialist at least yearly, especially if they visit spas and salons and nail fungus is a concern. While this may not be practical for everyone, it's a good idea to at least have your GP assess your general health and the health of skin and nails when you have a medical checkup. Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are much more easily treated when diagnosed early, before the fungus has spread too far. Certainly, if you see any signs of infection, bring them to your physicians attention and communicate your concerns about salons, spas and nail fungus.

Fungus Spores and Nail Fungus

2007-11-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

What's the connection between fungus spores and nail fungus? Fungi that are actively growing will eventually produce spores - tiny reproductive stages that break away from the plant and spread to new places on air currents, in water, and on living things that move about. Most people have seen fungal spores: perhaps you've seen a green dusty powder inside the bag of a loaf of bread that's gone moldy, or noticed that portobello mushrooms leave a black coating on your cutting board. These substances are actually large numbers of spores (a single spore is microscopic so you can't see it - by the time they become visible there are millions.)

It's important to understand that most fungi produce spores of one find or another - infectious fungal spores, that is, those that can cause infection in people, only come from a few species. Portobello mushroom spores, and those of most other environmental species will not hurt you (though it's probably not a good idea to casually inhale spores of any fungus, for various reasons). There is only a connection between fungus spores and nail fungus infection when the spores are from one of the fungi that can grow in keratin, the protein that is common in nails, hair, and skin.

Infectious fungal spores are produced by fungi growing in infected toenails and fingernails. They are dispersed in the environment when bits of nail and skin flake off, on nail clippers and instruments used to trim and file nails, in nail clippings, in shoes and socks, in water, and when the afflicted person walks about with bare feet. When you realize that a small colony of fungus can produce millions of spores, it's easier to understand how the infection can spread readily from one nail to another, on shared clothing and grooming instruments, and in public swimming areas. An infection produces fungus spores and nail fungus spreads.

Most cases of fungal nail infection are caused by a few species of dermatophytes - fungi that are adapted to utilize keratin as a nutrient source. They spread from person to person and from animal to person by means of fungus spores and nail fungus infection is not the only problem they cause: infections of the skin and hair are generally caused by the same species. A few environmental fungi, i.e. species that normally live in nature, deriving nutrients from decaying organic material, can also produce infectious fungal spores that can grow in nails, but not skin or hair. Fortunately, the species involved in any particular infection does not generally matter when it comes to treatment of onychomycosis.

Nail Fungus from Salons

2007-09-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Can you pick up nail fungus from salons? The answer is yes, but you shouldn't. A conscientious manicurist should clean and sterilize the area and any instruments between clients to ensure that fungal spores are not spread from one person to another, and in many localities there are strict regulations enforcing this. In addition, the experienced manicurist should be able to recognize the early signs of nail fungus and abstain from working on infected nails, instead advising the client to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. Still, some salons do not adhere strictly to regulations and individual manicurists may be lax in their conduct or sterilization techniques. When it comes to salons, it's a case of "buyer beware."

People pick up nail fungus from spas and other beauty and health establishments for a variety of reasons. Wherever there are hot tubs and saunas, or any other place that has continually high humidity, the conditions are good for the survival of fungal elements. When someone with a fungal infection uses the facility, fungal spores can be left behind - spores that are viable and capable of growing and infecting someone new. The skin and nails of the feet are at particular risk here, and those that walk barefoot on wet tile floors, pool decks, or other wet surfaces risk picking up a fungus. Nail fungus from salons is more often transmitted from contaminated tools and instruments. In this scenario the infection is more likely to be on the hands, as many people visit salons for manicure only.

Some fungi that grow in the environment are capable of causing nail fungus infections. They are found in soil and decaying organic material and invade the nails when hands and feet come in contact with them. Nail fungus from spas, however, is more likely to be a true dermatophyte, a fungus well adapted to taking nourishment from keratin, the protein found in nails. Once under the nail - nail fungus from salons may be introduced through the cuticle, at the edges of nails, under the tip, or even under artificial nails - spores are protected in a warm moist environment and they begin to grow. Infiltrating the nail and spreading out form the starting point, they gradually destroy the structure and create an ugly brown scaly nail.

To avoid getting nail fungus from salons, make certain that your manicurist is a licensed trained professional. Ask about sterilization procedures and standards, and satisfy yourself that the premises are clean and orderly. As an added precaution, it's a good idea to bring your own tools to ensure that you are not being exposed to anyone else's health problems. After your manicure, have any redness or soreness assessed by a medical professional. To avoid nail fungus from spas, again, take a look at the premises and ask about sanitation procedures. Always wear footwear whenever possible and never share personal items such as towels or clippers. If nail or skin conditions occur after a spa visit, have them seen to promptly.

Clove Oil for Nail Fungus

2007-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Antifungal essential oil blends marketed as alternative medicines often contain clove oil for nail fungus. Popular for hundreds of years, cloves are native to Indonesia and they are best known to most of us an aromatic spice used in pumpkin pie and gingerbread men. Apart from the well known culinary uses, cloves have traditionally been used medicinally as an antiseptic, antibacterial, local anesthetic, relief for nausea and vomiting, a digestive aid, an anti-inflammatory, and even an aphrodisiac. The spice is now grown in other places, particularly Africa and Madagascar, and exported to the rest of the world. Whole cloves are the dried buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, while the essential oil is made from the leaves of the same plant.

Well known antiseptic properties have lead investigators to wonder whether they could use Syzygium aromaticum for nail fungus and as an antifungal in other applications. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the plant extract kills yeast and fungi in solution, and experiments with plants have also shown antifungal properties - all positive signs that clove oil for nail fungus is a viable idea. The pure oil, however, is very strong and can cause dermatitis or burns if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, and because a number of other aromatic herbs have been shown to have antifungal ability, it's a good idea to use clove oil blended with other plant essences.

Plants in nature have evolved their own ways of fighting off the fungi in the environment that would otherwise attack and kill them. The value of Syzygium aromaticum for nail fungus undoubtedly arises from the plant's own need to protect itself from fungal attack. It's a process of nature that we can easily exploit. Processing the plant to produce a concentrated clove oil for nail fungus provides an even more potent preparation - a natural and apparently effective therapy for a stubborn problem that seems to plague more and more people. For many, this type of approach is preferable to taking costly prescription drugs that have a reputation for causing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects.

Some research indicates that clove oil for fungus may be particularly effective against Candida, a yeast that causes nail infections as well as vaginal infections and oral thrush. Clinical testing on human patients, however, is lacking, so no definitive statement can be made, and individuals should always consult a medical professional rather than self-diagnosing and treating a health problem. Fungal nail infections are no exception: many conditions can cause deformed or discolored nails and it's important to get a professional diagnosis so that treatment can be tailored to the specific condition. If your physician diagnoses a fungal nail infection, then you can consider essential herbal oils including Syzygium aromaticum for nail fungus.

Lemongrass Oil for Nail Fungus

2007-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

In recent years, essential oils from a number of plants have been investigated for their antiseptic qualities - lemongrass oil for nail fungus is one natural remedy that shows considerable promise. Lemongrass oil is the oil extracted from the lemongrass plant, Cymbopogon citrates, the same plant that is often used to impart a lemony flavor to many traditional Asian dishes. The medicinal qualities of lemongrass are not so well known to most of us as the culinary uses but, in fact, this plant has been used for centuries to treat certain ailments: infectious diseases and fevers, as an antiseptic, and as an insect repellent among other things. Today's refined methods for extracting the concentrated oil of lemongrass have made it popular as an ingredient in many different products.

The main therapeutic substance in oil of lemongrass is citral, and producers of natural antifungals include citral for nail fungus in their essential oil blends. Citral is also the component that gives the essence its lemony smell. Like other aromatic herbs such as oregano, thyme, and eucalyptus, lemongrass seems to have a natural ability to fight off organisms that cause infections and diseases - the herbal knowledge of traditional healers is now being confirmed by scientific study. Lemongrass has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that make lemongrass oil for nail fungus an obvious choice.

Lemongrass oil should not be applied to the skin as a concentrated oil because it causes a skin reaction in some people. Thus pure lemongrass oil for nail fungus should be avoided. The oil is often blended with other essential oils such as cedarwood, basil, jasmine, and tea tree oil. Such blends provide some citral for nail fungus treatment without the danger of causing a skin reaction. Even so, it's best to apply preparations for nail fungus only to the nail and avoid skin contact, because nail preparations typically contain higher concentrations of antifungal ingredients than skin preparations do. Other preparations containing oil of lemongrass are specifically blended and marketed for fungal infections involving the skin.

One of the better blends containing citral for nail fungus is one that includes both lemongrass oil and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is now enjoying widespread use as an antifungal agent for nail fungus infections, and there is considerable scientific evidence as well as anecdotal evidence that it is quite effective. Products such as lemongrass oil for nail fungus, tea tree oil, and various essential oil blends are favored by people who don't want to use prescription drugs, which are not only expensive but also associated with harmful side effects and health risks. It's a good idea, however, to have a nail fungus infection confirmed by a trained medical professional, even if you do favor natural remedies over pharmaceuticals.

Lavender for Nail Fungus

2007-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Natural healers often recommend using essential oils from herbs such as thyme, oregano, mint, and even lavender for nail fungus treatment. Lavender (from the scientific genus Lavandula) is not one of the commonest herbs mentioned in this regard, but it is a member of the mint family and scientific studies have shown that it does have some antifungal properties. Aromatic herbs, which must fend off the attacks of fungi and other organisms in nature, seem to produce potent substances that can be extracted or distilled from the plant to produce a concentrated antifungal substance.

Lavandula antifungal properties are perhaps the least well known of the herb's many uses - esthetic, culinary, and medicinal. Lavender has long been used to create a sweet flowery scent in perfumes, bath water, linens, and closets. It is used to flavor teas, potato dishes and other foods. It is known to have a calming effect and has been used in many first aid remedies including medicines for headache, wound dressings, and insect bites, and as a treatment for chronic health problems such as rheumatism, psoriasis and parasitic infections, to name just a few. Lavender has antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, characteristics that explain why herbalists recommend lavender for nail fungus treatment.

The mechanism for lavandula antifungal activity is not well understood, but it may act in similar ways to essential oils from other herbs. Fungi that are actively growing spread by putting out long fine branching stalks called hyphae - most people have seen this type of growth on occasion when mold starts to grow on food items. It has been noted that essential herbal oils seem to eat away at the walls of hyphae, causing them to disintegrate and lose their inner contents. Interestingly, some studies show that a preparation that contains other essential oils as well as lavender for nail fungus may work better than single oils by themselves. For example, lavender oil appears to be synergistic with tea tree oil, meaning that the two mutually increase each other's positive effects.

Fungal nail infections have always been notoriously hard to treat and modern medicine, despite many attempts to find effective antifungals, hasn't been very successful at developing drugs that are both safe and effective. In this respect the potential of herbal oils such as lavandula antifungal extract provide considerable hope for people who don't want to take a systemic drug which may cause unpleasant side effects. Many preparations from alternative medicine vendors today contain special blends of essential oils including lavender for nail fungus, and there is a growing collection of literature confirming that these remedies do work. If you're looking for an alternative to an expensive prescription drug for a nail fungus infection, a natural remedy containing essential oils is worth a try.

Before starting self-treatment with lavender for nail fungus, or any other alternative or home remedy, have your nail infection confirmed by a medical professional: other nail conditions can look similar but will not respond to antifungal remedies.

Nail Fungus Hygiene

2007-07-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

Why do nail fungus infections (onychomycosis) strike some people for no apparent reason? The answer's not entirely clear, but you can lessen your chances of getting onychomycosis with some common sense nail fungus hygiene. Good daily habits that support the health of skin and nails can go a long way towards keeping the fungi away - and if you do get an infection, there are things you can do to prevent it from spreading and to treat it before it becomes too severe.

Most cases of onychomycosis begin on the feet, so hygiene to avoid nail fungus begins with good foot care. Keep your feet clean and dry as much as possible. When you shower or bathe, wash between your toes and then dry these areas carefully - be sure to use a different part of the towel to dry between each toe, as fungi and other pathogens can be spread from one area to another with a towel or cloth. If you tend to have sweaty feet, it's good nail fungus hygiene to buy socks that will absorb rather than trap the moisture, and change them daily, or even more often if necessary. Wear shoes with as much ventilation as possible.

Hygiene to avoid nail fungus includes keeping your nails trimmed and clean. Dirt and organisms can get trapped under the nails, where it is warm and moist, and begin to grow - fungi that are able to live on keratin, the protein in nails and hair, can invade the nail and initiate an infection that is hard to get rid of. Nail fungus hygiene also means watching out for cuts and scratches: breaks in the skin can allow organisms to get past your immune defenses, so take care of even minor injuries near the nails, keeping them clean and covered if appropriate until they heal.

Footwear is an important part of nail fungus hygiene, but you need to strike a balance between protecting your feet from exposure to fungi, and trapping moisture and fungi inside shoes that don't have much ventilation. In a warm climate, it's easy to wear airy footwear, but this is also the type of climate where you are most likely to need good hygiene to avoid nail fungus - fungi thrive in warm damp environments. It's a good idea to wear shoes all the time while outside: even a pair of light sandals will minimize exposure to soil and contaminated surfaces. Be especially careful to wear shoes in moist public places such as swimming pool decks, locker rooms, saunas and showers.

If you do see the beginnings of what looks like nail fungus in spite of good nail fungus hygiene, you may be able to vanquish it quickly with one of the home or alternative remedies. The quicker you act the better, since advanced onychomycosis is particularly difficult to get rid of. Trim and file the affected nail as much as possible, continue to use hygiene to avoid nail fungus to lessen the chance that it will spread to other digits, and diligently apply the remedy that you have chosen. If the nail does not show signs of improvement within a couple of weeks, see your doctor to have the condition properly diagnosed.

Stop Nail Fungus

2007-07-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

As we get older, many of us face the dilemma of how to stop nail fungus infections (onychomycosis). The risk of suffering from onychomycosis increases with age and the infection seems to be growing more common overall - as many as 13% of North Americans have a fungal nail infection at any one time. Fungal infections in healthy humans are generally restricted to the hair, skin, and nails; infected nails account for about one third of these infections. Because the fingernails and toenails are essentially dead tissue, fungal growth in them can be very difficult to eradicate. It's best to give your nails regular care and deal with any abnormality early, before it becomes too advanced.

Home remedies against nail fungus are usually more effective if you begin to use them early, before the fungal growth involves too much of the nail or spreads to the surrounding skin. To prevent onychomycosis, be good to your nails. Treat any small cuts and scrapes, as well as larger injuries promptly. Keep your feet clean and dry, try not to leave your hands immersed in water for long periods of time, and keep all nails clean and well trimmed. Wear gardening gloves when working with the soil, footwear when walking in public showers and swimming areas, and shoes and boots with as much air circulation as possible. Air out your footwear and make sure shoes and boots are thoroughly dry before wearing them. An occasional dusting of footwear with antifungal powder provides extra ammunition to stop nail fungus. Finally, don't borrow nail files, nail clippers, or other nail equipment from others, and don't wear second-hand or borrowed shoes and boots: fungi that cause nail infections spread from person to person.

If signs of onychomycosis appear and you want to nip it in the bud, you might try one of the home remedies against nail fungus. First, trim away as much of the affected nail as possible, then use the remedy according to any instructions you've been given. Home remedies include vinegar or dilute bleach soaks, application of Vick's Vaporub ointment, soaking in Listerine mouthwash, even beer soaks. Do some research or consult someone who has experience with the remedy so you'll know how to do it properly. Home remedies are not a hundred percent - some people are able to stop nail fungus with them and some are not, but the same is true for every nail fungus medication, even the prescription drugs. If you want to increase the odds of success, a natural remedy such as tea tree oil might be a worthwhile purchase.

If you are not able to stop nail fungus with these simple treatments, it may be that your nail infection is too far advanced, or that you have not used the remedy for long enough. It may also be that the problem is not onychomycosis, but some other nail abnormality that should be seen and treated by a medical professional. There are other nail problems that con look very like a fungal nail infection and only a specialist can give you a certain diagnosis. These less common ailments don't respond to home remedies against nail fungus! For chronic nail problems that haven't responded to your self-care attempts, the best option is to see your doctor.

Nail Fungus Health Risks

2007-06-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

People who suffer from fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) often wonder whether there are nail fungus health risks that they should worry about - thankfully, there are not many. Nail fungus infections cause unsightly deformation and discoloration of the affected nail, and that alone can do considerable damage to self image and self esteem, but in terms of general health, there is usually no cause for panic. Though difficult to treat and generally slow to respond to treatment even when they do clear up, fungal infections of fingernails and toenails generally do not spread inward to attack internal organs or tissues, or advance outward to cover the body surface. The body's natural defenses against invading organisms - our immunity - is generally able to prevent spread.

There are some onychomycosis health risks that's it's wise to keep in mind, however, if you think you have a fungal nail infection. Most of these infections are caused by dermatophytes - fungi that have evolved to grow on nails, skin and hair. In nature, most types of fungi grow on decaying organic material; they don't do well in nails and can't invade healthy skin and hair - the dermatophytes, in contrast, can break down keratin, a protein found in nails, skin, and hair, to get nutrients. Once a dermatophyte is established in a finger or toe nail, the most urgent concern is that it may indeed spread to the surrounding skin or to other nails. These infections, athletes foot, ring worm, or spreading onychomycosis, carry no more nail fungus health risks than the original infection did, but they can be distressing, embarrassing, and uncomfortable.

Another of the recognized onychomycosis health risks arises from the discomfort of toe nail fungus infection. In an advanced case of nail fungus infection, where the fungus has deformed the nail itself, it may be difficult to find comfortable footwear - the nail rubs against the inside of a shoe and the digit is often inflamed and sensitive. A loss of mobility quickly results, especially in climates where warm or protective footwear is essential. When mobility is impaired, quality of life is affected, and lack of physical activity can lead to poor circulation in the legs and feet. Varicose veins and stasis ulcers, both a genuine threat to health, particularly in diabetics, are made worse by a lack of physical activity. Thus, while there are no direct serious threats to health from onychomycosis, indirect nail fungus health risks can be serious in some individuals and fungal nail infections should be treated before they reach a stage where mobility is impaired.

Finally, though direct onychomycosis health risks are minimal and limited, some types of nail fungus infection can be a sign of preexisting health problems that should be investigated. One such manifestation of nail fungus infection is called proximal subungual onychomycosis. In this condition, the fungus begins to grow in the nail at the point distant from the tip, around the edge of the skin above the cuticle. From there it grows downward to the root where nail is built and then begins to move forward toward the tip underneath the nail. In most people the immune system prevents fungus from spreading like this in this location; therefore proximal subungual onychomycosis can indicate a problem with immunity.

If you think you have a nail fungus infection, avoid nail fungus health risks and the ugliness of advanced onychomycosis by having the problem diagnosed by a medical professional. Treatment is usually more effective when it is started early.

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis

2007-06-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

What is distal subungual onychomycosis? It sounds like a long complicated medical term, but this simply means a nail fungus infection that starts under the nail at the tip of the finger or toe. Distal means "distant from" (distant from the root of the nail); subungual means "under the nail," and onychomycosis is the scientific term for a fungal infection of the nail. Many of us think in terms of just one type of nail fungus infection but, in fact there are a number of different manifestations of this troublesome infection and doctors use specific terms to differentiate between them.

Other types of subungual nail fungus infections include lateral subungual (spreading along the side of the nail), and proximal subungual (starting near the cuticle and root of the nail). All of these forms of the infection tend to involve dermatophytes - fungi that are specially adapted to grow in nails, skin, and hair - but distal subungual onychomycosis is by far the one most commonly seen. Lateral infections usually accompany the distal form while proximal infections are quite rare and tend to occur in cases of nail injury or in patients whose immune system is not functioning properly.

After lateral and distal subungual onychomycosis, the next most common type of fungal nail infection is white superficial onychomycosis. As the name implies, in this condition the fungus invades the nail from the top surface, producing a white patch that spreads to cover the entire surface over time. The infection usually involves the toenails. Like subungual nail fungus, superficial infections are usually caused by dermatophytes, though the fungal species involved may be different. Only about ten percent of fungal nail infections are superficial. This type of infection probably responds better to topical antifungal treatments because the thickness of the nail does not lie between the treatment and the fungus.

All nail conditions suspicious of distal subungual onychomycosis, and indeed any form of fungal nail infection, should be properly diagnosed by a medical professional. Just as there are different types of fungal nail infections, there are also other conditions that can cause deformation and discoloration of nails. Some of these look surprising like superficial or subungual nail fungus - be sure that fungus is the cause of your nail problem before attempting to treat it. Once you are sure of the diagnosis, you can choose between prescription drugs for onychomycosis, an alternative nail fungus remedy, or one of the traditional home remedies.

Types of Nail Fungus

2007-05-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Fungal infection of toe nails and fingernails (onychomycosis) is very common and seems to be increasing, but many people do not know that there are a number of different types of nail fungus infection. Not only are there different species of fungus that can infect nails, fungi also affect the nail in different ways. This article describes the different manifestations of nail fungus infection.

The most common of the various types of onychomycosis is distal subungual onychomycosis. In this condition, the infection typically begins at the hyponychium, the area at the toe or fingertip under the edge of the nail. It is usually caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum, a fungus adapted for living in hair, skin, and nails. From the site of infection, the fungus spreads through the nail matrix backwards toward the cuticle and along the sides of the nail. There is some evidence that certain people are more susceptible to distal subungual onychomycosis, a susceptibility that is passed genetically. Unlike some of the other types of nail fungus, dermatophytes can spread to the surrounding skin, and often do.

More uncommon among the types of onychomycosis is white superficial onychomycosis, an infection that typically affects the toenails but not the fingernails. Usually caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, another dermatophyte, the fungus begins to grow in the surface superficial layers of nails and subsequently spreads to involve the whole surface of the nail. As with all types of onychomycosis, the fungus breaks down the nail itself to derive nutrients, and in doing so, makes the nail soft, crumbly and deformed.

The most unusual of the types of nail fungus infection is proximal subungual onychomycosis, so uncommon in healthy people that its appearance may signal a abnormality with the immune system. Trichophyton rubrum is usually the culprit, gaining access to the nail bed through the proximal nail fold, the flap of skin that covers the nail just behind the cuticle. From its starting point, the fungus invades the root, where nail is built, and then spreads outward toward the tip of the nail. In a susceptible individual, this type of onychomycosis can affect both fingernails and toe nails equally.

Candida spp., yeasts, are also known to infect nails and the surrounding tissue, and cause some of the types of onychomycosis familiar to dermatologists. Candidal infection of the nails themselves sometimes occurs after injury to the nail, and is sometimes seen in patients who have candidal infections in other locations such as the mouth or vagina. A type of nail fungus infection known as paronychia involves the tissue adjacent to the nail and is generally a rapidly advancing and uncomfortable condition that brings the patient swiftly to the doctor's office or emergency department. Paronychia tends to strike individuals who have their hands in water for long periods.

Finally, any of the types of onychomycosis described above can culminate in total dystrophic onychomycosis, a condition where the entire nail is destroyed by fungal growth.

Aspergillus Nail Infection

2007-04-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Fungal nail infections can be caused by a variety of species of fungi; aspergillus nail infection (onychomycosis) is a relatively unusual type caused by an environmental fungus. There are many different species of Aspergillus fungi - they grow on decaying plant and animal matter in nature and disperse their spores throughout the natural world. As well, aspergillus thrives in human environments: in moist damp cellars, sheds and barns, on moldy food, straw, grains, and in fields where plant stubble is decomposing. We come in contact with aspergillus spores constantly. Usually the mold is not a health problem; however, occasionally inhalation of spores causes fungal lung infections, and contamination of nails can result in onychomycosis.

Aspergillus onychomycosis is generally a distal subungual infection: it starts under the nail near the tip of the finger, where spores may have lodged under the nail or at the sides where the nail creases the skin. Once the fungus starts to grow, the infection spreads back toward the cuticle. It looks much the same as any fungal nail infection, discoloring the nail, causing it to become thick, distorted and flaky. The fungus will not, however, spread to the surrounding skin like some other fungal causes of nail infection. Aspergillus species growing in nature often produce colorful pigments; therefore, an aspergillus nail infection may well appear greenish, black, brown or various other shades.

It is not possible for a doctor to diagnose aspergillus onychomycosis just by looking at the affected nail. Only about half of nail diseases are caused by fungi, and only a small percentage of those are aspergillus nail infection: onychomycosis is more often caused by one of the dermatophytes (fungi that grow on skin) - Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and others.
To determine what species of fungus, if any, is responsible, a nail sample must be cultured in the laboratory and any fungal growth identified by experts.

An aspergillus nail infection can be treated in the same way as any other fungal nail infection. It should be remembered however, that aspergillus may not be one of the fungi that drug manufacturers and producers of antifungal alternative remedies have tested their formulations against. Testing of antifungals is usually done using the most common causes of the infection and aspergillus onychomycosis is relatively unusual. This may explain some treatment failures so often reported for nail fungus treatments.

New Nail Fungus Cure

2007-03-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

A new nail fungus cure is always a welcome thing. Fungal nail infections, called onychomycosis, have probably been around as long as animals have had nails, claws and horns: a few species of fungi are well adapted to finding nutrients in these materials. Remedies for the problem have been around for a while too, but fungus in a nail is notoriously hard to treat, and remedies, whether they be folk cures or pharmaceuticals, tend to take a long time to work.

Home remedies for nail fungus abound—and so do debates about how well they work. Antifungal drugs are becoming more common but they come with a high price tag and valid concerns about safety: how much drug toxicity are we willing to tolerate to make a toe nail or finger nail look better? A new nail fungus cure that that is affordable, safe, and effective is sorely needed. That is why there is so much interest in a promising relatively product—tea tree nail treatment.

Tea tree nail treatment relies on tea tree oil, an essential oil derived from the tea tree of Australia, Melaleuca alternafolia. Scientific studies investigating the properties of tea tree oil are ongoing, and results already indicate that the plant has valuable antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It’s potential as a new nail fungus cure is already supported by anecdotal evidence, and it is being marketed for this application, sometimes as a pure oil, sometimes in combination with other essential oils.

This new nail fungus cure has other appealing features: research indicates that it is safe to use as a topical (it should not, however, be taken internally as its safety has not been established for that), and it is relatively inexpensive compared to prescription drugs. Tea tree nail treatment does not require a prescription or medical monitoring. The oil is readily available from sources for alternative medicine products and in some pharmacies.

It’s still advisable, of course, to have a fungal nail infection properly diagnosed by a medical professional, who can also give professional advice about current treatment options. Self diagnosis can be incorrect, leading to inappropriate treatment and prolonged medical problems.

Lamisil for Nail Fungus

2007-03-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

Many dermatologists today are routinely prescribing Lamisil for nail fungus. This prescription drug contains the antifungal agent terbinafine. It is taken in tablet form - one pill every day for six to twelve weeks. The longer treatment period is recommended for fungal toenail infections, which take longer to clear up. Terbinafine is a safer drug than many of the antifungal medications that have been used in the past, apparently justifying its use to treat fungal nail infections.

Difficulties with systemic antifungals in the past, as opposed to a home cure for nail fungus, included organ toxicity, particularly liver and kidney damage. Though the risk has been reduced, it still exists, and patients taking terbinafine should have regular blood tests to monitor their liver and kidney function. In addition, Lamisil for nail fungus is not recommended in a number of health situations including preexisting liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, and alcoholism, or in combination with a host of other drugs including acetaminophen, oral contraceptives and estrogen.

Due to the risks of side effects and the extraordinarily high cost of Lamisil for nail fungus, many people still opt for more traditional cures for nail fungus infection. There are many of these, as prescription drugs were simply not available until very recently. A natural remedy may involve soaking the nail daily in vinegar, dilute chlorine, or commercial products like hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash. Some remedies are painted or pasted on - antifungal mud, Vicks VapoRub, or alternative remedies made from plant extracts and essential oils. For any of these methods, home cure for nail fungus takes as long as it takes the nail to grow out completely, and success depends on a commitment to stick with the treatment until results are achieved.

Whether you opt for a natural remedy of use Lamisil for nail fungus treatment, you can increase your odds of success by adopting good foot care practices. Keep your nails clean and neatly trimmed, and for infected nails, regularly clip of file away any parts of the nail that are flaky or loose. Keep your feet clean and dry, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes - some fungi that infect nails can spread to the surrounding skin. If you are trying a home cure for nail fungus, find out as much as you can about it and follow instructions carefully. While remedies using vinegar or bleach are attractively cheap, you may obtain faster and more effective results with an alternative product. Essential plant oils, especially tea tree oil show considerable promise and are backed up by at least preliminary scientific data.

If you think you have a nail fungus infection, consult your doctor before starting to treat it, and never use prescription medication that has been prescribed for someone ease. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose a fungal nail infection.

Foot Fungus Nail

2007-02-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Usually caused by fungal species known as dermatophytes, foot fungus nail infections are common, embarrassing, and difficult to get rid of. Usually picked up in the environment, dermatophytes are specially adapted to life in human nails and hair, on human skin, and on hooves, fur, and horn of animals. The reason that these organism can live in these places when other organisms cannot is because they are able to break down keratin, a protein found in these non-living tissues.

The very thing that makes it possible for a fungal species to cause a foot nail fungus infection – the ability to live on protein in non-living tissue, is the same thing that makes a nail infection (onychomycosis) difficult to treat successfully. Hair, nails, and dead skin cells have no blood supply or nerve endings - the immune system of the body is not able to act against a fungus living inside a hair or a nail. It's essentially dead tissue with no immune response to infection. Foot fungus nail, hair, and skin infections need special medications. The incidence of these infections increases with age, and they are difficult to eradicate entirely, and tend to recur. Many people suffer from them.

Most commonly, foot nail fungus is treated with a topical preparation - a substance that is applied directly to the nail in the hope that it will penetrate the substance of the nail and kill the fungus inside. Various substances have been used: chlorine bleach, vinegar, essential plant oils, disinfectant solutions, antifungal foot creams, and specific prescription drugs. These cures do sometimes work - prescription drugs have controlled studies to back up the claim that they can treat a foot fungus nail infection topically if treatment is started soon enough. Anecdotal reports support the use of other preparations, particularly old home remedies such as vinegar and chlorine bleach. Meanwhile scientific studies of the antifungal properties of plant essential oils such as tea tree oil indicate that these substances, too, can work.

The key to treating a foot fungus nail infection successfully lies in getting the topical preparation to the fungus itself. To aid in this, it's helpful to trim back the nail foot fungus is living in. This means not only clipping the nail in the usual way, but also carefully trimming or filing away any portions that have become thickened, flaky or soft, Trim down as much as you can without doing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue - the less the area of nail the topical treatment has to work its way through, the more likely it is to be effective.

As with all medical conditions, consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis of foot fungus nail problems and experienced advice regarding treatment.

Nail Fungus Polish

2007-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

In recent years, the first effective topical prescription treatment for nail fungus infections - nail fungus polish - has become available. Penlac, a commercial tradename for the drug ciclopirox is a nail laquer, a preparation that comes in a little bottle like a bottle of nail polish, and that is applied to the infected nail with a small brush. Ciclopirox is only recommended in cases where the infection does not affect the lunula (the cresent shaped white area at the base of the nail). In an advanced infection where fungus has invaded the lunula, Penlac is not recommended.

Ciclopirox copies the method of the average natural cure for nail fungus: an antifungal substance is applied to an infected nail in the hopes that it will penetrate the nail to reach the fungus and kill it. This approach has obvious advantages over systemic antifungal drugs. A nail fungus polish specifically treats the affected area and does not expose the rest of the body to antifungal agents. The possibility of adverse side effects of a systemic drug are eliminated and periodic blood tests to measure the drug's effects on body functions are also avoided. Penlac is not perfect however.

Like every topical natural cure for nail fungus, ciclopirox takes a long time to work, frequently doesn't result in a perfectly clear nail, doesn't work on every species of fungus that may infect a nail, and should be used with caution in certain circumstances (such as immunosuppression, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy etc.: consult your doctor). Another marked disadvantage of this prescription drug is that Penlac nail fungus polish is expensive, putting it out of reach of many people without drug plans to cover the expense.

When ciclopirox nail fungus polish cannot be used for health or financial reasons, or if the patient prefers not to use a prescription drug, a natural cure for nail fungus is an obvious choice. Relatively new products on the market, especially those that contain the antiseptic tea tree oil, are backed up by some scientific study but derived from natural sources and not controlled by pharmaceutical companies. Like ciclopirox, tea tree oil appears to be capable of penetrating the nail to reach the fungus, and it's clear that tea tree oil has antifungal activity. It works well for many people.

Before prescribing ciclopirox nail fungus polish, your doctor should take a sample of your affected nail for laboratory testing. At this time, only microscopic examination and fungal culture can confirm that the problem with your nail is truly fungal growth. Other nail abnormalities can look a lot like fungal growth empirically, but are caused by something that will not be cured with antifungal agents. Likewise, before spending time and money on a natural cure for nail fungus, it's a good idea to have the tests done to confirm fungal infection. Studies have estimated that as many as one third of patients treated with antifungals based on nail appearance alone, do not have nail fungus infection.

Cause of Nail Fungus

2007-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

The cause of nail fungus infection is nearly always one of a small group of fungi and yeasts that are capable of drawing nutrition from keratin, a protein found in nails, or of invading the soft tissue around the nail. The organisms that can do this fall into three groups: dermatophytes, saprophytes, and yeasts. The dermatophytes are the most common offenders.

An advancing fungus under nail plate areas is usually a dermatophyte. These fungi are adapted for life on the hair, skin, nails, and horns of animals. They metabolize keratin and spread throughout a finger nail or toe nail and often to other nails as well. These fungi are the most common cause of nail fungus because keratin containing tissue is their natural environment - they survive well in damp areas in the environment, but proliferate on the nonliving tissues of live animals. These fungi are often picked up from shared shoes and from walking barefoot in public places where moisture favors the fungi - swimming pool decks, public showers and dressing rooms etc. Some type of footwear is advised in these locations.

Saprophytes are environmental fungi that normally grow on dead and decaying organic matter; therefore, they are a relatively rare cause of nail fungus infection. They are all common in the environment and can be contracted by farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and other people who work with plants or soil. It's a good idea to wear gloves if you're working outside: dirt and fungus under nail edges can set up a fungal infection if there are any breaks in the skin.

While it's usual to get a fungus under nail edges and plates, yeast infections tend to set in under different circumstances. These organisms take advantage of very damp conditions - the fingernails of people who have their hands in water a great deal are particularly vulnerable. When there is constant moisture, the nail becomes soft. Yeast cells invade and start to proliferate, causing lifting and buckling of the nail itself, and swelling and inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue. In severe infections, there is extreme inflammation and production of pus. Unlike the average fungal cause of nail fungus, a yeast nail infection tends to be more acute, more uncomfortable, and more urgent.

Nail Fungus Symptom

2007-02-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

The most prominent nail fungus symptom is a visible change in the appearance of a toe nail or fingernail. Signs of infection (onychomycosis) often begin at the end nearest the tip of the nail, underneath the nail where it naturally separates from the nail bed. This is frequently where fungi gain access to the nail and begin to slowly spread through the layers of nail under the surface. Fungal growth may first appear as a white patch or yellowish discoloration. The color change then typically spreads slowly across the nail and back towards the cuticle.

When the cause of toe nail fungus is a yeast species, rather than a typical fungus, the symptoms can be quite different. Yeast infections often begin at a break in the skin at the edge of the nail, or in a soft moist nail, and involve the soft tissue of the finger as well as the nail at an early stage. A yeast infection of the nail can be very painful with a red swollen finger tip or toe, and possibly the production of pus. A red swollen painful nail or fingertip should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

A filamentous fungus is the most common cause of toe nail fungus. A number of different fungi cause this slower, more chronic type of onychomycosis. Though these infections are generally not painful in the early stages, fingers and toes can become quite tender when the infection is advanced. At an advanced stage a typical nail fungus symptom is a thickened, discolored, crumbling nail that may be white, yellow, brown or even black. Infection tends to spread to other nails, and some fungi are also capable of spreading to infect the surrounding skin.

Though many people believe they are familiar enough with a typical nail fungus symptom to diagnose it themselves, other things can cause a very similar picture. Bacterial growth underneath a nail can look green or black, and some nail deformities caused by noninfectious processes can also look a lot like onychomycosis. Even when the problem is nail fungus, it's a good idea to get a doctor to look at it so that lab testing can determine the exact cause of toe nail fungus - the species of fungus involved. If you believe you have onychomycosis, see your doctor immediately so that you can start treating it properly, early.

Vicks for Nail Fungus

2007-02-03T05:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of someone using Vicks for nail fungus? Vicks VapoRub is one of the over-the-counter products that are recommended by many people as a topical treatment for nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Reports of its efficacy are anecdotal and contradictory: no controlled studies have been done and some people report success while other say it doesn't work. In reality, no onychomycosis treatment works for all cases - but does Vicks work often enough to be worth a try?

We can only guess why some people apply Vicks and toe nail fungus retreats, but there are some clues that might explain it. First, anecdotal reports claim success in children. Children tend to have thin, soft nails, so perhaps the active ingredient in the ointment is able to penetrate children's nails more easily than the thick hard nails of many adults. If this is the case, using Vicks for nail fungus may work better for adults with thin soft nails. It may also be more effective when the infected nail is trimmed and filed until it is as thin as possible. While this is good advice for any topical nail treatment: it may be especially relevant for Vicks VapoRub.

Why would using Vicks for nail fungus work at all? If there is something in the ointment that kills fungi, it is likely one or all of the essential oils derived from plants. Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, menthol, spirits of turpentine, eucalyptus oil, oil of cedar leaf, and myristica oil, all of which are derived from plant sources. Interestingly, essential oils of plants are common ingredients of many of the newer alternative remedies available for nail fungus treatment. Tea tree oil is the ingredient most often mentioned, but essential oils from herbs such as oregano are also used.

Appealing as it may seem, however, the evidence for Vicks and toe nail fungus isn't particularly strong. There is more evidence to support the efficacy of tea tree oil and other blends of essential oils specially formulated for this purpose. Though it may be cheaper to use Vicks for nail fungus, it seems likely that better results will be obtained with one of the other products.

Before self-treating a nail fungus infection, consult a health professional for a proper diagnosis and competent medical advice.

Vinegar Nail Fungus

2007-01-29T16:32:00.000-08:00

The vinegar nail fungus cure must be one of the oldest traditional treatments for this common and unpleasant type of infection. The rationale behind this treatment is that fungus does not like an acid environment, therefore soaking an infected nail in vinegar, an acid, will kill off the fungus. Although vinegar has not been scientifically studied as a cure for onychomycosis, there is current interest in the potential for acids to act on fungal nail infections, and the fact that this home remedy is still around suggests that there may be something to it.

For treating nail fungus apple cider vinegar may be even better than white vinegar, and many people believe that apple cider vinegar has other healthful properties. Taking it internally on a daily basis, they say, will clear up allergies, heal skin conditions, detoxify the system, give you more energy, and even boost your vinegar nail fungus fighting ability. Again, modern medicine hasn't confirmed the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, but it hasn't debunked it either. Many people use this home remedy and swear by it.

To try the vinegar nail fungus home remedy, simply soak the affected hand or foot in a container of vinegar for about twenty minutes to half an hour once or twice a day. It's important to keep up the treatment and take the time to do it every single day because the fungus can presumably recover and rebound if you stop for periods of time. To treat nail fungus apple cider vinegar may not be any more effective that white vinegar if you are soaking - and white vinegar is very much cheaper - however apple cider vinegar that contains "the mother of vinegar" is reputed to be much better for internal use.

Treatment for nail fungus takes time, and the vinegar nail fungus treatment is no different. The problem is that the fungus is actually growing inside the cells that form the nail. It takes time for a new nail to grow in, so the trick is to prevent the infection from advancing while new healthy nail grows. If you are successful at this, your treatment will take as long as it takes for your body to entirely replace the nail. During this entire period, you must continue to use the remedy; however, this is not a particular disadvantage of the vinegar nail fungus treatment - it's the same for all treatments except surgical removal of the nail.

A word of caution: if your nail problem isn't nail fungus apple cider vinegar or any other acid is unlikely to help, so get the problem properly diagnosed by a health care professional before embarking on this time consuming home remedy.

Toe Nail Fungus Treatment

2007-01-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Toe nail fungus treatment is something that causes a lot of frustration and debate. It's difficult: once a fungal infection becomes well established in a nail, it's hard to get rid of, and if you do get rid of it, it often comes back. You get conflicting advice: some people swear by traditional home remedies; some claim that various over-the-counter products or household chemicals will work; some bet on the newest alternative medicine remedies; some insist that a prescription drug is the only solution. It's expensive, especially if you go the prescription drug route. All of these arguments are valid.

When fungus starts to grow in a nail, it grows within the nail itself, rather than in the surrounding tissue, so while exploring how to kill fungus, we have to think about what will penetrate the nail. Especially in the early stages, while the nail is still relatively intact, many types of toe nail fungus treatment simply don't make their way through the thick nail and therefore they tend not to work. Even in severe fungal nail infection, when the nail is softer and crumbly, fungal growth can lie protected between the layers of nail. This is a problem for all but the oral treatments. The speed with which a nail can be cured is limited, of course, by the speed at which the nail grows.

As for the varied types of toe nail fungus treatment, most of them probably work to some degree for some people. There are new prescription medications that show good effectiveness (but they don't work for everyone). Most of them are oral drugs, so they get around the problem of how to kill nail fungus through the thick nail. Remember, however, that when you use an oral medication, you're not just treating the nail, you're treating the whole body - side effects do occur. While many of the home remedies may work as well, they tend to take a very long time and some treatments (like soaking in vinegar) are very time consuming. Some alternative remedies (like tea tree oil) show great promise as toe nail fungus treatment for the future.

When you're considering how to kill nail fungus, it's not pleasant to have to consider the cost, but it's a fact that many people who don't have drug plans to cover a prescription antifungal won't be able to afford the prescription medications. Costing dollars a day and requiring a treatment course of months, they are just too expensive. Alternative medicines are probably the lowest in cost and the best bet in terms of the likelihood of success. Though still expensive relative to vinegar or bleach, two of the home remedies, they are less costly than prescription drugs by a wide margin. Fortunately, they are readily available anywhere, via the internet.

Nail Fungi

2007-01-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

The group of fungi sometimes generally referred to as nail fungi are actually various fungal species that fall into two groups. The most common are the dermatophytes, species that are actually adapted to live on skin, hair, nails, and horn, and cause infections in humans and animals in those sites. The second group includes environmental species, fungal species that do sometimes infect nails but usually grow on other food sources in nature.

Published facts about fungi often suggest that fungal nail infections are passed directly from person to person. Fungi produce "conidia," spores that are resistant to environmental conditions and that can remain viable in clothing (like socks), shoes, towels, and places where there is constant moisture such as swimming pool decks and shower stalls. For the dermatophytes, spores in shared shoes and linens and in public places where people go barefoot are significant modes of transmission. For the others, exposure to soil or decaying organic matter is probably more significant. All nail fungi are opportunists: they exploit opportunities presented by exposure to many people, and by the susceptibility of individuals.

One of the interesting facts about fungi that infect hair and nails is that they don't live on living tissue. Hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin cells on our skin are not alive. These parts of our bodies have no nerve endings or blood supply. Nails are formed of skin-like cells piled densely together layer upon layer continuously and pushed out onto the tips of fingers and toes to form a protective layer. Nail fungi grow and spread between these cells, drawing nutrients from the non-living cells. This is also one of the things that make fungal nail infections difficult to treat: topical treatments often fail to penetrate the hard nail, and oral drugs delivered to the site in the blood don't reach the fungal growth.

Although infections caused by nail fungi often appear with little warning, there are things we can do to decrease the chances of acquiring them. First, don't share footwear or buy second hand shoes, and launder socks, towels and other linens frequently. Keep your shoes clean and dry and try not to wear the same pair day after day so that they have lots of time to dry out. Allow as much air circulation around fingers and toes as possible. Keep nails trimmed and clean, and attend to even minor injuries promptly: another of the well documented facts about fungi is that they can gain entry through breaks in the skin and nail injuries. Finally, wear some kind of footwear around swimming pools and in public showers and dressing rooms.

If signs of a fungal infection do appear, see a doctor promptly as these infections are much easier to clear up before they are too advanced.

Acrylic Nail Fungus

2007-01-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

There's really no such thing as acrylic nail fungus - fungi don't really infect artificial nails, but may infect the natural nail underneath the acrylic one. Fungi that do this are the same species that infect fingernails and toenails in people who don't wear acrylic nails. Fungal infection of a fingernail may go unnoticed for longer under an acrylic nail perhaps, because it is covered up.

The best approach to getting rid of an artificial fingernail fungus infection is probably to let the nail first revert to its natural state. Have the acrylic nail removed and trim back the natural nail as much as possible so that you can treat the area with an antifungal agent. Exposed from under the acrylic nail fungus will look quite ugly and embarrassing, but it's best to put up with this or you will likely have a difficult time clearing up the infection.

Even without the artificial fingernail fungus will not go away on its own. The first step is to make sure that what you think is acrylic nail fungus is really that and not some other nail abnormality that looks similar. It's best to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis before choosing a treatment. Should you decide to use a prescription drug to treat the problem, a medical doctor is the only one who can give you a prescription and advise you about treatment.

There are alternatives to prescription drugs for acrylic nail fungus - some of the alternative remedies on the market today show great promise as relatively inexpensive and effective treatments for both natural fungal nail infections and artificial nail fungus. Studies have shown that some plants have potent antifungal properties and alternative medicine practitioners have exploited these botanical properties to produce both topical and oral products that are marketed as nail fungus remedies. The best of these are the ones that contain tea tree oil, an essential oil obtained from the Australian tea tree. Research has shown that tea tree oil has antifungal properties as well as antiviral and antibacterial activity.

Alternative nail fungus remedies are predominantly topical applications - solutions that are applied to the nail and that penetrate through to the fungus underneath to do their work. This is why, in the case of acrylic nail fungus, it's important to expose the natural nail where the infection is in order to treat the infection properly.

Picture of Toe Nail Fungus

2007-01-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

If you have a problem with a fingernail or toenail, you may wonder if you have a fungal infection, and you're probably looking for a good picture of toe nail fungus. Be careful however - other nail abnormalities can look very similar to fungal infection of the nail (onychomycosis). It is best not to try to make your own diagnosis, but to consult your family doctor or even a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of the problem.

There are many pictures of severe nail fungus infections on the internet. They can often be found at websites for nail products or manicure and pedicure services, at sites that advertise remedies for nail fungus, and on medical websites. For a valuable comparison of a picture of toe nail fungus and pictures of other nail problems, visit The Dermatologists' Image Resource at http://www.dermnet.com/moduleIndex.cfm?moduleID=13 Photos of onychomycosis are found under the "distal subungual" link; however, look at the pictures under the other links as well - you will see how similar other nail abnormalities can look.

If you find a picture of toe nail fungus that looks just like what you are suffering with, you should make an appointment with your doctor so that a sample can be sent to the lab for confirmation. Many general practitioners will rule out severe nail fungus before sending you on to a specialist, and the easiest way to do this is to take some scrapings of the nail and have them cultured for fungi - if the report is negative for nail fungus, you will likely be sent to a dermatologist who knows more about these conditions.

If the doctor confirms your suspicion that you have severe nail fungus, you will be able to start treatment knowing that it is likely to help. Be aware, however, that a number of different fungal species cause nail infections, and that no treatment for onychomycosis works in all cases. Many people prefer traditional home remedies or natural alternatives to the prescription drugs that are available. Controlled trials show that the prescription drugs do not always work, even when used for a long period of time, and that there are occasional serious side effects. Studies of some of the newest natural herbal treatments, such as tea tree oil indicate that these products may be just as good while being safer to use. If these treatments continue to show promise, the picture of toe nail fungus treatment may change. In the mean time, investigate the options and choose the treatment you are most comfortable with.

Nail Fungus Home Treatment

2006-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

Now it’s possible to use a nail fungus home treatment with more confidence than ever in the potential for success. This is because scientific research has shown that some natural remedies really do have antifungal properties and great potential for fighting off the fungi that invade hair, nails and skin. We're not talking about vinegar soaks and hydrogen peroxide here although those older remedies may also work (they lack scientific backing), we're talking about herbal extracts and oils - tea tree oil, Pau d'Arco, and other essential oils.

A natural remedy for nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) is preferable to a nail fungus prescription drug for several reasons. Prescription drugs for onychomycosis tend to be very expensive - because the daily dose amounts to dollars rather than cents, and a typical course of treatment spans months or even years, the patient neither a drug plan to cover the cost, nor a very healthy budget, will often not be able to afford the drug. Even if money's no object, however, fears of serious side effects remain - though the modern drugs are much less toxic than drugs of the past, potential side effects of oral medications for onychomycosis include organ damage and other toxicities. Patients taking these drugs should be monitored for problems and those with preexisting liver or kidney problems should not take them at all. These limitations make it important that we find a nail fungus home treatment that works.

The natural substance that shows the greatest promise at present as a nail fungus home treatment is tea tree oil. This essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of a plant that grows in Australia. Applied directly to the affected nail, either as a pure oil or in a blend of other oils and herbal ingredients, it appears to be effective in clearing the infection in many cases. Scientific research has backed up anecdotal evidence that tea tree oil has antifungal properties, and as a natural preparation, it is available at a fraction of the cost of nail fungus prescription medicine. Tea tree oil should not be taken internally, as it has not been shown to be safe when ingested.

Another alternative to nail fungus prescription medicine that is validated by some scientific research is Pau d'Arco, an extract of the inner bark of a South American tree. This natural fungus home treatment is usually prepared as an infusion or tea. It is used as a beverage or as a soaking solution. As a beverage it has been used for centuries by indigenous South American people, and more recently by medical practitioners in that part of the world. It is said to have many other health benefits. As a soaking solution, its role would be to penetrate the infected nail and act directly on the fungus.

Good quality Pau d'Arco is somewhat more difficult to obtain than Tea Tree oil, and is likely to remain a somewhat marginal nail fungus home treatment. Tea tree oil, in contrast, is readily available and becoming more so. Even low concentrations combined with other herbal ingredients may be sufficient to treat onychomycosis. Given the disadvantages of the nail fungus prescription medicine currently available, either of these options is worth a try.

Always consult a medical doctor for a proper diagnosis of nail fungus infection before using any treatment.

How to Treat Nail Fungus

2006-12-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

How to treat nail fungus? If you’re grappling with this problem, you’re not alone: fungal nail infections are common, difficult to get rid of, and if you decide to use a prescription drug, you’ll be faced with both high costs and possible side effects. If you’re prepared to try to treat the infection without a prescription, read about home remedies, homeopathic treatments and alternative medicine treatments in order to choose something that you’ll be comfortable with.

Curing nail fungus takes time no matter what route you choose. Fingernails grow slowly and toenails grow more slowly still – once a fungus has infiltrated the nail, the portion that’s affected must grow out completely before all signs of infection will be gone. (Even if the fungus is dead, the damaged nail will not rebuild itself – it must grow out). Fungal remedies for nail infections often require you to set aside time every day, so when you are comparing methods for how to treat nail fungus, be honest with yourself about how much time you’re willing to give it over the long term.

While it’s likely that most home remedies that have stood the test of time will work in time if you follow instructions and stick with it, some of the most promising methods for curing nail fungus are new alternative remedies based on herbal knowledge and research. Producers of these products have approached the problem of how to treat nail fungus by investigating the antifungal properties of plant extracts – things like tea tree oil, neem oil, golden seal, echinacea, ginkgo, ginseng, and other well known herbal remedies. In recent years, scientific studies have supported the antifungal and antibacterial potential for many of these plants.

While prescription drugs used for curing nail fungus are generally taken orally, home remedies and alternative medicine products are generally applied topically (although at least one alternative remedy combines a topical treatment and an oral herbal supplement). The topical approach appeals to many people investigating how to cure nail fungus because it means that treatment is directed to the site of the problem instead of at the whole body. This differs from treatment with oral drugs, which expose internal organs to the antifungal agent unnecessarily.

Nail fungus infection should always be confirmed by a medical professional before any treatment is attempted: other nail conditions can mimic fungal infection.

Nail Fungus Medicine

2006-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have heard of some unusual substances being used as nail fungus medicine. Listerine mouthwash is an example of a home remedy for nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) that turns up time and time again. Is there any substance to it? There may be - many home remedies for onychomycosis call for soaking the affected foot or hand in an antiseptic solution of some kind. The solution might be dilute chlorine bleach, household vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide - all substances with antiseptic qualities. Presumably it is the antiseptic action of Listerine that inspired someone to try using it for this purpose.

There is no scientific backup for the Listerine toe nail fungus treatment and the product is not marketed for this use. Furthermore, like all treatments for onychomycosis, it reportedly works for some people but not for others. On the bright side, it's easy to get and relatively inexpensive, and soaking your feet or hands in it is unlikely to do you any harm. To use Listerine as a nail fungus medicine, simply pour enough into a basin to cover the nails on the affected hand or foot, and soak the nail for 30 minutes everyday. Alternatively, you might apply the Listerine directly to the nail several times each day with a cotton-tipped applicator or cotton ball. Be cautious at first until you are sure that your skin is not sensitive to repeated exposure to the solution.

Some people advocate mixing the Listerine nail fungus medicine half and half with vinegar to create an acid environment. It's true that the fungi that grow in nails don't do well in acid conditions, so this approach might be an improvement over a pure Listerine toe nail fungus remedy. No matter what solution you decide to use, however, this method of treating onychomycosis is likely to take time. Watch for healthy nail growing out at the cuticle. As your nail grows, the infected part should move nearer to the tip of the finger or toe, and eventually grow out altogether. If you see new healthy nail appearing, the infection is resolving.

There are a few things you can do to help your Listerine toe nail fungus treatment work for you. Most importantly have a doctor confirm that you do indeed have onychomycosis. Then, keep the nail trimmed as short as possible (but don't cut it so close that you damage the delicate tissue of the nail bed). Trim or file away any loose flaky bits of nail, and file down through the thickness of the nail to make it thinner, particularly if the infection is well advanced and the nail is thickened and distorted. Keep the foot or hand clean and dry - avoid frequent exposure to dish water, or prolonged periods encased in shoes and sweaty socks where there is no air circulation. Then be conscientious and patient - success with Listerine nail fungus medicine will take dedication and time.

All Natural Nail Fungus Remedy

2006-12-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

When faced with the challenge of treating a stubborn nail fungus infection, many people favor an all natural nail fungus remedy. Though there are new prescription drugs available to treat the problem, they tend to be very expensive and come with some potential side effects that are unappealing. Traditional home remedies, on the other hand, can be anything but natural: typically they call for something like chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, both of which come with dangers of their own. Fortunately, the alternative medicine profession has found some promising natural substances that can be as effective as the prescription drugs.

When searching for a product to heal nail fungus you probably can't do better than tea tree oil. This essential oil extracted from the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is showing great promise as an alternative to prescription medications for this common problem. Scientific research to date has shown that tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has been used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes, as a topical treatment for acne, arthritis, insect bites, vaginal yeast infections, dandruff, athletes' foot, and as an all natural nail fungus remedy. Though it does not work in every case, it has rapidly become the alternative nail fungus treatment of choice.

Another all natural nail fungus remedy that has lots of anecdotal support but less scientific research to recommend is Pau d'Arco. Pau d’Arco products are made from the lining of the bark of the Tabebuia avellandae tree, a tree native to Brazil. Indigenous people of Brazil and even medical practitioners in Brazil have used Pau d'Arco for many years - bark tea, alcoholic extracts and glycerin extracts of the inner bark are now available from natural health stores. Advice to heal nail fungus includes both ingesting the tea and soaking the nail in the tea. Unfortunately, preparations of Pau d'Arco are not standardized and some are made from the wrong part of the tree, so it's difficult to be sure you're using the right thing. Pau d'Arco is also known as Lapacho, Taheebo, or Ipe Roxo.

To learn about any other all natural fungus remedy, research essential oils such as oregano oil, thyme oil, cinnamon oil or other oils of aromatic herbs. Apple cider vinegar, Vitamin E, and Saprox natural antifungal mud might also interest you. Keep in mind, however, that many of these approaches to heal nail fungus have not been scientifically studied - you have only the testimonials of other people who have used them to tell you whether they are likely to work.

As with any medical condition, have any suspected nail fungus infection properly diagnosed by a physician.

Home Remedy for Toe Nail Fungus

2006-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a good home remedy for toe nail fungus, you're not alone. Many people hate the look of nails infected with a fungus, but they're reluctant to take a prescription drug to clear it up. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to taking oral prescription drugs. You only need to find the one that's right for you. No matter what remedy or remedies you decide to try, remember two things: fungal infection in a nail (onychomycosis) typically takes a long time to clear up, and no treatment, not even a prescription drug, works for everyone.

Although less common than toenail infection, hand nail fungus infection can be treated using the same methods. Treatment tends to be more difficult because we use our hands so much more and have a tendency to wash them frequently - it's hard to keep a topical treatment on the nail. If you are searching for fingernail fungus treatment, as opposed to just a home remedy for toe nail fungus, keep practical considerations in mind - some methods will fit better with your lifestyle than others.

You will find that a home remedy for toe nail fungus will usually fall into one of two categories: a folk remedy type of treatment using readily available substances such as vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, mouthwash etc., or an alternative medicine approach that requires the purchase of a product - a blend of essential oils or an herbal remedy. You will find testimonials for all the methods from people who have self-treated both foot and hand nail fungus successfully. The alternative remedies do have the advantage of being supported by scientific evidence in some cases - scientific studies on the effectiveness of bleach or vinegar for onychomycosis have not been published.

It's not possible to give instructions for every home remedy for toe nail fungus, but an example would be to soak the feet in a 50/50 solution of natural apple cider vinegar and water for 15 minutes each day. For a hand nail fungus, you might apply undiluted apple cider vinegar several times each day directly to the nail. To keep the treatment in contact with the fingernail longer, soak the absorbent pad of a bandage and wrap that around the finger. Treatment with bleach, mouthwash, and other solutions requires a similar approach. Remember however, that these solutions may be skin irritants or caustic substances. Chlorine bleach and concentrated hydrogen peroxide should never be applied directly to the skin. Use common sense, do a little research, and proceed with caution.

An alternative home remedy for toe nail fungus will come with its own instructions and precautions. Many of these products contain essential oils and extracts from plants that show promise as antifungal agents. It's likely that many of these will help you fight off your onychomycosis, but one that shows particular promise in scientific research is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be purchased as pure oil or as one of a number of ingredients in a blended preparation. If you buy a pure preparation of any herbal oil, avoid applying it directly to the skin as it is likely to be irritating. Direct application to a toe or hand nail fungus, however, should be okay.

Before self-treating any suspected fungal nail infection, have it examined by a physician: other nail conditions can mimic onychomycosis.

Vicks Vapor Rub for Nail Fungus

2006-11-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

There is a small contingent of people who recommend using Vicks vapor rub for nail fungus infections. If you apply the ointment to the nail on a daily basis, these reports claim that the infection will eventually resolve. Other testimonials claim that they have used this home remedy without success, and there is, apparently no medical research to back up claims that this treatment works.

Whatever we think of nail fungus and vaporub cures, it's true that there is a growing body of evidence that plant extracts can be very effective at killing fungus. Herbal extracts such as oil of oregano, neem oil, tea tree oil and the extracts of other less familiar plants have been used and some have scientific backing. Though there is no information on the effect of using mint extract on fungus, using Vicks vapor rub for nail fungus would be exposing the fungus to menthol on a daily basis. Provided the extract was contacting the fungus, this might work in a similar way to other essential oil preparations.

Some supporters of Vicks vapor rub for nail infections caution that the treatment works best on thin nails, particularly children's nails, a statement that supports the idea that the ointment is capable of penetrating the nail to some extent. Another caution is that the ointment results in a yellowish discoloration of the nail. This should be a temporary discoloration however, and might not discourage one too much: it seems that nail fungus and vaporub both cause a yellow hue in infected nails. When the fungus is gone and the nail grows out, the yellow color should be gone.

Treatment with Vicks vapor rub for nail fungus has the advantage of being relatively cheap compared to other preparations, and it is certainly safer than taking a systemic drug as long as all safety precautions on the product are observed; however, given Vick's patchy record of success, it might be prudent to choose a different home remedy. First, you should get a professional opinion about your abnormal nail. There are a number of different nail abnormalities that can mimic a fungal nail infection and only a physician can differentiate between them or order the appropriate diagnostic tests.

Ultimately, if you have a diagnosis of nail fungus infection, or onychomycosis, and you want a home or natural remedy, you will have to choose from a variety of traditional home remedies and a similar range of alternative natural products. There are lots of topical preparations for treating nail fungus and vaporub is just one of them.

Toe Nail Fungus Cure

2006-11-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

Medicine has been slow to find a good toe nail fungus cure, a fact that has left many people over the generations with chronic fungal infections and a long list of sworn-by but difficult home remedies to try. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have recognized the market for a treatment that works, but in general, consumers have a deep seated distrust of these drugs - they are almost all oral medications, and they have a history of causing liver damage and other side effects. Many people are still turning to the home remedies and over the counter treatments.

The lack of attention to how to treat toe nail fungus in the past, and consumer reluctance to take a potentially harmful drug, both stem from the same reality: a fungal nail infection, though ugly, is largely a cosmetic problem. In a healthy person, a fungus infecting a nail will not spread to internal organs and is not life threatening. Medical research has not found it worth investing money in finding a toe nail fungus cure, and patients don't think it's worth sacrificing a liver to save a nail. The newer versions of antifungals are much safer than the originals were, and there is even a topical treatment available (Penlac) that can be used when the infection is not too far advanced, but distrust remains, and people seek a natural remedy that works.

The most promising over the counter preparations for a toe nail fungus cure are those that contain essential oils and extracts from plants. Fungal infections in healthy plants and animals are relatively rare: fungi do much better growing on dead and rotting organic matter. This is because living things have developed ways to prevent the fungus from getting established - in plants it is often organic compounds that are toxic to fungi. Plants know how to treat toe nail fungus because they fight off fungal invaders in the environment every day. Extracted from the plants in concentrated oils and essences, antifungal compounds can be applied topically to fungal infections in nails.

One toe nail fungus cure that is commercially extracted from a plant is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is extracted from the stems and leaves of the Melaleuca alternafolia tree. Scientific studies of this oil have been ongoing for some time and there is little doubt that it has useful antifungal activity. Applied directly to the nail, it penetrates and kills the fungus, allowing a healthy nail to grow out. Although we may not be so sure about natural remedies with less research to back them up, those of us who are wondering how to treat toe nail fungus may have an answer in tea tree oil and other preparations that contain it.

Fungal nail infections should, of course, be properly diagnosed by a medical professional.

Nail Fungus Picture

2006-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you will find it useful to view a nail fungus picture, as well as pictures of other nail conditions. This is because, although fungal infection is one of the more common nail abnormalities, it is only one of many things that can cause nails to look bad. Photographs can be very informative; however, self-diagnosis is risky. Even if you are sure you know what is wrong, have a doctor or a dermatologist look at your nail and make a proper diagnosis so that you can get the appropriate treatment. This article provides urls for several internet sites that have excellent photographs of fungal nail infections and other nail abnormalities.

Every one of the pictures at DermNet NZ, http://www.dermnetnz.org/fungal/onychomycosis.html, is a fungus nail picture showing the variation of this common infection. Some of the pictures provide the species name of the fungus that was isolated from that particular infection, but it is not possible to identify a fungal species by just looking at an infected nail or a nail fungus picture: laboratory culture of nail clippings to grow the fungus is required to get this information. You may notice that most of the pictures show nails that are yellowish or brownish in color, while one, with secondary bacterial infection, shows black nails. While dark green or black color is more typical of bacterial colonization, fungus can cause a black color as well.

Visit http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu/Onychomyco01.htm for an excellent fungus nail picture of an infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast is the same one that causes oral and throat infections in some individuals and yeast infections in women. The difference between a yeast and a fungus nail picture can be subtle, but one typical feature is paronychia - involvement of the soft tissue adjacent to the nail. Although a fungus can also spread beyond the nail, fungal skin infections are generally quite superficial and do not cause deep tissue inflammation.

A photo gallery at Hooked On Nails, http://www.hooked-on-nails.com/naildisorders.html, has an excellent selection of pictures of nail abnormalities. The collection includes more than one nail fungus picture, but also superb photographs and comments on other nail conditions. For the average reader who lacks detailed medical knowledge, this is perhaps the most useful site of those mentioned here.

Another collection of both fungus nail pictures and other types of abnormalities can be found at Medline Plus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003247.htm, along with some general information about the conditions covered.

Again, although your nail may look entirely typical of one of the conditions shown in these nail fungus pictures, have a physician examine it to get a professional opinion.

Tea Tree Oil Nail Fungus

2006-11-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

You may have read or heard about a tea tree oil nail fungus treatment and wondered if this is some kind of gimmick designed to part the unwary and the desperate from their hard earned money. These schemes abound today as much as in the past: tea tree oil however, deserves a hard second look.

First, tea tree oil, marketed as a natural remedy for toe nail fungus and other fungal infections, does not come from tea, but from an Australian tree called the tea tree, Melaleuca alternafolia. It contains a number of naturally occurring substances, but the one that is thought to be the most important is terpinen-4-ol. To extract it and produce a tea tree oil nail fungus remedy, leaves and stem of the tree are subjected to a steam extraction process. The resulting oil is either sold as a pure oil, or blended with other plant extracts.

The important point to understand is that good scientific research has been conducted on the medicinal properties of tea tree oil and is ongoing. Results indicate that this natural remedy for toe nail fungus really does seem to work: terpinen-4-ol has proven antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Additionally, tea tree oil nail fungus treatment appears to be able to penetrate the thick layers of an infected nail to reach and act on the fungus: lack of nail penetration has been a serious impediment to the development of topical treatments for fungal nail infections.

It seems that tea tree oil nail fungus remedy has everything to recommend it: it's available without a prescription and is relatively inexpensive compared to prescription medications for nail fungus; it's a topical treatment, so potential side effects of a systemic drug are not an issue; it's a genuinely natural remedy for toe nail fungus, and it appears to work. One note of caution is in order: tea tree oil has not been proven safe for ingestion, so only use it topically, and if you have sensitive skin, choose a product that is not pure tea tree oil (terpinen-4-ol, or some other component of the oil, can be irritating to skin).

Always consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis before embarking on a self-care program for any health problem.

Treating Nail Fungus

2006-11-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Treating nail fungus (onychomycosis) has always been a difficult challenge. A fungal infection in a fingernail or toenail creeps up slowly and insidiously, often starting as a slight discoloration and advancing bit by bit until you suddenly realize that there really is a problem. The retreat of the fungus is just as slow, and complete resolution of symptoms must wait until the nail has grown out completely and replaced itself - many months.

The length of time it takes to be successful in treating onychomycosis will test the patience of many a fungal nail sufferer. The long wait can make you doubt that the nail fungus product you are using is having any effect. Interestingly this is just as true of the prescription drugs for treating nail fungus as it is for old home remedies and natural treatments - you have to use the preparation for many months and wait for the nail to grow out.

There are many types of nail fungus product available to consumers today: they range from over the counter antifungal lotions, creams, and oral prescription drugs, to a selection of remedies derived from natural sources. The natural treatments are worth investigating: in a way, treating nail fungus with a natural treatment makes sense because plants must fight off the attacks of fungi in the environment all the time. Some plants have extremely effective defenses against fungal invasion, including natural chemicals that can be extracted and used to fight of fungi in human infections.

One of the most promising natural remedies marketed for treating nail fungus is tea tree oil, an herbal extract of the Australian tea tree. Though it can be purchased as a pure oil, many topical preparations use it in combination with other herbal extracts. At least one nail fungus product uses both a topical herbal preparation, including tea tree oil, and an herbal oral supplement to fight off the stubborn fungi that get established in human nails. Preliminary scientific evidence and the testimonials of those who have tried it indicate that this approach really does work, and the low cost compared to prescription drugs tends to make it appealing to many people.

No nail fungus product will work if the problem is not fungus to begin with, so before choosing an over the counter or natural healing product, have a medical professional look at your infection and confirm that a fungus is causing it. If there is any doubt, a sample of the nail can be sent to a medical laboratory for testing. Once you are sure of what you are dealing with, you'll be able to select a product for treating nail fungus - but remember, treatment takes a long time. You have to be patient.

Home Remedy for Nail Fungus

2006-10-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

The traditional home remedy for nail fungus went something like this: trim the affected nail as much as possible and immerse the hand or foot in a solution of one part bleach in 100 parts of water (or pure household vinegar) for 30 minutes each day until the infection is gone. This method may be effective, but for most of us, it's extremely difficult to find the time, especially when you consider that fungal nail infections typically take many months to go away unless they are in the very early stages when treatment is begun.

Hand nail fungus is particularly difficult: it's easier to sit with your feet in a basin while you are doing something else than to have your hands immersed for a long period of time. However, for the determined individual who decides to try this type of home remedy for nail fungus, there are some things that you can do to increase your chances of success. First, file the nail - not just to keep it as short as possible, but also to keep it as thin as possible. This means filing and trimming away any loose crumbly bits and also filing down the thickness of the nail from the top. Many nails with fungal infection are distorted, thick, and fairly soft. This is because the fungus is actually growing through the layers of nail. Filing some of this thickness away will not only remove some of the fungal growth but also ensure that the soaking solution comes in contact with the fungus. File as much as you can without damaging the nail bed under the nail.

When using the bleach or vinegar cure toe nail fungus will only be affected by the treatment while you are soaking. (The same is true for hand nail fungus). To add an extra boost to your treatment, try painting the affected nail with some other preparation between soaks. Here you have a choice of many things, either commonly found in most households or readily available over the counter or from an internet source. You might use hydrogen peroxide, Vicks VapoRub ointment, Listerine mouthwash, Tea Tree oil or any of a number of essential herbal oils or oil blends available from natural healing providers. All of these things have been said to be an effective home remedy for nail fungus.

Whatever you choose, be aware that foot and hand nail fungus typically takes a long time to go away because nails grow very slowly and because treatments take time to penetrate a tough thick nail. Even prescription drugs take a long time to cure the problem, and like a natural healing or home remedy for nail fungus, they don't always work. Many people claim that bleach and vinegar cure toe nail fungus if you are patient and persistent - natural remedies like Tea Tree oil also have a lot of anecdotal support (and some scientific support) and are somewhat easier to use.

Nail Fungus Cure

2006-10-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

People who suffer from fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis) have long been searching for a nail fungus cure. It is one type of common superficial infection that medical science has not managed to find an easy solution to. This is partly because fungal nail infections tend to be more cosmetic than debilitating, and because fungal infections of any kind are relatively rare compared to bacterial and viral infections and research has not placed a high priority on finding antifungal agents. Most antibiotics have no activity against fungi and the few antifungals we do have tend to be quite toxic to the patient.

The history of the treatment of onychomycosis begins with the home remedy to cure nail fungus. The first natural treatments were probably ointments and salves, and herbal remedies. Today, home remedies tend to be more chemical in approach, using substances commonly found around the house or readily available in community pharmacies. Some of these things include vinegar, dilute chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, Listerine mouthwash, and Vick's VapoRub gel. Ingenious people have also suggested the use of certain beneficial bacteria in beer or other solutions. None of these, however, has proved to be the perfect nail fungus cure.

The development of safer antifungal drugs and consumer demand for a reliable nail fungus cure has inspired drug companies to market some prescription drugs aimed at this type of infection. In general, they are very expensive and in some instances they have caused serious side effects including liver and kidney damage. Many consumers understandably feel that a case of onychomycosis, which is often more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern, is not serious enough to risk severe health consequences, and turn once again to the home remedy to cure nail fungus.

Ironically, the search for a nail fungus cure has swung back to the natural, herbal approach. Natural healers have investigated the lore of various cultures and the healing properties of many plants, and they have found plants with antifungal properties. This is perhaps not too surprising since plants must fight off fungal invaders in the natural environment and have evolved ways to do that - they produce substances that prevent fungi from getting a foothold. Today, the natural healers approach to a home remedy to cure nail fungus will be application of an essential oil from some familiar herb such as thyme or oregano, Tea Tree oil, extract of Pau d'Arco bark (a South American tree), or a natural antifungal mud. There is considerable evidence that many of these approaches do work, and they are safer and more acceptable to the average consumer than the expensive prescription medications.

Before spending time and money on a traditional nail fungus cure or a new natural home remedy to cure nail fungus, consult your family doctor for a proper diagnosis of your nail problem.

Toe Nail Fungus

2006-10-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Toe nail fungus is a phrase often used to refer to a common type of fungal infection - an infection where a fungus has somehow gotten into a toenail and begun to grow there, causing discoloration, disintegration of the nail and, frequently, considerable discomfort. Although there are many species of fungi in the world, only a relatively small number of them are capable of living and growing on human nails. Most of them belong to a group collectively known as dermatophytes: these fungi typically live on hair, skin, and nails and spread from person to person. A few others belong to the saprophytes, fungi that live on decaying organic materials in nature and sometimes infect nails more or less accidentally.

Invading fungus in nail and skin is fairly common - more than ten percent of the North American population suffers from such an infection, with the risk increasing with age. While fungal invasion of a fingernail does occur, toe nail fungus is much more common, probably because feet have more contact with damp earth and floors, are washed less frequently, and spend more time in enclosed, humid coverings such as shoes and boots. Fungal nail infections tend to start in a toe nail and then spread to other toe nails, skin, and finger nails secondarily.

Risk factors for acquiring a toe nail fungus include injury to the nail or the skin around the nail. Cuts and scrapes, hangnails, ingrown toenails, dry cracked skin and damp conditions all provide a route of entry into the skin and nails, as will toenails that are damaged or deformed due to recent or prior injury. Nails that have lifted away from the nail bed are particularly susceptible. Public swimming and wading pools, public showers, and shared footwear are all likely places to come in contact with a dermatophyte. Saprophytes are more likely to come from soil, decaying leaves or other organic material in the environment. In salons, fungus in nail clippings and filings or on manicure or pedicure equipment is a documented source of infection in people who use these services.

Once established, a toe nail fungus is generally quite difficult to get rid of. The invader grows within the nail itself, deriving nutrients from keratin, a protein found in nails, hair and skin cells. Nails are meant to be a tough shield to protect the tips of our fingers and toes, and they are quite good at blocking medications and treatments applied to nails. In order to kill the fungus, you need to find something that can penetrate the nail or get underneath it like the fungus did. Most prescription medications are taken internally and act on the infection systemically, while natural and home remedies are applied topically. The key to any treatment for fungus in nail infections is patience: nails grow slowly and it usually takes months before the nail looks normal again.

Any suspected toe nail fungus infection should be seen and diagnosed by a doctor because other types of nail infection and nail abnormality can mimic a fungal infection. If the problem is fungal, spores of the fungus in nail clippings will grow in the laboratory and the fungal species can be identified. Once you know for sure that the problem is fungal, treatment can be started.

Nail Fungus Remedy

2006-10-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Years ago, a nail fungus remedy meant soaking your hands or feet for hours in a solution of vinegar, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide, or applying some pungent slave or ointment that was unlikely to work very well. These treatments sometimes worked for the lucky and the dedicated, but for many people, a fungal infection in a toenail was a long term, if not lifelong problem, once established.

One of the reasons the home remedies remained popular for so long, and remain in use today, is that nail fungus medication simply was not available. Medicine has been slow to develop antifungal agents, and when they did start to appear, they worked much better for skin infections and even deeper soft tissue infections than they did for nail infections. For a nail fungus remedy to really work, it must be able to either reach the infection through the bloodstream and tissues, or penetrate the thick tough nail to reach the fungus.

Today, there is a range of nail fungus medication endorsed by the medical community. Most are systemic antifungal drugs that are taken orally and attack the growing fungus from within. There is at least one topical prescription drug that is applied to the nail like a nail polish. It penetrates the nail to reach the fungus, removing the need to take a systemic drug, but it can only be used in the earlier stages of infection. Unfortunately, a prescription nail fungus remedy is certain to be prohibitively expensive, placing it out of reach for anyone who doesn't have a drug plan that will cover it. The systemic drugs have also proven to be toxic and, although the newest versions come with less risk of side effects, many people are reluctant to take the drugs for a superficial infection.

The various problems with prescription nail fungus medication, and the imperfections of home remedies have quickly given rise to another type of treatment - the natural, or alternative healing preparations. A natural nail fungus remedy is typically a plant derivative that has been found to have antifungal properties. Essential oils of various plants, as well as ointments and teas are popular. The most promising ingredient to date is probably Tea Tree oil, an essential oil of the Australian Tea Tree that has been found to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Many preparations for the treatment of nail fungus contain Tea Tree oil in combination with other plant derivatives. A growing body of experience suggests that these preparations are the best alternative to date for treating stubborn fungal nail infections.

Black Fingernail

2006-10-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you have a black fingernail, you may be wondering whether it is caused by a fungal infection under the nail. This may well be the case, however, other things can cause a nail to turn black, so it's important to consider other possibilities and perhaps consult your doctor before jumping to conclusions.

Fungal infection of fingernails and toenails is called onychomycosis. Only a few species of fungus are capable of invading human hair and nails - they often gain access through a break in the skin or under the nail at the tip of the finger or toe. Because they derive their nutrients from the protein found in human nails and dead skin cells, these fungi do not invade healthy tissue. Instead, they invade the matrix of the nail itself and grow there, causing a black fingernail or toenail.

Onychomycosis is quite common: more than ten percent of the North American population will experience a fungal nail infection at some time in their lives: it is probably the most common cause of nail abnormalities in the general population, however, there are other causes. A blow to the affected nail is the most obvious alternative. When a nail or the root of a nail is struck so that blood vessels are broken and a bruise forms under the nail, a black area develops that takes a very long time to clear up. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, the whole nail or only part of the nail will be affected. Nails grow very slowly and bruises are similarly slow to disappear even after soreness subsides - a black nail that persists long after the initial injury is no cause for alarm. It will grow out in time.

Nail injuries are, however, the route of entry for other organism that can either live in and under the nail without causing a problem or set up an infection in exposed tissue. Some species of bacteria are known to colonize spaces in nail beds without causing infection. Some of these bacteria produce color changes, though shades of green are more typical than black. The bacterial colonies can persist for long periods of time without causing noticeable inflammation. Various species of yeast can set up severe and progressive infections of the nail bed and tissues around the nail, however these infections usually do not cause a black fingernail, and are generally severe enough that the need for medical attention is obvious. Yeast infections are, in fact, another form of onychomycosis.

If you have not suffered a nail injury and your black fingernail is slowly progressing and causing the nail to become thick, deformed, and crumbly, you may have true onychomycosis. Typically, infected nails are white, yellow, brown or black, and variations on these shades may be present. The infection often starts on a toenail and progresses to other toes and fingers, and is very resistant to treatment. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, make an appointment with your physician for a proper diagnosis.

Avoid Nail Fungus

2006-09-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has seen a fingernail or toenail destroyed by fungal growth wants to avoid nail fungus. Nail fungus infection, or onychomycosis, affects up to 13% of the North American population - that's more than one in ten. The organisms that cause the infection are common in the environment - in the soil, in damp locations, and in the clothing of people who already have onychomycosis. It's almost impossible not to come in contact with these potentially infectious fungi but you can take some precautions to avoid infection.

Preventing nail fungus begins with good hygiene. Onychomycosis usually starts on the feet, so this is where you should concentrate your efforts. Keep your feet cool and dry. This means regular washing and careful drying. Sandals are preferable to closed shoes, whenever possible, and sweaty feet should be allowed to breathe. You can use a foot powder or antiperspirant to keep your feet dry if sweating is a problem. Air your shoes out - don't wear the same pair on consecutive days so they have ample time to dry completely. Laundering your socks after each use will also help avoid nail fungus.

Keep both fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean. Avoid cutting them too short and damaging the delicate tissues underneath and at the sides. Also try to avoid injuries to the cuticle and the skin around your nails: preventing nail fungus means having intact skin to stop the fungi from gaining entry. It's especially important to protect your fingernails, as hands are more often injured during day to day activities. To avoid nail fungus infections in your fingernails, wear work gloves while gardening or cleaning in damp areas like basements and sheds, and wear rubber gloves when your hands will be immersed in water.

If you get professional manicures or pedicures, you'll want to avoid nail fungus risks at the salon. Keep in mind that previous clients may have had onychomycosis, and fungal spores may be present in the salon and on equipment. Ask about the measures being taken in the salon for preventing nail fungus from spreading from person to person. There are regulations that these professionals must follow to protect themselves and their clients. If you are distrustful of your manicurist, take your business elsewhere, or purchase your own tools and bring them with you.

It's common sense of course, but we'll say it anyway: to avoid nail fungus, don't wear another person's shoes, socks or gloves, or use emery boards or nail files that have been used by others. Do wear sandals or flip flops in public changing rooms and showers, on swimming pool decks, and in other public places where fungal spores may linger. And if you see any sign that a fingernail or toenail has become infected, see your doctor immediately.

Tea Tree Oil

2006-09-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Australian Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is being used to produce an essential oil known as Tea Tree oil. The oil is usually extracted from the leaves and stems of the plants using a steam distillation process, and marketed as a natural healing agent for diverse uses. It is one of the more promising natural healing agents on the market today, with evidence from scientific studies to back up claims of its healing properties.

Among the benefits of tea tree oil is its ability to fight infectious agents: bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The fact that it has activity against these pathogens makes it ideal as a topical antiseptic for wounds, burns, acne, insect bites and localized infections. (Tea Tree oil may cause irritation to the skin if applied directly in concentrated form. As well, it should not be taken internally: its safety as an oral remedy has not been established.) It is recommended by alternative healing practitioners for fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, and it has also been used as a natural treatment for lice and mites.

Other Tea Tree oil uses include aromatherapy, and as an anti-inflammatory and an agent to clear the nasal passages in head colds. Rubbed on the skin, it is said to penetrate well and act as a painkiller. Scientific study has not yet verified the benefits of Tea Tree in all of these applications; however the antiseptic qualities of the oil are well documented, at least in the research laboratory setting.

The antifungal benefits of Tea Tree oil make it a good alternative healing remedy for fungal nail infections, something that is badly needed in an area where the choice of treatments is basically limited to old home remedies or expensive and possibly dangerous prescription drugs. Many natural remedies for fungal nail infections now contain the oil in various concentrations, sometimes combined with other essential oils or herbal extracts thought to have antifungal action. This has become one of the top Tea Tree oil uses.

Most topical treatments for nail fungus infections are not very effective because they do not penetrate the nail to contact the fungus directly. One of the benefits of Tea Tree oil as a topical treatment applied to nails is that it seems to be able to penetrate the nail unusually well, working its way down through the layers of keratin until it reaches the fungus where it is growing near the nail bed. Other antifungal Tea Tree oil uses include topical treatment of skin infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. It is truly a multipurpose first aid and natural treatment remedy.

Yeast Nail Infection

2006-09-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Most people know about fungal nail infections, those slow infections that turn the nail black and cause it to crumble, but the idea of a yeast nail infection is less familiar. Scientifically, the yeasts do belong with the fungi, but in general they grow more quickly, they don't have the fluffy dusty appearance of molds, and they don't have a moldy odor. Colonies of yeast are typically rather smooth and creamy - these organisms cause vaginal yeast infections and thrush in the mouth, but they are also used for making bread and beer.

Many species of yeast can cause a nail infection. Typically, it is actually an infection of the skin under or around the nail called a paronychia. The yeasts like to grow where it is warm and moist, so the nail bed under the nail or the creases around the edge of the nail are ideal places for them. In addition, people who get these infections typically have their hands in water a lot so there is frequent abundant water applied to the site. A yeast nail infection can come on rather slowly, or it can flare up suddenly.

Bacteria can cause paronychia as well as yeast and nail infections should be seen by a doctor to be sure that treatment is appropriate. In a typical case, the tissue around the nail is red, swollen and tender, and there may be pockets of pus or pussy drainage. The infection can quickly spread to other fingers and toes. In a chronic yeast nail infection, that is, one that has come on slowly over days or weeks, the nail may be discolored, soft, and distorted.

Yeasts in general do not like an acid environment, so a good home remedy for yeast nail, infection is to soak the affected digits in a vinegar solution. This is thought to have some therapeutic value for paronychia caused by bacteria as well, and even for fungal nail infections - but again, if the infection has flared up suddenly, and particularly if it is uncomfortable, it should be seen by a doctor. If there is fever, pain in the arm or leg, or swollen lymph nodes, there should be no delay in seeking medical treatment - serious systemic infections are caused by bacteria and yeast and nail infections can be the source of organisms traveling to other parts of the body.

A nail infection that has developed over months without noticeable inflammation, turning the nail brownish or black and making it look distorted and flaky is probably a fungal nail infection rather than a yeast nail infection. In questionable cases, a doctor can take samples for laboratory testing to aid in diagnosis.

Onychomycosis

2006-09-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

The word onychomycosis simply refers to fungal infection of the nail: "onycho" is Greek for "claw" and mycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of any kind. Though this term may be unfamiliar to most people, the infection, unfortunately, is far from uncommon. In North America, as many as 13% of people may suffer from fungal nail infections, with the incidence increasing with age.

Early signs of onychomycosis include a yellowish or brownish discoloration of the nail, often starting near the tip of the toe or the fingertip and progressing back toward the cuticle. In some cases a white spot appears and grows gradually larger. The nail may appear to be separating from the nailbed and it usually becomes distorted and crumbly. Onychomycosis remedies tend to work better when started early in the course of the infection. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional, then begin treatment.

Onychomycosis treatment may require topical application of an antifungal agent or a prescription for an oral medication. Curing the infection tends to take months or years, depending on severity, thus it is better to start in the early stages. Prescription medications for nail fungus infections are relatively new and are still quite costly and plagued with side effects but, because this type of infection has been around since ancient times, there are many home onychomycosis remedies that people swear by. Most of these involve soaking the affected nail in a solution (dilute bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide etc.).

A third category of onychomycosis remedies have sprung up in response to the high cost and side effects of the prescription drugs - natural or homeopathic products that mostly incorporate essential oils of certain plants or herbal extracts. Though many of these products have not been scientifically tested as antifungals, a few common ingredients are backed up by scientific evidence, the most promising of which is tea tree oil. When selecting a natural product for onychomycosis treatment, one that contains tea tree oil is a good choice.

Regardless of whether you choose to use a prescription medication, a natural remedy, or a home onychomycosis treatment, it's a good idea to have a physician confirm that you have a fungal nail infection. Though more uncommon, other conditions can have similar symptoms and should be treated differently.

Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

2006-09-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Home remedies for nail fungus infections have been popular for many years for a variety of reasons. Fungal nail infections have been troubling people down through the millennia, so people have naturally sought a cure for the problem. Drug treatments for the condition are relatively recent, and they are still expensive and prone to cause side effects. For these reasons, home remedies still outnumber medical solutions. The new global village however, interconnected through the internet, has mixed the home remedy lore of many cultures to create a third group of solutions - alternative and homeopathic remedies for fungal nail infections.

The most popular home remedy for nail fungus is probably soaking the affected nail in a solution that will kill the fungus. Common soaking solutions contain dilute chlorine bleach, household vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash. It requires daily soaking for weeks or months to clear the infection, and better results are often obtained if the nail is filed from the top to make it thinner, which allows for better penetration. Other home remedies for nail fungus involve the direct application of these same substances, as well as others like Vicks VapoRub and various essential oils. Again regular application over a long period, combined with filing and good foot and hand care bring the best results.

Tea tree oil, a product from Australia, is among the essential oil home remedies for nail fungus that show great promise. An extract of the leaves and stems of the tea tree, tea tree oil has been scientifically proven to have some antifungal properties, and it appears to penetrate a thick distorted infected nail better than many other topical products. Tea tree oil is available in pure form or in a blend of other ingredients, and is usually applied directly to the affected nail. If you are shopping for an alternative or homeopathic home remedy for nail fungus, those that contain this essential oil are good choices.

A product from the Czech Republic called Saprox may also be helpful. This is a therapeutic antifungal mud that is particularly recommended for the treatment of fungal skin infections, but it can also be used as a home remedy for nail fungus. The action of this product will likely be enhanced if it is combined with other measures, such as regular soaking in one of the solutions mentioned above. Like all the home remedies for nail fungus this approach will take time, but keep in mind that prescription drugs for fungal infections are slow acting as well, and come with greater risks of side effects.

Before using any of the home remedies for nail fungus, see your doctor to confirm that your nail is, in fact, infected with fungus. Your doctor can take samples for laboratory testing if the diagnosis is in doubt, and help you decide on a course of treatment that’s right for you.

Discolored Toenail

2006-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

A discolored toenail usually means that something is wrong, and unless you have another obvious explanation, you should consider the possibility that you have a fungal nail infection. Other possible explanations would include a recent blow to the tip of the toe, causing bleeding and blackening under the nail, bacterial growth beneath the nail (often a green color), continuous use of nail polish on the nail, or some other uncommon medical condition. The problem, however, is usually fungus.

Fungi are capable of producing many colors, and the species that invade nails and cause a discolored toenail are no exception. In laboratory culture, the so-called dermatophytes are predominantly yellow, mahogany brown, or reddish, while saprophytic fungi that invade nails are often green, black or brown, or colorless. Though these fungi may not exhibit exactly the same characteristics when growing on a nail, they do often produce a yellow, brown or even black color. It generally starts out as a slight yellowish tinge to the nail, or even a white spot, but color develops more fully as the fungus begins to spread and mature.

In an advanced fungal nail infection, a discolored toenail is a minor symptom compared to the thick flaky distorted appearance of the nail and the discomfort of fungal spread to the skin of the toes. Once a nail infection has gone this far, it will be difficult to treat, and even with proper treatment it will probably take a long time to clear up. If you notice a discolored toenail, it's best to take care of it right away. See your doctor to confirm that treatment for fungus is a sensible approach, and begin treatment immediately.

A fungal nail infection is easier to treat in its early stages. In lieu of expensive prescription drugs, many people choose a natural topical remedy. Some of the best contain tea tree oil, an essential oil of the tea tree that has been shown to have antifungal properties. Other natural remedies include an oral herbal treatment to aid the topical preparation, and there are many folk remedies for the condition as well.

The biggest challenge for any topical preparation is penetration of the nail so that the treatment can contact, and kill, the fungus. A thin discolored toenail in the early stages of infection will be more easily penetrated than a thick distorted toenail with advanced fungal growth – so treat your fungal nail infection now, before it gets worse.

Toenail Conditions

2006-08-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is the most common of the toenail conditions, and arguably the most repugnant. In onychomycosis, a fungus gains access to the protected area under the nail and begins to grow, drawing nutrients from the nail itself and spreading through the matrix of the nail. Toenails turn various shades of yellow, brown and black, and become crumbly. Untreated, the fungus can spread to other nails of both the hands and feet, and even to the skin surrounding the infected nail. Fungal infections of the toenails not only look bad, they are particularly distressing because no one wants to think that a fungus is growing on some part of their body.

Though Onychomycosis is the most common of the known toenail disorders, it is certainly not the only one. If there is something wrong with one, or all, of your toenails, you would be wise to see your doctor before trying to treat yourself. It might be something insignificant and more easily treated, or it might be one of the more serious toenail conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Bacterial growth on the nails is sometimes mistaken for fungal toenail disorders. Though the bacteria usually are not causing an infection, they can get into cavities under the surface of a nail and begin to multiply. The nail often looks quite unusual and may be discolored. If infection is present, there will be redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the site. Bacterial colonization, though unattractive, is not a medically important toenail condition, but infection should be given prompt medical attention.

Injury to the root of the nail is another of the toenail conditions that can be mistaken for onychomycosis. If there is a blow to the root of the nail, where it is formed under the skin, there is often permanent damage that causes the nail to appear deformed. Because the cells that manufacture the nail are permanently damaged, the nail will never look normal again, but it is not infected. Temporary signs of damage to the nail include white spots that move out toward the tip as the nail grows and black areas caused by bleeding under the nail. Many people also have ridges running along the nail lengthwise, which never go away but are harmless.

Other types of toenail disorders are rare, but they can cause considerable discomfort and embarrassment to those that suffer from them. Some are hereditary. Again, it is wise to consult a health professional before starting any kind of treatment for a toenail condition to ensure that it is treated correctly.

Deformed Toenail

2006-08-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

A deformed toenail is always a disturbing embarrassment, although it is usually much more obvious to the person who has it than it is to others. Sometimes an ugly toenail can be treated and restored to its former appearance. Sometimes the damage is permanent and the nail will continue to grow abnormally forever.

The most common cause of a deformed toenail is fungal infection. Fungal toenail infections are extremely common in many parts of the world. They are also difficult to treat. Fungal infection of toenails, hair, and skin, are different from other types of superficial infections that people get because the fungi are growing on dead tissue. Fingernails, toenails, hair, and the outer layer of human skin are not composed of living cells - they have no nerve endings, no blood supply, and no cellular immunity to invading microorganisms. Fungi live on them, breaking down keratin, a protein, for nutrients.

An advanced fungal infection often results in a deformed toenail - a thick, flaky, crumbly toenail with an odd yellow, brown, or black color. Toenails are particularly difficult to treat because they are so thick and tough; however, if treated continuously over a long period of time, with an effective toenail fungus remedy, the infection can be overcome. A variety of treatments are available for this - the best topical ones are designed to penetrate the nail and make contact with the fungus, and should be accompanied by manual filing to wear down the layers of the deformed toenail.

Physical damage to the nail root can also be the cause of a deformed toenail. People often injure finger- and toe tips, and if the injury includes, the root where the nail is actually formed by specialized cells, the nail may never form properly again. It may perpetually be produced with ridges or grooves, or it may just look as though it's shaped differently from the other nails on the feet. Women can often cover much of the damage by using nail polish, while men can file down the nail and keep it neatly trimmed. The chances are that, even if you wear sandals, very few people will notice.

A deformed toenail may also be caused by bacterial infections, hereditary conditions, or underlying disease (though it would be unusual for only one nail to be affected in the latter two cases). These conditions should be evaluated by a doctor - some are treatable while others are not, but it is best to know what you are dealing with. When there is doubt about the diagnosis, a physician can order the appropriate tests to determine the cause.

Toenail Dead

2006-07-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

To make a toenail dead skin cells are packed tightly together by specialized cells at the root of the nail. As more and more dead cells are added at the root, those that have already been piled up are pushed outward, toward the tip of the finger or toe. This produces a very hard plate to protect the tips of the fingers and toes - a plate that has no sensitive nerve endings, no blood supply, and no immunity to infection. It is essentially dead tissue.

The same features, unfortunately, make nail susceptible to colonization by certain fungi that can thrive off the keratin in the packed skin cells. Once a fungus gets well established, it appears to make the toenail dead indeed - the nail typically turns yellow, brown, or black, gets very thick, and starts to simply crumble away like rotten wood. What is happening is that the fungus is working its way between the packed layers of cells, separating them and breaking down the keratin, the substance that makes nails so hard.

Though the fungus rarely invades tissue deeply (fungi generally do not invade healthy living tissue), it can spread to other nails or along the surface of the skin where, as in the toenail dead skin cells are present in abundance. Fungal infections of skin on the feet are very common and can spread to the toenails, just as a fungus can spread from the nails to the skin. Once a fungal infection is established and progressing, it can be very difficult to treat, especially in the nails.

Successful treatment of a fungal nail infection hinges on getting the medication to the fungus. Again, the nail's protective features make it difficult to achieve this because any applied treatment tends not to penetrate the nail to kill the fungus. People have come up with various strategies to get around this problem. Soaking the feet in dilute solutions of chlorine bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide not only acts on any fungus it contacts, but also soften up the toenails. If you then use a file across the top surface of the toenail dead crumbly infected nail will be filed away and a lower layer will be exposed. Treatment can then be applied, and the process repeated daily until the nail infection is gone.

Though topical antifungals are not usually very good at penetrating nail, some of the newer natural remedies claim to do a better job. In addition, one topical prescription drug is now available, along with several oral antifungal medications. Be aware, however, that these prescription drugs are expensive and have the potential for unpleasant side effects.

White Spots on Toenails

2006-07-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone occasionally gets white spots on toenails or fingernails and, most of the time, they're nothing to be concerned about. Those small crescent shaped white discolorations that appear at the cuticle and move slowly outwards as the nail grows, are simply the result of minor damage to the root of the nail, where it is formed. You probably bumped your finger or toe causing very minor damage at the root. The nail will grow out and the white area will disappear, leaving a normal looking nail.

Occasionally, however, white spots on toenails or fingernails are a sign of something worse: it may be the early warning signs that a fungus has gotten in under the nail and is starting to grow. If the whitish area appears somewhere other than at the cuticle, especially at the other end, the tip of the nail, it bears close watching. If a fungus is growing, the discoloration should get larger and it will probably change color, darkening to shades of yellow or brown. The nail may separate from the nail bed as the fungus grows, and the nail will begin to get thicker and may start to come apart, flaking and splitting.

White spots on toenails or fingernails that are getting larger and aren't growing out with the nail should be seen by a doctor for a professional diagnosis. If it is a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), it’s a good idea to start treating it right away, before it becomes too advanced. The more it is able to spread, and the thicker the infected nail becomes, the harder it will be to get rid of the infection. Small white spots on toenails that are just beginning to spread may respond to treatment relatively easily.

There are many traditional home remedies, over the counter treatments, natural healing products and prescription drugs that are recommended for the treatment of onychomycosis. Discuss your options with your family doctor. Your choice will be affected by the extent of the infection, your level of comfort with prescription drugs that come with potential side effects, your trust in natural or home remedies, and, significantly, your budget. Prescription drugs for fungal nail infections tend to be extremely expensive, commercial products are in the mid-range, and home remedies can be virtually free. None are absolutely guaranteed to work. You'll have to decide how much it is worth to you to get rid of white spots on toenails.

To reiterate – don’t be hasty. Most white spots on toenails are nothing to worry about. If you have discolorations that you suspect are caused by a fungus, see your doctor first for confirmation and then take it from there.

Big Toe Toenail Problems

2006-07-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Big toe toenail problems are not uncommon, and they are caused by a variety of different things. Perhaps because the biggest toe is so much larger than the rest, it seems to take the brunt of the punishment. This article will discuss a few of the things that occur with the biggest toe nail.

One of the more common big toe toenail problems is what is called an ingrown toe nail. An ingrown nail occurs when the nail is too wide for the space it is growing in and the nail at the edges starts to cut into the tender flesh there. An ingrown toe nail can be very painful, and it will frequently cause swelling and inflammation at the site. Of course, when there is injury of this kind, the area is more susceptible to infections of various kinds. Surgery is often required to remove extra nail at the sides. Many people recommend that you always cut your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails.

One of the most common infections that causes big toe toenail problems is fungal infection of the nail. This can occur with or without injury or inflammation of the toe, and once a fungus gets established in the nail, it is quite difficult to get rid of. It can also spread to the skin around the nail and to other nails. A fungal toe nail is usually yellowish or black, flaky or crumbly, and very thick. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, see your doctor for confirmation. Fungal infections can be treated with prescription drugs or over the counter remedies. There are many widely used home remedies as well.

Another thing that can turn your toenails black and cause big toe toenail problems is strenuous exercise in shoes that don't provide enough room for your feet. When the nails are subjected to repeated and prolonged physical stress, tiny blood vessels under the nail can break, causing what is essentially a bruise under the nail. If enough blood builds up to cause pressure, it can be quite uncomfortable. Your body will clear up the bruise over time, but you should purchase a good pair of shoes that won't cause a repeat of this injury.

Because big toe toenail problems are quite common, and can be caused by various different things, it's important that you get a proper diagnosis from a qualified physician. Diabetics, in particular, should seek professional care as soon a problem is noticed, because these people are more susceptible to infection in the feet.

Toenail Fungus UV

2006-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

As a treatment for toenail fungus uv light is seldom, if ever used. However, it can be useful as a means of ridding the environment of infectious fungal spores. Laboratories that work with fungal isolates use ultraviolet light to sterilize equipment, and it has been at least suggested that ultraviolet light might prevent fungal spores and other organism from being dispersed through air conditioning and ventilation systems. At home, simply exposing shoes and socks to normal daylight, which includes ultraviolet wavelengths, may help kill off lingering fungal elements from fungal nail infections.

Ultraviolet light is harmful or lethal to many forms of life. It is routinely used to disinfect contaminated surfaces and water supplies. On the other hand, exposure to ultraviolet rays causes blindness, and almost everyone is aware that increased exposure to ultraviolet in sunlight is causing an increase in skin cancers. It is not a benign light, therefore any toenail fungus uv treatment should be approached with extreme caution, and under the supervision of a professional. Tanning beds are a relatively safe way to expose skin and nails to ultraviolet light, but even these come with associated risks and many people do not think they are a safe approach to tanning or skin treatment.

Perhaps the reason some people believe that toenail fungus uv treatment is an option is that patients who suffer from psoriasis are often treated with ultraviolet radiation. This can be very beneficial in clearing up the uncomfortable skin lesions these individuals suffer experience. Because psoriasis patients often have deformed nails that resemble nails that are infected with fungus, there may be some confusion: dermatitis caused by psoriasis affects the root of the nail and makes the nail grow out abnormally: settling down the dermatitis can result in new nail growing in with a normal appearance. Clearly, this is not a toenail fungus uv cure.

One of the drawbacks in ultraviolet light, with respect to sterilization techniques at least, is its inability to penetrate surfaces. Glass and plastic that don't allow ultraviolet wavelengths to pass through are readily created. It may very well be that ultraviolet rays would not penetrate an infected nail sufficiently to affect the fungus growing underneath - a weakness of many nail fungus treatments. The bottom line is that toenail fungus uv treatment is not a good treatment choice. A natural remedy or prescription drug will probably work better and carry less risk.

Toenail Not Growing

2006-07-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

There are occasional reports of a toenail not growing; however, in most instances, the nail is growing, it is just doing so so very slowly that it's difficult to tell. Nails grow slowly: it will take an average of six months for a fingernail to grow out completely, and a toenail takes at least twice as long. They also seem to grow more slowly as we get older. Sometimes the cure is simply patience. If you just wait, eventually you will see growth.

In other instances, the appearance of a toenail not growing may result from it being worn down or destroyed so fast at the tip that no growth is visible. Sometimes activities (like a daily walk, barefoot on a sandy beach?) will wear away the tips of the nails so that they never have to be cut, much like a dog's toenails will be kept short by walking or running on pavement all the time. Infectious causes could be at work as well. Fungal infections of the nails often make nails soft and crumbly, so that they come apart and remain short. Infected nails are usually yellowish or brownish, thick, distorted and unhealthy looking. An antifungal treatment of some kind is needed to resolve this kind of problem.

When you truly have a toenail not growing, it could be that the root of the nail is damaged. The root is hidden under the flesh at the base of the nail, between the cuticle and the knuckle. Specialized cells here pack together dead skin cells into dense layers to form the nail. As the cells in the root pack together more and more skin cells, the ones that are already packed are pushed outwards. If, for any reason, the packing of cells stops, the nail will stop growing. There could be various reasons for this, ranging from physical damage to the root, to drug side effects, or disease processes. When there is no obvious history of finger or nail injury to explain a toenail not growing, a doctor should be consulted.

To have a toenail not growing is a rare thing. Unless there is something obviously wrong with the toe (indicated by swelling, inflammation, pain, discoloration, etc.), there is probably not a problem. Wait and see if a month changes your perspective. The nail will probably have inched forward a bit by that time.

Bleach for Toenail Fungus

2006-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have heard of people using bleach for toenail fungus (onychomycosis). This is a home remedy that used to be more popular but it has been largely replaced by prescription medications and commercial home remedies. The downside of home bleach treatment is that it requires twenty to thirty minutes every day, a time commitment that many people find difficult.

On the other hand, using bleach for toenail fungus is much cheaper than almost any kind of remedy specifically marketed for onychomycosis, and most people already have some with their laundry supplies. Indeed, you may already have some stored with your cosmetics: some people are already bleaching toenails for entirely different reasons.

Foot care professionals recommend a weekly foot soak in a solution of one part chlorine bleach to 100 parts water, just to keep the feet feeling fresh and clean. Others recommend a stronger solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water for bleaching toenails to remove stains. In this case, the solution is applied directly to the toenail. If you’re using bleach for toenail fungus, however, you’ll need to be a bit more aggressive.

First, it’s a good idea to trim down the nail as much as possible, and even file it down from above so that you actually make the whole nail thinner. File it down as much as you dare. Most people recommend using very diluted bleach for toenail fungus – one tablespoon in a gallon of water – and soaking for 30 minutes daily. Even better, soak for 10-15 minutes morning and evening. Bleaching toenails in this gradual, gentle way will decrease the chances that you will irritate your skin with the solution.

Some people have used more concentrated bleach for toenail fungus: a one in four solution applied directly to the nail or undiluted bleach applied to the nail and washed off after three or four minutes. Some tough individuals have just applied undiluted bleach to nails daily and left it on. Keep in mind, however, that chlorine bleach is a hazardous chemical: it is corrosive, and will damage any skin that is exposed while you’re bleaching toenails. In addition, the fumes from the chemical should not be inhaled. It is much safer to use a diluted solution.

If you decide to use bleach for toenail fungus, be prepared to set aside the time daily for a couple of months. It may even take longer than this. If bleaching toenails doesn’t appeal to you, consider trying one of the commercial natural remedies for onychomycosis. They are more expensive than bleach, but less so than prescription drugs, and there is scientific evidence that some of them are effective against the fungus that infects toenails.

Thick Toenails

2006-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

Thick toenails are often assumed to be caused by the growth of fungus under the toenails and in the toenail itself. In many cases, this assumption is correct, however there are other things that will make a toenail look thick and distorted – injury to the root of the nail can do it temporarily, while severe or repeated injury can permanently distort a nail. People who engage in sports such as soccer can experience this kind of damage.

Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema will distort a nail as well if the area around the nails is affected. This is because nails are really made up of dead skin cells that have been stacked together very tightly. Just as the skin becomes inflamed and irritated by a skin condition, the tissues around the root of the nail where the nail is produced become inflamed and this can be the cause of thick toenails.

If the problem is being caused by a fungus, other signs are usually present. Before thick toenails developed, there was probably some yellowish or brownish discoloration of otherwise healthy looking nail. The nail may have begun to separate from the nail bed and the discolorations and separation may have moved gradually from the nail tip toward the root. A fungus, growing in the nail bed and gradually sending out hyphae into the substance of the nail causes these typical signs and is often the cause of thick toenails.

Regardless of what is causing the problem, thick toenails can be reduced somewhat by careful filing and trimming. A nail file or emery board used against the upper surface of the nail will wear way some of the nail material. This is a good approach for both cosmetic and health reasons: the nail will look better, feel more comfortable in a shoe, and, if fungus turns out to be the cause of thick toenails, it will be easier to treat if the nail is thinner.

Topical treatments for fungal toenail infections are often not very effective because they don’t soak into thick toenails very well. The challenge is to get the nail as thin as possible and then apply a preparation that has superior ability to penetrate down through the layers and contact the fungus. Over the counter pharmaceutical preparations are well known to be relative ineffective when fungus is the cause of thick toenails, however, some commercially available natural essential oils and other topical products have been found to have better penetration qualities. These include Tea tree oil and other essential oils such as oregano oil. These and other natural remedies may be the home cures of the future for fungal nail infections.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Foot Fungus

2006-06-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus is one of the common home remedies for this affliction. It is a common household disinfectant, long used to clean minor cuts and scratches, and even popular for disinfecting cutting boards and kitchen utensils. Intuitively, it makes sense that it might be good for killing fungus. This article discusses the use of hydrogen peroxide as a home cure for fungal infections of the feet, and also describes several alternative home remedies that are used in similar ways. If you have foot fungus, read on.

It's quite common to have both athlete's foot and nail fungus: infection often starts in the nails and spreads to the surrounding skin and between the toes. Or, it may begin on the skin, particularly in the crevice between the toes where conditions are warm and often damp, then progress to the nails. Whichever way it goes, you can choose a fungal remedy to treat both at once. Popular home remedies include soaking the feet in vinegar, dilute bleach, or hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus.

Hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus may work, although scientific studies have not been done to confirm its usefulness. Use a 3% solution, as the stronger preparations are less safe and may cause skin reactions. Approaches include soaking in the peroxide, wiping onto the affected areas several times daily, or spraying it on and allowing it to dry. It is likely to produce results much faster for athletes foot fungus than for a nail infection. On thing is undeniable: as a foot fungus remedy, it is one of the cheapest.

Ordinary white vinegar is very affordable as well, and is perhaps a more popular treatment than hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus. The approach here is to soak the feet for 20 to 30 minutes every day until the problem clears up. If you have the time for this foot fungus remedy (you could do it while watching the news or reading the paper), this would treat both athletes foot , and fungal nails.

Use dilute bleach in the same way as the vinegar foot fungus remedy. Be careful handling concentrated bleach as it is corrosive to skin, and always dilute it before putting your feet in it. Like the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus, it will act on both athlete’s foot and nail fungus at the same time.

Foot Fungus Remedy

2006-06-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you search for a foot fungus remedy on the internet, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of information you find there, and also probably overwhelmed by the number of products being sold for this common problem. The reason for this is simple: many people have onychomycosis (fungal nail infections), or athlete's foot, and many people spend a great deal of time and money trying to get rid of the problem.

It's safe to say that virtually all types of foot fungus remedy come with the same caveat: they take a long time and they may not work. Why the infections are so fickle in their response to treatment is unclear. The best advice is probably to choose a remedy that you can afford, that you have some faith in, and with a treatment regimen that you can follow faithfully for a long period of time. If you're going to tire of sitting with your feet in basin for 30 minutes a day after a week, don't choose a treatment that requires this.

A foot fungus remedy that is sold on the internet is likely to be a natural remedy. Some prescription drugs are available by mail order, with physician approval included as part of the deal, but we don't recommend this - it's a good idea to actually visit a doctor to get the diagnosis confirmed, and purchase a prescription drug from a reputable source. Over the counter lotions and creams , and natural products made from natural ingredients do not require a prescription.

The topical over the counter fungal creams and ointments that can be purchased in pharmacies are evidently quite effective for treating fungal skin infections, but no one recommends them for treatment of nail fungus. they don't penetrate the nail sufficiently to have any positive effect. Though there is no guarantee with the natural remedies either, there is growing scientific evidence that a few of the common natural ingredients do have antifungal properties, and may be a good choice for a foot fungus remedy.

These topical preparations typically contain essential oils form herbs and trees and can penetrate better through the layers of dead cells that make up a tough nail. Always check whether it’s recommended to apply the preparation directly to skin as there may be skin sensitivity issues, and never take any of these preparations orally unless you are absolutely sure the one you have is meant to be used that way as a foot fungus remedy.

Athletes Foot Fungus

2006-06-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

The athletes foot fungus is the same fungus that causes onychomycosis, or toenail fungal infections. In reality, there is not just one fungus that can do this, though a couple of species account for most infections. A group of fungi, collectively known as dermatophytes, cause fungal infection of the hair, nails, and skin.

It's common for fungus that has invaded the toenails to spread to the skin, or for it to spread in the other direction - from the skin to the nails. Odds are, if you have athlete's foot fungus and fungal toenails, the same fungus is causing the problem in both places. And since it is affecting the skin, it is almost certainly one of the common types of foot fungus - the dermatophytes. There are some other environmental fungi that occasionally infect the nails, but they do not invade the skin.

The good thing about this is that, in many cases, you can treat both athletes foot fungus and nail fungus with the same remedy. In general, the fungus remedies don't distinguish between the different types of foot fungus, operating on the assumption that what kills one will kill them all. With some remedies you may need to make adjustments; for example, applying pure Tea tree oil may be okay for nails, but you could have a problem with skin sensitivity if you don't dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Similarly, if you're using hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus, spraying on the skin is probably fine, but to penetrate an infected toenail, you'll need to soak.

The easiest choices will be treatments that will work for both types of foot fungus - the athletes foot fungus and the nail infection, with one application. Penetration of the nail by the remedy is always a problem, so choose a soaking method, which will soften the nail, or an oily topical treatment, and plan to spend some time filing down the nail and removing bits that break off so that there is less thickness for the remedy to get through.

The athletes foot fungus will probably clear up much faster than the nail infection because the skin infection is superficial and the treatment easily contacts the fungus there. To get rid of both types of foot fungus, however, you will have to keep up the treatment until the nails look good as well. Nail fungal infections are notorious for the length of time they take to resolve. If your athletes foot fungus is gone and there is any sign of improvement in the nails, the treatment is working. Keep it up and you will eventually succeed.

Vapor Rub and Toenail Fungus

2006-06-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

If you’ve heard of a vapor rub for toenail fungus, you may be envisioning holding your feet over a steaming basin while someone massages your toes, or spending relaxing time in a sauna. In fact, this home remedy for fungal nail infections is not quite so exotic. It involves the regular application of a substance that many of us met as children when we had head colds. Your mother may have smeared Vicks VapoRub on your chest, or put it in a vaporizer to help clear your breathing passages. Now, if you a fungal nail infection, you may want to apply it to your toenails.

The vapor rub and toenail fungus home remedy has a simple basis: this oily substance softens and penetrates the nail, and some ingredient (is it menthol, perhaps?) kills the fungus. Some anecdotal reports claim that this remedy works well, others claim that it does not work. Still others recommend it for children, but not for adults. It might be possible to sort all this out by remembering that topical treatments for nail fungus infection don’t work too well if the treatment doesn’t reach the fungus.

Children’s toenails are thinner that adult’s nails, so it makes sense that the vapor rub and toenail fungus remedy works better for them. Likewise, adults whose infections are not too far advanced, that is, the nail is not yet thickened by the disruptive growth of the fungus, may have better success with Vicks VapoRub. When the nail fungus infection has distorted the nail, and buried the fungus deep in a flaking crumbling shield, the Vicks probably doesn’t contact the lower layers, therefore it doesn’t work. In cases like this, it will be helpful to file away the thickness of the nail as much as possible to enhance penetration.

Another reason that the vapor rub and toenail fungus remedy doesn’t always work could be that it is very effective against some of the types of fungus that cause nail fungus infection, but less effective, or even useless against other types. While the majority of fungal nail infections are caused by one or two specific fungi, quite a number of others infect nails less commonly. Even the clinically tested prescription drugs have not been evaluated against all of them.

There's only one way to find out if the vapor rub and toenail fungus remedy will work for you: buy some and apply it several times each day and wait for improvement. If you decide to try it, you can at least be thankful that Vicks VapoRub is inexpensive and very easy to obtain.

Toenail Fungus Remedies

2006-06-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Toenail fungus remedies range from surgical removal of infected nails to simple application of an everyday substance thought to have some antifungal properties. Many people search for a traditional treatment, or a natural product because the prescription drugs are very expensive, or because they have heard that the prescription drugs have unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Fortunately, there are many such alternatives that they can try.

Toenail fungus remedies are fickle however, and fungus toenail home remedy is no exception. Most treatments seem to have as many failures as they do successes, and it is unclear why. It could be because not all fungal nail infections are caused by the same fungus: perhaps remedies tend to work on some fungi but not on others. It is also true that, while some people are very focused on the treatment and follow instructions very carefully, other people have busy lives and little time, or they give up too soon, or they don't use the treatment correctly. If you doubt your ability to stick with it, but you can't stomach the idea of opting for a prescription drug, you could try a holistic remedy for toenail fungus.

The holistic toenail fungus remedies rely on a variety of substances from nature that are thought to have antifungal properties. There is some scientific evidence in support of a fungus toenail home remedy that uses some these natural substances. Some examples are Pau d'Arco, a tea made from the inner bark of the Brazilian LaPacho tree; and Tea tree oil, an essential oil derived from the leaves and stems of the Australian Tea tree. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in a holistic remedy for toenail fungus.

A holistic remedy for toenail fungus is usually applied topically, although a few are oral toenail fungus remedies (Pau d'Arco can be enjoyed as tea, or you can soak in it, or both). Tea tree oil is always used topically - it should never be taken by mouth - but it may be combined with an oral preparation. If your chosen fungus toenail home remedy promises a quick cure, remember that toenails grow very slowly and your fungal nail infection will not be both gone and forgotten until the whole nail grows out and is replaced by beautiful health nail. Choose a treatment you think you can stay with for the long term, and get busy.

Home Treatment for Toenail Fungus

2006-06-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Home treatment for toenail fungus has probably been around as long as there were homes and shoes. At least in North America today, fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is the most common nail disorder in adults. Keeping our feet enclosed in airless shoes for much of the year contributes to the problem. When feet get damp from sweat, ideal conditions are created for fungus. Still, onychomycosis is common in warm climates too, where shoes tend to be more airy.

Traditional toenail fungus home treatment involves a whole set of measures that go together to beat the invader. First of all, no matter what specific remedy you use, you'll need to look after your socks and shoes, and of course, your feet. Home treatment for toenail fungus begins with getting rid of the source of the fungus: launder your socks very thoroughly and change them daily. Dust your shoes with antifungal powder - some people advocate putting them in the freezer to kill fungal spores (however, resistant spores may well survive this treatment, so don't rely on it too much). Wash your feet as often as you can, then dry them carefully, taking care to dry between the toes and around the nails. Use a hair dryer if you have one.

Trim your toenails often to keep them short and comfortable. Clean underneath them - dirt lodged under the toenails can contain fungal spores and give them a place to start growing. As part of your home treatment for toenail fungus, tend to any breaks in the skin of your feet, particularly any that are near the nail. treat cracked feet with lotion and apply an antiseptic ointment anywhere the skin looks inflamed. Breaks in the skin provide a route of entry for fungus and other harmful organisms, and avoiding secondary infection assists with home treatment for toenail fungus.

Finally, you will need to choose a specific toenail fungus home treatment. This could mean soaking your feet in a traditional antifungal solution - it might be straight or dilute white vinegar, dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or some other inspired concoction. Alternative home treatment for toenail fungus requires the regular application of something like VicksVapoRub, Listerine mouthwash, or Tea Tree oil. There are also a number of commercially available products marketed by natural healers that augment home treatment for toenail fungus.

Whatever you use as a toenail fungus home treatment, plan to keep at it for a long period of time: onychomycosis does not clear up quickly or easily. Be persistent - follow instructions carefully, and don't skip days. The more conscientious you are, the more likely it is to work.

Fungus Toenail Treatments

2006-06-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

This article discusses the variety of fungus toenail treatments available to consumers. It divides the various options into four categories: prescription drugs, over the counter (OTC) conventional treatments, natural healing remedies, and traditional home remedies.

None of the remedies discussed here have proven to be 100 percent effective treatment for toenail fungus. For the prescription drugs and some natural healing remedies, the results of clinical trials and/or other scientific studies are available. For most of the traditional home remedies, anecdotal evidence is all we have - that is, the reports by people who have used them that they do work. OTC conventional products are basically not recommended by anyone for the treatment of fungal nail infections.

Oral prescription medications include Lamisil (terbinafine), Sporanox (itraconazole), and Diflucan (fluconazole). Lamisil appears to be the most effective treatment for toenail fungus in this group. While these treatment regimens have the advantage of being relatively easy, they do have rare severe side effects, and they are quite expensive if you have to pay for them out of pocket. People taking these fungus toenail treatments should be monitored for toxicity due to the drugs. There is one topical prescription drug available: Penlac (ciclopirox) nail lacquer is painted directly onto the affected nails, but can only be used when the infection is not advanced.

OTC antifungal ointments, creams and lotions may work quite well for fungal skin infections, but they are not recommended for nails simply because they are not an effective treatment for toenail fungus. They are applied to the nail topically, and they don't penetrate the thick nail to kill the fungus, which is protected in the nail bed below the nail. If you want to try one of these medications, it might be a good idea to combine it with one of the other types of remedy to increase the probability of success.

There are many natural healing remedies available today to consumers; some of them incorporate an oral product. Some of these products may be effective treatment for toenail fungus. Perhaps the most promising ingredient in natural remedies is the essential oil, Tea tree oil, which is produced in Australia. Studies of this extract are encouraging, and a number of natural remedies contain it, blended with other herbal ingredients. Tea tree oil is even available in pure form, however there is some risk of skin sensitivity so this may not be best way to use it. Other natural remedies may be worthwhile fungus toenail treatments, but scientific evidence for or against them is generally lacking, simply because the research has not been done.

Finally, there are a lot of traditional, or simply inventive, home fungus toenail treatments. They include soaking the feet in various solutions, or applying substances that are thought to be antifungal. The substances employed include chlorine bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dark beer combined with a lactobacillus, Vicks VapoRub, Listerine mouthwash, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), and others. Some people swear by a drink of apple cider vinegar, twice daily, to cure and prevent fungal toenail infections. Again, the primary focus for an effective treatment for toenail fungus rests with getting the treatment beyond the nail to the fungus.

Toenail Abnormalities

2006-06-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Toenail abnormalities can be caused by a number of things, but they are frequently caused by a fungal infection. Fungal spores get on the feet and can get past the skin through tiny cuts and scratches. They often get in when they lodge under the toenail and find themselves in a warm moist environment. They begin to grow there, and soon make their way under the toenail. Ingrown toenails, hangnails and any other injury to the skin around the nail also allow fungi to get in under the nail.

It follows, then, that to avoid toenail problems, you should look after your feet more carefully than most of us do. Wash your feet frequently, dry them carefully, and give them lots of fresh air. Though some people believe that always wearing shoes is a good way to avoid foot problems and toenail abnormalities, the opposite may be true: as long as there is minimal risk of foot injury, bare feet are probably the happiest feet. Do use common sense, however, and wear shoes whenever there is a risk of injury, and in public places.

Pay attention to your shoes as well - toenail abnormalities can result from a shoe that doesn't fit properly, or doesn't protect the toenails from injury, and the warm, and sometimes damp environment in an enclosed shoe is ideal for the survival of fungal spores. As well, toenail disease can recur if fungal spores remain in the shoes after you have had treatment for your toenail problems. Dusting shoes with an antifungal powder can help avoid picking up spores that way. It should be obvious that buying second hand shoes, or wearing shoes that have been worn by someone else presents a risk for picking up a fungal toenail infection.

Treatment of toenail disease depends on what is causing the toenail abnormalities. When fungus is the cause, treatment depends on applying an antifungal substance to the affected nails, or taking some antifungal agent by mouth. Most prescription drugs for fungal toenail problems are oral medications, while most home remedies and natural treatments are topical remedies, though there are exceptions in both groups. None work 100 percent of the time, but many seem to provide good results for some people. Successful treatment of fungal toenail abnormalities depends on a correct diagnosis and conscientious adherence to instructions for treatment, regardless of which treatment is chosen.

Yellow Toenails

2006-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yellow toenails are usually a sign of trouble to come. Although harmless bacterial colonization can cause a color change in nails (usually green), and there is a rare condition called yellow nail syndrome, by far the most common cause of yellowish or brownish discoloration in the toenails is fungus infection. Many fungi produce colored pigments when they are growing well - Penicillium, for instance, the fungus that produces penicillin, commonly produces a deep green pigment. The fungi that like to grow in nails commonly produce yellowish or brownish colors.

To determine whether, in your case, a fungal infection is the reason for yellow toenails, you should visit your doctor and get a professional diagnosis. Since fungal nail infections are relatively common, your doctor will have seen yellow toenails before, and will be able to judge whether your nails are infected with fungus or whether you have some other problem that requires different treatment. If there is still doubt, a sample of your yellowish toenail can be taken and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Yellow toenails are not necessarily uniformly colored. Only some toenails may be affected - sometimes only one - and the fungus may only be growing in part of the nail, producing a yellow toenail streak. Untreated, infections that involve only part of the nail will usually spread to cover the whole nail, and generally advance towards the nail root over time. Once you know for sure that fungus is the reason for yellow toenails in your case, don't delay treatment. Infections are more easily treated if they do not involve the lunula (the whitish crescent shaped area near the cuticle).

You will have to decide between various types of treatment for yellow toenails. Your doctor can prescribe an oral medication that is taken daily for a few months to a year to get rid of the infection. Many people avoid the oral prescription drugs because they are expensive, and because of the potential for unpleasant side effects. There is also a topical prescription nail lacquer that is painted on, but this can only be used for yellow toenails, or a yellow toenail streak that does not involve the lunula (the whitish crescent-shaped region near the cuticle).

Besides the prescription drugs, natural remedies probably work better than over the counter antifungals for yellow toenails and any yellow toenail streak. This is because topical ointments and lotions don't get through the nail to kill the fungus. Natural and home remedies attempt to soften the nail for better penetration, and often contain natural ingredients that have been found to be effective against fungus. Some are even backed up by scientific study.

Black Fungus Under Fingernails

2006-06-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Black fungus under fingernails is about the last thing that anyone would want, yet fungal nail infection is not at all uncommon. Fungal fingernail infection happens when fungal spores get in under the fingernails and start to grow there. Before long fungal hyphae (slender branching stalks of fungal growth) are wending their way back from the tip of the nail toward the cuticle, flourishing in the warm moist environment of the nail bed and deriving nourishment from the finger nail itself. Not all fungi produce a black color however: a yellow or brown color is even more typical.

A subtle yellowish tinge to the nail is often the first sign of fungal nail infection and it usually starts on one or more toenails. Stronger colors, such as dark brown or black, develop over time as the fungus matures and begins producing spores. Furthermore, there is great variation in what nail fungus looks like, and some infections simply have a white or cream color. Black fungus under fingernails is not really a typical fingernail infection.

What nail fungus looks like depends on a variety of factors: what type of fungus is growing in the nail, how far advanced the infection is, which parts of the nail are affected, and whether there have been any attempts at treatment. Black fungus under fingernails would usually be a fairly advanced infection. Other symptoms in advanced infection include nails that are thick and deformed, crumbling or flaking nails that wear away quickly, painful toes and fingertips, peeling skin around the affected nails.

If you have black fungus under fingernails, and your toenails are not infected, you may have caught it when your hands came in contact with fungal elements in the soil, or in decaying vegetation. It is always a good idea to wear gardening gloves when you are working in the garden, and to clean your nails thoroughly if dirt lodges under them. Be wary, too, of any little cuts and scratches you get on your hands while you are working outside: these make it easier for any harmful organism, including fungi to invade your nails and skin. Places to pick up a nail fungus include contact with someone else's nail infection, and damp public places such as pools and public showers stalls. Manicures and pedicures in nail spas have also been known to spread fungus infections. Take care of your nails and keep in mind what nail fungus looks like, so you can recognize it quickly and get treatment before it gets too bad.

Fingernail Discoloration

2006-06-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Fingernail discoloration is usually the first visible sign of a fungal fingernail infection. Indeed, it is usually the first symptom of any kind, since at such an early stage, a fungal infection will not be causing any discomfort. The discoloration is generally yellow or brown, and will gradually get worse if the infection progresses. Fungus, however, is not the only thing that can cause a yellowish or brownish color change in the nails. If you notice fingernail discoloration, don't jump to quick conclusions.

Most often, discolored toenails, and fingernail discoloration is caused by fungal nail infection (onychomycosis). Some estimates say the one in ten people in North America suffer from onychomycosis, so it is far from rare. If only some nails are affected, and the color change is something new, the presumption that fungus is the cause is more likely to be correct. Even if the affected nails look entirely typical of onychomycosis, however, it's a good idea to get a proper diagnosis.

If the only sign of trouble is discolored toenails, and the diagnosis is certain, it's a good idea to start treatment right away - the less advanced the infection is, the easier it will be to treat. It will also be easier to prevent the infection spreading to other nails: fungus usually invades the toe nails first, then fingernail discoloration marks its spread to the hands. Early treatment can also prevent complications.

None of the available remedies for onychomycosis work for everybody, but all work best if treatment instructions are carefully followed - and they all take time, even for simple discolored toenails. Don't just opt for an over the counter (OTC) lotion or ointment: especially while your nail is still relatively intact, these treatments are unlikely to penetrate the nail sufficiently to kill the fungus. Oral prescription medication is available, which contacts the fungus from inside the body, and a few topical natural remedies have been formulated to give good nail penetration. Many of the home remedies involve soaking the nails in solution, which softens the nails and allows better penetration of a traditional treatment. Fingernail discoloration may clear up faster than discolored toenails.

Although the human immune system does occasionally fight off early onychomycosis on its own, a wait-and-see approach is likely to just lead to a worsening fungal nail infection. Caught early, the infection can be cleared up relatively easily and quickly. There are many treatment options to choose from: do some searching and choose one that's right for you.

Fingernail Fungus Picture

2006-06-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Many people try to confirm their fears of nail fungus infection by comparing their nails to a fingernail fungus picture. While it can be very useful to do this, it is also somewhat dangerous: a photograph doesn't tell the whole story and other types of nail disease can look similar enough to nail fungus to cause considerable confusion. The best course of action is to have an unhealthy nail examined by a physician.

A physician brings years of experience and medical training to the task of diagnosing infections. He or she also knows something about other nail disorders that give a fingernail fungus picture, but are caused by something else. A physician can take samples and order laboratory tests to get the diagnosis confirmed, or refer you to a specialist if necessary. Your physician may well have pictures of fingernail fungus and other nail disorders that you can study and compare with his or her guidance.

Keeping in mind that a visit to your physician will provide you with information and resources that a fingernail fungus picture never can, you will find many excellent pictures of fingernail fungus on the internet just by typing "nail fungus photo" in the Google search bar. A good site to visit is the Hardin Library for Health Sciences. Try to find photographs of other nail disorders as well, for comparison. (You should be able to find these at the Hardin Library as well.)

The fungi that cause nail infection break down the nail and sometimes spread to surrounding skin. When the skin is damaged by spreading fungus infection, or by other causes, the risk of other organisms, such as harmful bacteria, invading is also increased (think of any break in the skin and the necessity of keeping it clean so that it doesn't become infected). Even if invading bacteria are not causing a problem, they can change the fingernail fungus picture. Pseudomonas, for example, a bacteria that often colonizes nails, produces a green color, instead of the typical green or black of fungus. Stock pictures of fingernail fungus are unlikely to show such a combination.

So when it comes to pictures of fingernail fungus, a picture may speak a thousand words but it doesn't always speak the truth. Nail diseases can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you want to get rid of the problem in the least possible amount of time, don't rely on a fingernail fungus picture to tell you what is wrong. See your physician and get a proper diagnosis.

Fingernail infection

2006-06-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

There is something quite horrific about a fungal fingernail infection: no one likes to think that there is a fungus growing in, or under, their fingernail. Fungus actually rarely infects people because fungi are adapted for growing on dead and decaying organic material. The human immune system is able to fight off most fungi that it comes in contact with. Fingernails and toenails (and hair) are the notable exception to this rule because the cells that make up fingernails are not alive. They are dead cells packed tightly together to provide protection for the fingertips. Unfortunately, fungi can live on this dead material, and fungal fingernail infections are not uncommon.

Fungal toenail infections are more common still. The feet are kept wrapped up in socks and enclosed in shoes for long periods of time. They get hot and sweaty, are not washed nearly as often as hands are, and come in more frequent contact with the earth and the damp flooring in wet public places such as swimming pools. These factors make it more likely that the toenails will come in contact with fungi, and more likely that a fungus will be able to set up an infection. Fungal nail infections usually start on the feet - fingernail infection occurs later, when the fungus spreads from the feet to the hands.

Fingernail infection and toenail infections are treated in the same way. Antifungal treatments that are taken by mouth are not common, but there are few among the prescription drugs, and a few more that are either natural remedies, or home remedies. If you are interested in trying something that doesn't require a prescription, look into the apple cider vinegar home remedy: taking a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar twice a day reportedly clears up fungal nail infections - but tastes pretty bad. In a more general sense, many people simply advocate a healthy diet and lifestyle: the boost that healthy living can give to an immune system may clear up the problem without other measures. A third type of oral remedy is Leucatin, a natural healing product that includes an herbal capsule taken by mouth combined with a topical solution that is applied directly to the toenail or fingernail infection.

Topical treatments for fungal fingernail infection, or toenail infections, are much more common than oral ones. There is only one topical prescription drug, a nail lacquer called Penlac. Most over the counter nail lotions don’t seem to work very well because they don’t penetrate the nail to get at the fungus. A few natural remedies show some promise: Tea tree oil blended with other essential oils and the topical solution that come with Leucatin seem to work for many people. Many people also like old home remedies, like soaking your nails in vinegar, dilute bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. When it comes to treating fungal fingernail infections, a lack of choices is not the problem – the problem is finding something that really works.

Fingernail Disorders

2006-06-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

Although most people have healthy, attractive nails, there are various fingernail disorders that can cause considerable distress. Dermatologists (skin specialists) are familiar with these disorders and can help with a diagnosis. The most common nail disorder, however, is probably fungal infection of the nail, or onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis can be broken down into different categories of toe- and fingernail diseases: those that are caused by dermatophytes, those that are caused by saprophytes, and those that are really yeast infections. Dermatophytes are fungi that actually prefer to grow on the nails, skin, and hair. Some of them are specifically adapted to humans, while others commonly infect animals as well. They cause skin infection, such as athlete's foot, and ringworm, as well as toe- and fingernail disorders.

The saprophytes are more accidental causes of fingernail disorders. Present in the environment, they generally live in damp decaying organic material and infect nails only when the opportunity arises. Although some of them are known to cause tissue infection from time to time, as well as fingernail diseases, they do not generally infect the skin. Because these fungi are not dermatophytes, drugs and remedies for onychomycosis may not be tested against them.

Finally, there are the yeasts, causes of toenail and fingernail diseases, as well as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, eye infections, and various other conditions. Chief among the yeasts infecting people is Candida albicans, although other species can also do it, particularly in a susceptible individual. Incidentally, we can also thank these organisms for bread and beer, so tissue infections and fingernail disorders are not their only claim to fame. Like the saprophytes described above, these causes of nail infection may require a different treatment approach.

Before choosing any type of treatment for fingernail disorders, sufferers are wise to see a professional – either a medical doctor or a dermatologist – to have the condition properly diagnosed. These professionals can also arrange for laboratory testing to confirm fungal infection, and to properly identify the fungus causing the problem. It may well be that many treatment failures can be attributed to the wrong initial self-diagnosis. Identification of fingernail diseases is best left in the hands of professionals.

Symptoms of Fingernail Fungus

2006-06-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

One of the earliest symptoms of fingernail fungus is a yellowish or brownish discoloration of the fingernail. It's mild, and may go unnoticed, especially if you wear nail polish, but it will likely progress over time. The color change is the result of the fungus producing colored pigments as it grows and gets established under the fingernail.

Fungus grows slowly in fingernails and toenails, so the yellow color may be the only sign of infection you see for quite a while. It's likely that in some instances, the body's immune system succeeds in fighting off the fungal infection: if this happens, the discoloration will go away. The immune system finds it hard to fight the fungus, however, because the growth is actually extending into the nail itself, where antibodies and immune cells can't go. In many cases, therefore, the fungus grows unchecked, and before too long, more symptoms of fingernail fungus appear.

More advanced symptoms of fingernail fungus occur when the nail starts to come apart. Fingernails and toenails are actually made up of dead cells, similar to skin cells: at the root of the nail, the dead cells are piled in layers, like many layers of autumn leaves, packed tightly together. As more and more nail forms at the root, it pushes the rest of the nail out onto the nail bed. When fungus begins to grow through these layers of cells, they come away from each other - that is why one of the symptoms of fingernail fungus is a thickened flaky nail. The discoloration may get worse as well because there is more growth of fungus there, and more pigment being produced.

Fingernails and toenails, and hair, contain a protein called keratin. The outer layer of dead skin cells all over our bodies also contains this protein: it serves as a horny protective covering for our skin. This protein is the main nutrient source for the types of fungi that grow on human skin and hair, and this explains why fungal nail infections frequently spread to the surrounding skin. Thus, one of the symptoms of fingernail fungus, especially if it has been untreated for a while, is flaking, scaling skin, and even redness and inflammation of the fingers and toes around infected nails.

Fingernail fungas

2006-06-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you think you have a fingernail fungas infection, you should not wait too long before doing something about it. This is not because the infection is dangerous; in fact, fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails can remain for a very long time without causing any discomfort or spreading through the body (they can spread to nearby skin, however). The reason you should act quickly is that these infections tend to be very ugly, and the longer you leave it, the uglier it will be, and the harder it will be to get rid of.

The first step is to visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. Not all nail abnormalities are caused by nail fungas and you need to be sure you are treating the right thing. Your doctor may give you a visual diagnosis, but the best course is usually to take a sample of the nail and send it to the medical laboratory for fungal testing. A sample can be obtained by gently filing away fragments of the nail (abnormal looking portions should be chosen). If the fingernail fungas is already advanced, pieces may be flaking off, and larger portions can be sampled without causing undue discomfort.

Mycology labs culture fingernail fungas - they put the pieces of your nail on a plate of something that fungi like to grow on, and wait to see if anything grows. Remember that your nail fungas is a slow grower. It will grow slowly in the lab as well, so it may be more than a month before you get the results of the tests. While you wait, follow your doctor's advice with respect to caring for your infection.

There are various treatment options for fingernail fungas. You can get a prescription drug from your doctor. Most of these are oral medications, however, Penlac nail lacquer is painted on like polish. Bear in mind, however, that these drugs are very expensive, and may have harmful side effects. There are also over the counter topical remedies and a number of proprietary natural remedies that you can purchase, as well as a collection of home remedies passed down by word of mouth. All of these treatments are backed up by personal accounts of success, but none works 100 percent of the time. At present, the topical non-prescription nail fungas remedies that seem to have the best record, backed up by some scientific study, are those that contain Tea tree oil, the distilled oil of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree.

Discuss your treatment choices with your doctor, your local pharmacist, even an alternative healer if you are interested in trying a natural remedy, but don't put it off - the sooner you launch a counterattack on fingernail fungus, the better.

Fingernail fungus

2006-06-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

Fingernail fungus is an unsightly and embarrassing infection that is quite common and notoriously hard to get rid of. Our bodies are usually efficient at fighting off fungal infections: fungi's main activity is to help break down dead material such as decomposing plant and animal material and anything else organic that is not living. Intact living tissues of both plants and animals have immunity and don't allow fungi to get a foothold. Finger- and toenails, hair, horn and hooves are different: they are not living tissue, and some types of fungi have adapted to survive quite well in these substances. Most of them fall into a category we call dermatophytes.

The same characteristic that allows fungi to establish themselves in nails makes finger nail fungus hard to get rid of: the nonliving nails do not mount any immune response, and the body's immune system, along with any medication applied externally, cannot reach the fingernail fungus where it grows protected inside the matrix of the nail. The last straw is that our fingers and toes go on producing more nails, each one perpetually growing like a conveyor belt in a cafeteria, so there is always a new food supply to keep the infection going. Nails grow very slowly, but so does fungus. It's a relationship that works.

It works for the fingernail fungus, but not for us, and generations of finger nail fungus sufferers have tried to devise ways of getting at the infection and knocking it out. Many home remedies are intuitive. We all know that soaking in liquid softens nails, and a soft nail should allow better penetration of a topical remedy. Acid conditions discourage fungi as well, so soaking in vinegar should be more effective than soaking in water. Solutions that are known to be disinfectants, like dilute chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and Listerine mouthwash, have also been used as soaking solutions.

Another way to soften a nail to treat finger nail fungus, is to continually apply oil. Of course, oils that contain medicinal ingredients may attack the fingernail fungus at the same time as they are softening the nail. This idea has lead to the use of things like Vicks VapoRub, and essential herbal oils like oregano oil, and thyme oil. Recently, the distilled oil of the Tea tree has come under scrutiny because of apparent antifungal properties. Scientific research is supporting the idea that Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for finger nail fungus, and the oil is being sold commercially and added to natural remedies for the infection. Though any of the home remedies may work for fingernail fungus under the right circumstances, Tea tree oil is one for which there is a growing body of scientific evidence.

Tea Tree Oil Antifungal

2006-06-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Tea tree oil antifungal treatment is one of the most popular natural remedies for nail fungus infection. The product is made from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, or Tea tree. It is not made in the same manner as an ordinary cup of black or herbal tea however: this extract is an essential oil that is obtained by a steam distillation process. A concentrated component of the product, terpinen-4-ol, is believed to be an effective antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. This is one natural remedy for which there is considerable scientific support: research into the medicinal possibilities of the Melaleuca is continuing in Australia, where the tree grows.

The evidence of Tea tree oil antifungal activity is so convincing that producers of natural remedies for fungal nail infections have begun marketing it as a fungal nail remedy. Others have begun blending it with other essential oils or antifungal herbs to produce topical treatments for infected nails. Although some natural healers advocate applying the distilled product straight to fungal nails, there have been reports of skin sensitivity, so a blend with a carrier oil, or with other ingredients, may be a better approach, particularly if the oil will contact bare skin. In no circumstances should the oil be taken by mouth - it is for external application only.

To treat a fungal nail infection with a Tea tree oil antifungal preparation, first of all, use a fresh supply of Tea tree oil! Researchers have found that the preparation deteriorates over time, and allergic reactions may be more common when old oil is used. Apply the remedy to affected toenails or fingernails two or three times a day, and allow it to soak in. The oil should also be applied to any areas of the surrounding skin that appear to be affected by the fungus. Continue daily applications until the nail looks normal.

Like most remedies for nail fungus, tea tree oil antifungal treatment can take many months, depending on how far advanced the infection is when treatment begins. Nails grow very slowly and, until the affected portion of the nail is completely grown out, the infection may rebound when treatment is discontinued. Many sources claim that even one missed day in the treatment regime will allow the fungus to stage a comeback. A dedicated daily application, followed by careful nail care to prevent any future infections, is the way to use a Tea tree oil antifungal remedy to banish nail fungus.

Nail Fungus Prevention

2006-06-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails are very common - nail fungus prevention and treatment depends on an understanding of what, exactly, is going on. A fungal toenail infection occurs when fungal elements, usually spores, get in under the nail, into the tender tissue of the nailbed, and start to grow there. Sandwiched between the toenail and the toe, the fungus feeds on the toenail itself: toenails are not live tissue, but they contain a protein called keratin, which fungi are able to break down to obtain nutrients. Fingernails, hair, and animal hooves and horn also contain keratin, and these substances are also susceptible to fungal invasion.

Nail fungus prevention begins with being careful not to put out a welcome sign for the fungus. A healthy body with a strong immune system will fight off most fungi that show up. Clean, well trimmed nails, and fingers and toes that are free of breaks in the skin are important too. Look after any injuries, even small nicks and scratches, particularly if they are close to the nails. More severe injuries involving nails or their roots may require more intensive first aid and daily care to prevent fungal spores from gaining entrance and setting up an infection. As well, fungal toenail infections are more common than fungal fingernail infections, so the feet will benefit from more attention.

Feet probably suffer from fungal attack more often than hands because feet don't get as much fresh air, and they don't get washed as often. The key to nail fungus prevention here is to keep the feet cool, dry and clean. Fungus spores will start to grow when conditions are damp and warm. They linger in dirty socks and shoes, in soil, damp ground, and dirty public shower stalls. While it's not necessary to avoid these places altogether, it's important to remember that you should always dry your feet thoroughly, change your socks regularly, and again, attend to even minor injuries carefully. Antifungal powders applied to the insides of shoes can also help prevent fungal toenail infection.

If nail fungus prevention fails, and you see signs that a nail is infected, don't wait for it to get worse before you tackle it. In these very early stages, a home remedy for fungal toenail and fingernail infection, or a homeopathic remedy may work just as well as an expensive prescription drug. Fungi grow very slowly, so you have time to work on it before it gets too advanced. First, consult your doctor to be sure it is a fungal infection, and then, whichever treatment you choose, commit yourself to tending to the treatment daily, possibly for months, until the infection is gone.