Infected Toenail Treatment

So, is your infected toenail creating a problem for you? You wish to know an effective way to treat the toenail infection and flaunt your beautiful feet again? You know something? We are careful about all the makeup we do, we concentrate on the face and hands and conveniently forget the feet. We don't even give them the care they need. An infected toenail can be painful, as well as embarrassing. Onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungal growth in the nails. There are many types of infections that affect the toenail like Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO), White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO), Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO), etc. Candida albicans is another infection which not only affects toenails but even fingernails.

Causes

When we leave our feet wet and do not dry it well, certain bacteria and fungus attack our nails, and eventually causes toenail infection. Adults who, sweat a lot, wear unclean shoes, have a weak immune system and those suffering from diabetes are prone to an infection. Not only adults, but children not following proper hygiene and cleanliness may suffer from an infection in the toenail. The toenail may also get infected if a toe injury of the past was not treated on time, and has erupted again. This problem occurs mostly during the rains, or when the climate is moist and humid.

Symptoms

Toenail fungus symptoms include brittle nails, discolored or black nails, nails may become very hard, you might get an unpleasant smell coming from the toe and find red blisters filled with pus around the nail. You shall notice all these signs of toenail fungus, as soon as bacteria has infested the toenail.

Treatment

• Toenail Fungus Treatment
Applying Zeta Clear, an anti fungal formula which consists of all natural ingredients is the most common and effective way to treat toenail fungus. Apart from this, there is the Nail-Rx formula and Pedi-Cure formula which again are natural and safe to use but cost a few dollars more than Zeta Clear. One needs to have patience while undergoing treatment, as it usually takes 3 to 4 months to cure the infected toenail completely. Laser treatment for toenail fungus has also proved to be effective in severe cases. However it is a bit expensive, as compared to other methods. There are many antifungal creams and oral medicines available over the counter which are effective and will relieve you of the pain. However, it is not advisable to consume antibiotics like terbinafine and griseofulvin to name a few, which are used to fight fungal infections, without the doctor's prescription as terbinafine side effects are very well-known.

• Natural Toenail Fungus Treatment
Home remedies for toenail fungus cure includes soaking the feet in an iodine or Listerine solution. Soaking the feet in vinegar is also beneficial as it is known to have antifungal properties, applying lime juice on the affected toenail is also a good option. Apple cider vinegar also fights the infection and needs to be taken orally. Tea tree oil for toenail fungus, is one of the best oils when it comes to treating any kind of skin infection. Lavender oil and olive oil are also other affordable options. You need to apply the oil with cotton over the toenail twice a day while barefeet. Rubbing a slice of onion on the affected area also helps in curing the infection. Applying alcohol, bleaching liquid or hydrogen peroxide is effective but gives a burning sensation. Keep a close watch on all that you consume, start including spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, chillies, capsicum, black pepper, celery seeds in your daily diet, as they are known to fight bacteria and possess healing properties.

• Ingrown Toenail Treatment
In case of an infected ingrown toenail treatment, medical help will be required. During an ingrown toenail removal procedure the doctor shall remove the spike of the nail after giving an anesthesia shot to make the toe numb, as the process is very painful. The toe will be wrapped with antiseptic and a bandage, antibiotics will be prescribed by the doctor to boost your immune system, if you suffer from any other illness. In severe conditions a surgery will be performed and the infected toe might have to be amputated. You may also follow a home treatment for ingrown toenails for relieving the pain, post surgery.

Prevention

If the infected toenail is not treated in time, then it may spread from one toe to another and the condition may worsen. In severe cases the nail fungus may get mixed with the blood stream and may prove difficult to control. In such a case, only a medical practitioner will be able to treat the infection. Nail care is very important, so always examine your feet everyday to check for any change in appearance. If you find any cuts or blisters, wash or dip your feet in warm soapy water, dry your feet completely and apply an antiseptic cream over it. The best way to avoid the toenail problems, or infections, is to maintain proper hygiene by wearing clean socks and shoes, disinfect the pedicure equipment that you use. Use an antifungal spray or powder, if your feet sweat a lot, and always stay clean.

If you make it a point to follow the treatment, it would definitely eradicate the infection quickly and you shall be ready to flaunt your beautiful feet in no time.