Nail Fungus Treatment Over the Counter

Nail fungus or Onychomycosis is a nasty infection of nails that is caused due to a fungus named dermatophyte, which belongs to the yeast family. This condition affects a whopping 60 million people all over the world and 50% of the cases are from US alone! Most people suffering from this infection are wary of seeking a proper medical treatment, owing to the embarrassment and stigma attached to it. Many people either opt for over the counter or natural treatments. This article deals with over the counter type of treatment for nail fungus. Treatments for nail fungus rarely work, since the fungus is well protected inside the nail, on the nail bed. Yet, let us see how to cure it with these medications.

Nail Fungus Treatment Over the Counter

Over the counter fungus treatments are available in various forms such as topical and oral medications. Topical treatments are not effective against nail fungus since, these creams, ointments or lotions cannot penetrate the nail to get in contact with the fungus underneath the nail. Even dipping your hands in medicated solutions is rarely effective. Besides, if you do not dry your hands properly, you are at risk of aggravating the fungal infection. 'Naftin' and 'The Toenail and Nail Fungus Treatment' are the two brands in topical over the counter medications, which are supposedly effective. These creams can be bought at your local pharmacy shop without a doctor's prescription. As FDA has revised its policy regarding over the counter nail fungus products, you can now get effective treatments without spending much.

Many homeopathic and household medications also work for nail fungus. An antifungal mud called Saprox or a homeopathic medicine Fung-B-Gone can also be considered as OTC treatment options. People also use Vicks vaporub, Listerine mouthwash and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as nail fungus treatments with good effect. Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used OTC drug for Nail fungus. Amorolfine is an OTC which is available in the form of nail lacquer. You simply have to apply it upon your nails like a nail polish. The drug in this lacquer penetrates the nail to get inside the nail bed and exterminate fungus.

Oral medications are a good option when all treatments and home remedies cease to work. These medications are very effective, but can be obtained only upon producing a valid prescription. Leucatin and Lamisil are the two oral medications which your doctor is most likely to prescribe you. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) is yet another OTC which is used by some people to treat nail fungus. However, if you are really interested in finding an over the counter nail fungus treatment that works, then clotrimazole may not be your best bet.

How to Use OTC Medications

If you insist upon curing nail fungus with over the counter medications, then it is important to do so in a routinely manner. Before applying OTC medications, make sure your nail is perfectly clean and trimmed. Since, nail fungus leads to thick growth of nails, you will have to file it down to desired thickness. Then soak your nails in vinegar solution to make them soft. Now trim them as small as you can, without damaging the flesh. Next, pat them dry with a towel and only then apply the OTC medication or any other toenail fungus home treatment. You may have to repeat the procedure for a few weeks before you actually notice any reduction in the fungus.

Over the counter nail fungus treatment should only be used for treating mild fungal infection. Anything severe than that, should be left to a doctor for treatment.