7 Ways to Treat Toenail Fungus
Whether you’re in the beginning stages of toenail fungus or you have a more serious case, it’s not a pleasant ailment and can cause some discomfort. Generally, toenail fungus is harmless but can cause cracked, thickened, painful nails that make wearing closed-toed shoes difficult. If you notice your toenail darkening, turning a yellowish color, white marks on the nail, and a foul odor, you may have toenail fungus.
Causes and Treatments
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungal spore coming in contact with your skin and entering through tiny cuts or a separation between your nail and nail bed. These fungi usually grow in warm, moist environments like swimming pools or showers. Your toes are an ideal environment for fungi growth, as they are usually covered and confined in a warm, moist environment found in socks and shoes. Toes also get less blood flow than similar areas such as fingers, which makes it harder for the body to fight the fungus.
There are various treatments and remedies to help cure toenail fungus, all with varying amounts of success. Some steps that might help include:
- Prescription oral antifungal medications
- Medicated nail polish
- Medicated nail creams
- Over the counter antifungal medications
- Vicks VapoRub
- Trimming and thinning the nail
- Tea tree oil
While you may have contracted toenail fungus from a variety of places, the team of medical professionals at FastMed can prescribe a treatment that will help you heal and recommend preventive measures. The staff at FastMed strives to get you in and out of our clinic in under an hour so you can go about your day while getting the treatment you need.
FastMed’s exceptional and compassionate healthcare providers and staff are committed to our patients. Don’t let toenail fungus bother you any longer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.