Toenail Fungus Remedies

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.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Toenail Fungus Remedies, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

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Toenail Fungus Risk Factors

Fungi are tiny microscopic organisms. They live in moist, warm and dark places. Fungi do not require sunlight to live. It is almost impossible to avoid areas where fungi are present.

A century ago, toe nail fungus (onychomycosis) was a rare condition. Nowadays, it is quite prevalent due to the multitude of facilities, such as swimming pools and showers, where fungi thrive.

Fungi invade through gaps between your nail and nail bed or tiny cuts in your skin. These gaps and cuts may be invisible to the naked eye. The more often your nails are exposed to fungi, the more likely an infection will develop.

A frequent risk factor is age. Reduced blood circulation to the extremities occurs with the aging process, as well as return of deoxidized blood to the heart from the feet. This alone increases the risk of toenail fungus for the elderly. In addition, as people age, their toenails tend to grow thicker and slower making resistance to toe nail fungus lower.

Genetics seem to play a role in toenail fungus. If there is a family history of toe nail fungus, there is a greater likelihood of developing the disease. As well, if one member of a family is infected, all the other family members are at a high risk due to exposure to the fungi.

Men are twice as likely as women to suffer toe nail fungus, likely because men's shoes tend to be enclosed around the toes and form fitting.

Women who wear high heel pumps or shoes with narrow toe boxes regularly may have a higher risk. Layers of toenail polish invite fungi because the nails are unable to breathe.

Athletes and physically active people have an elevated risk factor. Wearing damp socks and shoes from heavy perspiration for extended periods is a natural breeding ground for fungi. The lack of ventilation from sports shoes further exacerbates the risk.

The big toes and little toes are the most vulnerable to toenail fungus. This is probably because these toes have a higher friction relationship with shoes.

As mentioned earlier, fungi thrive in areas such as swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and showers. Walking barefoot in these places, where people already infected with toe nail fungus may have walked, is a high risk factor.

Occupation may be another risk factor. Standing for long periods of time, humid or moist work environments, such as hothouses, and wearing steel toe boots all add to the possibility of toe nail fungus.

Something as minor as previous trauma to the nails can allownail fungus to develop, while medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV and autoimmune diseases weaken the body's immune and nervous systems ability to fight infections. Vascular disease may permit toe nail fungus due to lack of proper circulation. There is a link between long-term steroid use and toe nail fungus. People who suffer from psoriasis are also at increased risk because of skins splits and cuts that accompany the disease.

Need relief from toenail fungus? Find out more about the home remedies that people have used to successfully cure toenail fungus!

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