About Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is a condition that often will not go away without a remedy. It can continue to get worse. It may increase coverage from one nail to another, or to another person. If you suspect you have nail fungus, you can research nail fungus here and decide how to overcome it. There are plenty of nail fungus photos and nail fungus pictures.
Q: What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is composed of teeny organisms, called dermaphytes , that can infect fingernails and toenails. Nail fungus is incredibly common. Over 35 million persons in the United States have it under their nails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (ON- i-ko-my-KO-sis ).
Q: How does nail fungus progress?
The nail fungus moves in beneath the nail. This is a safe place for the fungus and
protects it while it grows. That's why it's so challenging to reach and stop nail fungus.
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Q: Where does nail fungus infection most often occur?
Most frequently, nail fungus appears in toenails
because footwear keeps the toenails dark, warm, and moist. This is a wonderful place for the fungus to grow.
Q: Why should I find a remedy?
- Your nails—especially toenails—may have some pain.
- Nail fungus can set in motion other health challenges for people with circulation problems in their feet and/or persons with diabetes.
- You may feel self-conscious by the way the fungus has made your nails appear.
Q: Have you had a personal experience with nail fungus?
I was working on my Ph.D. and Masters of Science degree in Computer Science when the fungus first formed. 
I would sleep with my socks on because we lived in the cold North.
First Try
I have been learning through the Web. First, I applied vinegar for about 8 months. This did not work.
Then I tried PenLac . It cost a lot, but it did not work, either. I will tell you what worked later on…
Buyer Beware
To steer clear of any legal snags, allow me to offer the following disclaimer:
I do not represent any of these "remedies" descri herein to diagnose or cure Nail Fungus, and I encourage you to seek professional medical advice 
before attempting any cure.
Do your own research before the condition of your nails worsens. That way, you won't have to pay out the nose to physicians or the drug companies for a remedy that should be lots cheaper.
I put up this information after a number of doctor visits and self-directed medication.
The Cost to You
My doctor had the joy$ of setting me up for all kinds of diagnostics to determine the state of my liver. All told, those diagnostic tests amounted to over $1000,
and not one bit of help for my toenail fungus!
Q: Who is a candidate to get nail fungus?
Certain people are more at risk for getting nail fungus:
- Persons who share locker rooms, bathrooms, showers, and swimming pools
- People whose feet are sweaty
- People who use their feet a lot, such as athletes, runners, and dancers
Q: What causes nail fungus?
Most often, the tiny fungus gets under the nail and takes hold. Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, like:
- An injury (like thumping a fingernail with a hammer)
- Tight, toe-pinching shoes
Q: What did the physician do for your nail fungus infection?
The M.D. looked at it and wrote a prescription. I had been doing my own research, and immediately knew the side effects of the drug.
One of them was possible liver damage. I had experienced a liver anomaly before, and then told him. He just said, “Whew! I'm glad you told me!”
Q: Who else is likely to get nail fungus?
- People who have previously had athlete's foot
- Persons over 65
- Persons who have medical challenges, such as impaired circulation (blood flow), diabetes, or immune system challenges (such as AIDS or HIV)
- People who have manicures or pedicures & aren't careful of nail clippers, emery boards, and other tools
Q: How does nail fungus spread?
The fungi can live and move where the air is often damp and people's feet are bare. This may happen in places like showers
bathrooms, or locker rooms. It can be passed along when you share a nail file or clippers with someone who has nail fungus, as well. It can easily spread from one of your nails to other nails.
Fungal infections comprise about 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. Debris - yellow, green, white, or black
may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail . Fungal infection of the toenails occurs 4 times more frequently than that of the fingernails.
An estimated 11 million Americans are suffering
from onychomycosis, and up to 48 percent of individuals have at least one affected toe
by the time they reach age 70
As the fungi mature, they feed on keratin, the tough, horny protein that makes up the hard surface of toenails.
In about 78 percent of cases, the infecting toenail fungus is a member of a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
Other health challengers include yeast, mold, and bacteria.
Toenail fungus is a chronic disease that gradually progresses to involve more and more of the nail, rarely healing on its own. Even if the affected nail spontaneously falls off or is knocked off, the nail that regrows is normally infected with fungus.
In critical cases, surgical removal of nail may be necessary.
Currently, the best treatments (although still not very effective) are expensive oral
prescription medications with potentially adverse side effects
- Clean feet with soap and water daily and drying them thoroughly.
- Don rubber shoes or shower clogs in communal areas.
Choose well-ventilated shoes that allow feet to "breathe."
Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials. Wear proper fitting shoes with sufficient toe space.
Alternate pairs of footware to allow them to air out between wearings.
Get out of wet shoes immediately.
Wear socks composed of cotton or materials that "wick" away moisture.
If your feet sweat, change socks twice a day and wash them in hot water after each wearing.
Q: What are the signs of a nail fungus infection?
Nail fungus, once it takes hold, can be seen, felt, and even
(ugh!) 
smelled.
Nails may appear brownish, yellowish, or have tiny white patches
. Some may even be black.
Q: More Fungus Symptoms?
Nails may get crumbling, brittle, and chipped. 
Bits of "substance" or debris may accumulate under your nails.
Toenails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes soreness.
Q: Nail Fungus Results?
Discomfort from the infection may make it difficult to walk, work, or
do other activities. 
These indicators may not get better. In fact, if nail fungus infections are not taken care of, they may get worse.
Q: How Can I Identify Nail Fungus?
First, you should have a close inspection of your nails.
If you are unsure, look at the pictures, and/or have your healthcare provider clip off a small piece of your nail so that it can be examined.
Q: Is It The Only Way?
This is a common way of identifying nail fungus, and I had it done myself. The doctor brought in some clippers that couldn’t cut
butter. We both tried squeezing with white knuckles and shaking hands. When a
piece finally “broke” off, it went flying! 
You should have seen
the M.D., looking around on the floor like he had lost a contact lens!
Q: Any Fungus Remedies?
In the passages that follow, I will share several Toenail Fungus remedies with you. I welcome you to share any Toenail Fungus remedies that aren’t on this site. Some have already been shared, so if you see them on other sites, just thank yourselves! You can email me at (mailto: ajbaltes@yahoo.com) and let me know.
Let’s share it all with the world!
Getting the Word Out
Also, if you have a website, you can help get the good news out by putting this link on it: http://www.nail-fungus-treatment.com/
Testimonials are often useful. If you will email them to me, I would be honored to consider them for posting.
On to the good stuff…
Distilled Vinegar
Vinegar prevents fungus growth because it contains acetic acid. Use a Q-tip to spread it around your toenail, making sure you work it into the cuticle and underneath the toenail. You can re-spread vinegar over the toenail every minute or two for several minutes just to give it time to soak through the nail and into the live part of the toenail.
Vinegar Kills the Fungus!
The vinegar must be put on your toenail each day
for as long as it takes for the infected toenail to completely grow out and be clipped away. A day missed, and you risk of permitting some of the fungus to "hide" in a section of the newly grown part of the toenail. In that case, you might have to restart your regimen.
Vicks Vaporub®: FUNGUS REMEDY
My mother shared this one with me. She knew that I had tried vinegar (but I used apple cider vinegar) and that it didn't work. So I tried Vicks Vaporub for about six months.
I dab some Vicks Vaporub on my toenails every morning. A website said that, after a few weeks or months, it grows out clean and thin.
Economically, it fit the bill, but results weren't all they were cracked up to be.
Oil of Oregano: FUNGUS REMEDY
I bought mine for $12.00 per bottle. After applying it consistently, I noticed a marked improvement after a few months. Of course, I clipped the infected part away as it grew out.
Although it has been reported to be a little rough on the skin, I had no problem with it. Besides, it's better than putting liver-antagonistic stuff into my body.
Some people also take this internally.
Tea Tree Oil: FUNGUS REMEDY
A Melaleuca tree product, it has specific antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has a relatively high success rate, but I noticed that the one nail on each foot I applied it to turned white. This caused me to discontinue that remedy, foregoing the big bucks I spent on it. So you might give it a try and have better results. If so, please let me know. You can pick some up at a health food store. Some from the Web are not reliable.
Pau d'arco and Goldenseal: NAIL FUNGUS REMEDIES
- This was seen on a website.
- It appears to have the effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil.
- It also affects your finances in an equal way.
Colloidal Silver: NAIL FUNGUS REMEDY
You can make your own for just pennies a gallon. Grab a nine-volt battery and a bit of silver wire. Then follow the directions on the sites linked from here. Check the linked sites for a place to buy some, too. Expect to pay at least $15 for a 5-ounce bottle.
You have heard the idiom, “born with a silver spoon in his mouth.” People think that just means, “Born rich.” The important part is that--even then--people knew that silver aided healing and prevented numerous illnesses, and that they would benefit from silverware.
More On Silver
It's a good staple to have in your medicine cabinet. Buy some now, if you don't make your own.
People sometimes take a tablespoon of Colloidal Silver each day. Others prefer applying the Colloidal Silver topically. You may be interested in some testimonials about Colloidal Silver.
I provide some on another page.
Potassium Iodide (KI): NAIL FUNGUS REMEDY
This ought to crack you up. Originally designed to prevent thyroid cancer, Potassium Iodide tablets were supposed to be taken right after exposure to nuclear radiation! A common ingredient in many high school chemistry labs, it is toxic in large amounts. You can expect to fork over about US $30 for a vial of Potassium Iodide crystals.
More on Postassium Iodide: STOP FUNGUS
As a Toenail Fungus remedy, Super Saturated Potassium Iodide (SSKI) is combined with the liquid or gel Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in a three-to-one ratio (in other words, 75% SSKI and 25% DMSO). People then apply the substance to the toenail.
More on DMSO: FUNGUS REMEDY
Dissolving KI in a dropper-bottle filled with water into a maximum concentration produces SSKI. You can learn more about the Toenail Fungus remedy Super Saturated Potassium Iodide with Dimethyl Sulfoxide by checking the links. You will also see places for obtaining Potassium Iodide crystals (about $30).
Vials of KI crystals can be purchased for about $25. DMSO can be purchased at health food stores or over the internet. It is available as a liquid or as a gel. Get the liquid (please note that the freezing point for DMSO is 65 Degrees Farenheit, so that if it is a cool day, your bottle of "liquid DMSO" may be frozen solid! However, freezing does not affect quality.). One internet source for DMSO is http://www.dmso.net/.
One caution about buying DMSO: Since DMSO has not been approved by the FDA for most purposes, it is sold only as a solvent. If suppliers think you are going to use it for any kind of treatment, they may refuse to sell it to you.
Bleach Solution: FUNGUS REMEDY
Does bleach kill onychomycosis? Well, I refuse to get on that Lamisil,so a friend told me to put ajax or clorox. You make a paste of it,and leave it on for 5 minutes,once a day One guy on the web said it works......................it lightens the color,and you know bleach kills evrything, so it has worked for some people.
You must use extreme caution when using pure Clorox. Don't inhale it will burn your lungs, don't get it on fabric. Rinse it off your skin and nails after about 3-4 min. that's all it takes.
More on Bleach as a Treatment
Someone in church once mentioned using bleach to get rid of toenail fungus. Frankly, it didn't seem right for me to put something that strong on my body. So, I omitted it.
Of course it kills mold and mildew if you use it in your shower. The body is relatively fragile, though.
There have been some reports of bleach working. However, I can't personally vouch for it. Let me know if you have an inside scoop on it!
Do Not Do This for Nail Fungus!!! 
One person had a relatively mild case on one toe. They were told to scrub with Comet and a toothbrush (Podiatrist said, ''It's the same organism that grows between the bathroom tiles''.) Some months later, a black spot was seen on the nail . A biopsy found a rare thing called acrilintiginous melanoma. It was malignant and they had to have the toe amputated right away.
PEE As A Fungus Remedy!
Although I have heard that there are urine-drinking clubs in parts of the Far East , using it on ones nails seems equally bizarre.
One website has this testimonial:
"Many years ago my mother got what I assume to have been fungus under several of her finger nails. The nails were brown and crinkly and thin in places. (She was a semi-professional gardener and I assume that to have been the source of the infection). She cured it in all but one of the nails with application over several months of her own urine - cost-free."
Since makeup is largely composed of bird manure (urea), maybe we ought not think it is too strange…
Lysol: What a Remedy
Someone reported to a colleague's website, “Visited your website and would
like to add that I am using Lysol Concentrate (brown bottle, not blue) with some
success. The toenail grows slowly and anyone must expect a 2-3 month time frame
for infected growth to disappear. I expect that Lysol is also a disinfectant
attacking fungus. I had tried Vicks Vaporub under the nails but found that it
had turned yellow nails black. The thickening disappeared but the color was
atrocious. Thanks for the help. I will supplement with peroxide.”
I WOULDN'T BET ON IT.
NAIL FUNGUS REMEDY:
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Reports show that Hydrogen Peroxide may be toxic to toenail fungus, and therefore the fungus can't live on the toenail when applied consistently. Normally, a diluted mixture (3%) is used, but I am not privy to any research on its effectiveness.
FUNGUS CURE: Anti-Candida Food Consumption
One Clinical Herbalist /Massage Therapist found that many people with Candida infections had toenail fungus, too. Following a Candida-Type Diet, she noticed "dramatic" results. She also put clients on a regimen of topical Tea Tree Oil and Pau d'arco "as a soak for the toes."
Chelation Therapy: Nail Fungus Remedy
Physicians can perform Chelation Therapy, and it is not properly classified as a Home Remedy. They use it primarily for cleanup of clogged arteries, treat heavy metal poisoning and assist in preventing open-heart surgery. Now some people are managing nail fungus in this way. Innovative.
Swimming Pool Algaecide: Nail Fungus Remedy
I am unsure of its safety...... but read about one couple that started putting diluted swimming pool algaecide on their toes. It worked for them, and apparently it worked for some others that heard it mentioned.
Castor Oil & Baking Soda: NAIL FUNGUS REMEDY
A person testifies that they apply it as a paste, morning and evening... it is easy to do in the summer with sandals.... They leave it on till it dries and falls off.... because they heard that Castor Oil has some mighty healing powers... it removes age spots, warts, and smooths rough skin.... and who knows what else ....
Kedem Sepphorris: Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus) Remedy
Some people are using Kedem Sepphorris. It's an over-the-counter herbal extract imported from Israel. If you have used this product and have found success, please send an email, and we will make you famous.
Nystatin and Trimcinolone Acetonide Cream, USP
A person wrote that their embarrassing big toe nail is finally improving after about a year and a half. The prescription cream was used her, and within two weeks she saw remarkable improvements. It cost $8 for a tube of 60 grams. She applied it twice daily.
Magnifying Glass: Nail Fungus Remedy
An individual takes a magnifying glass and concentrates the sun on the bad nail for 30 seconds a day. Who knows if it is the heat or the ultraviolet light that kills the fungus. I don't how many days the person did this.
Tilex: Off the Wall Nail Fungus Remedy
I know of a family practice doctor who swears by Tilex for fungal nails! He has used it on himself with apparently good results.
Johnson's Tea Tree "Nail Saver" (Contains Primrose Oil, Sesame Oil and Tea Tree Oil): Nail Fungus Remedy
For a person who also had some swelling around the nail , it worked wonders. The combination is apparently excellent.
Garlic: Nail Fungus Remedy
Some individuals use fresh raw garlic crushed and rub on and under nail. This technique also works on warts.
Neem Oil: Nail Fungus Remedy
A friend was told to use neem oil for fungus control on roses. They use it on nail fungus, too, twice a day for six months. It is found in the garden center at Lowe's.
Black Salve: Nail Fungus Remedy
This one helped a nail fungus sufferer in only a month!
Oxy Gel: Nail Fungus Remedy
A contributor to another page said their nails are "almost healthy", and look passable. It is a mild acid gel, $29 a bottle.
Betadine: Nail Fungus Remedy
This is a well-known antiseptic. I saw it noted once as a remedy for nail fungus.
ProClears: Nail Fungus Remedy
For $7 and no prescription somebody used this over and under the nail and across the cuticle until the infected nail dropped off and continued applying it until the nail had grown back in fully.
Penlac Nail Lacquer: Fungus Remedy
After Lamisil was used to no avail, this was adopted for about 2-3 months and the person's toenail completely recovered. Within days there was a notable change.
Udder/Bag Balm: Nail Fungus Remedy
Normally used for Cows' utters, but a fungus sufferer put it on and wore socks, finding it very helpful, in spite of its greasiness.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: Nail Fungus Remedy
Andrew Weil, M.D.'s newsletter mentioned it's effectiveness.
Monistat: Nail Fungus Remedy
A 20 year old female's friend uses this as an alternative to the liver-damaging tablets. A thick coat every night, covered with Band-Aids to keep it on all night. In the morning, they remove the Band-Aids, clean the toes, and apply a few drops of vinegar. After a few months, and it seemed to be working well. As with all remedies, be sure to consult a doctor. With this, see which type of Monostat to use (some doctors may tell you not to at all) and make sure there is no allergic reaction.
Sporanox: Nail Fungus Remedy
This was successfully used for mycotic nails. They only had to take it for 3 months. It was mentioned that this is, however, hard on the liver. Your doctor may prefer to do a liver panel to make sure your liver can handle it before prescribing it. It does take a long time to see the results, like nine months to a year.
Lamisil: Nail Fungus Remedy
Taking Lamisil orally for the time recommended (possibly only 3 months with liver function tests (LFTs) at 6 weeks) worked beautifully for one person. A dermatologist warned of only a 30% success rate but within three years it got the job done.
Tineacide: Nail Fungus Remedy
The #1 topical method my foot doctor discovered is this fungal cream, over-the counter. It can take up to six months, but results can be seen in a few weeks.
Tinactin: Nail Fungus Remedy
When one fungus sufferer's doctor said to "live with it," they rub this product it into where my nail was removed. Within a few weeks a paper-thin new nail began to grow. It was a very thin nail, and it eventually regained its normal thickness.
Lapacha Tea Nail Fungus Remedy
I read somewhere that soaking feet a couple of times a day in warm lapacha tea will clear up nail fungus.
TESTIMONY
Can you stand another toenail fungus cure? I found one that works for me after trying them all, including prescription Lamisil pills. I read somewhere that oil of oregano will kill anything, so I tried putting a drop down between the nail and the skin every day. Slowly but surely the toenail is growing out normally! I hope someone else can benefit from this as well. Thanks for the recommendation. Here's one from another reader: "When examining me my doctor noticed that I had nail fungus affecting toes on each foot. He recommended that I make a batter by mixing cornmeal and water in a shallow pan, let it sit for an hour, and then soak my feet for an hour. Do this once a week for a month. "If the fungus is not gone, apply Vicks VapoRub once a week for a month. I did the cornmeal therapy for three weeks and the fungus was gone. I don't know why it works, but it's cheap, harmless, and it worked for me."
What! Me!? Nail Fungus?!!
An infection of nail fungus (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. Onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis) usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem. Infections of nail fungus account for about half of all nail disorders. These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus. An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and infections may recur. But medications are available to help clear up nail fungus permanently.
Causes of Nail Fungus
How long or fast does it take for nail fungus to grow? Well, fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection. Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections. All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail . Then, eventually, the toeThey cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture — conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi. Infection with nail fungus is more common in toenails than in fingernails because toenails are often confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes — where fungi can thrive. Another reason may be the diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers.
Wednesday April 19, 9:00 am ET
LA GRANDE MOTTE, France and PALO ALTO, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Anacor Pharmaceuticals, a privately held company, today announced preliminary results from an ongoing open-label Phase 2 study demonstrating that AN2690, the first in a new class of antifungal agents, has potent clinical effects balanced with a favorable safety profile for the potential treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail and nail , which affects seven to ten percent of the U.S. population. This infection causes nails to deform, discolor and split.
The findings were presented today at the Perspectives in Percutaneous Penetration 10th International Conference in La Grande Motte, France.
"Getting the treatment to penetrate through the nail and into the nail bed is the holy grail in treating this persistent fungal infection most effectively," said Jacob Plattner, Senior Vice President of Research at Anacor. "Currently available agents are either given systemically, which can cause unwanted side effects, or topically, which do not penetrate the nail to the extent needed to target the dermatophytes that grow under the nail and cause onychomycosis. AN2690's exceptional nail penetration and potent anti-fungal properties make it a promising therapy for this disorder. Additional data from this trial and our ongoing placebo-controlled study will continue to define the benefits of this unique topical compound."
Study Details and Results
The ongoing open-label Phase 2 trial is assessing two doses of topical AN2690 -- a 7.5 percent solution and a 5 percent solution, in 60 patients receiving once-daily treatment for 180 days.
The co-primary endpoints of the study are:
1. Greater than 5 mm clear nail growth at six months, or, nails judged by
investigators to be "clear" or "almost clear;"
2. A negative fungal culture.
At 90 days, or half-way through the study's treatment period, average clear nail growth is 2.6 mm (13 of 24 patients having greater than 2.5 mm clear nail growth) and 100 percent of the fungal culture samples were negative at 30 days of treatment and beyond. Before-and-after photos also show visual improvement in the appearance of the nail plate. AN2690 has been well- tolerated in the study so far with the most common side effect reported being application site reactions.
Data from a preclinical study were also presented at the conference showing that AN2690 penetrated the nail bed more than 200 times more effectively than ciclopirox, the only topical treatment approved for onychomycosis in the U.S. AN2690 was found in far greater concentrations than ciclopirox throughout the nail and under the nail plate, where it is most needed to eradicate the fungus that causes onychomycosis. Sometimes the toenail separates from the nail bed.
Other Information About the Study
The Company is also conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled, six- month trial of 180 onychomycosis patients receiving 2.5 percent, 5 percent or 7.5 percent solutions of AN2690 or a placebo, applied daily. Primary endpoints for this study are the same as for the open-label study, with the addition of a potassium hydroxide (KOH) assay test.
About Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis affects seven to ten percent of the U.S. population, including 48 percent of those over age 70. Without treatment, the nails thicken and cause localized pressure-related pain. Dermatophytes are the primary fungi that cause onychomycosis with two strains, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, accounting for more than 90 percent of cases. Yeast-based infections are the second most common cause. Topical treatments succeed in fewer than 12 percent of patients, yet achieve sales of approximately $300 million a year worldwide. Systemic treatments are effective in approximately half of all cases, but have known toxicity. Sales of the largest selling systemic drugs for onychomycosis each exceed $1 billion annually worldwide.
About Anacor Pharmaceuticals
Anacor, a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, is developing novel product candidates for inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its proprietary, small-molecule, boron-based chemistry. Initially, Anacor is focusing development efforts on dermatological disorders with AN2690 in Phase 2 trials for onychomycosis, a fungal infection of nails and nails. A second product candidate, AN0128, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for atopic dermatitis.
Source: Anacor Pharmaceuticals
Fungal infections of the nails are common. The fungus grows in the nail , where the nail meets the skin. The fungus grows slowly and does not spread to internal organs.
The main concern is the nail discoloration (usually yellow) and change in nail texture and growth. Nails can become crumbly, break easily, and grow irregularly. However, because other nail conditions sometimes mimic fungal infection, most doctors will confirm the diagnosis by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation -- especially if treatment is being considered.
Fungal infections are not commonly contagious nor do they spread easily between people. Nail fungus grows more often in people with weaker immune systems, which rather than suppress it, allow the fungus to become established. There is currently no known way to boost your immune system to make fungal infections less likely.
Here are some ways that may help to prevent fungal infections:
- Keep your feet dry, avoid constant moisture
- Avoid nonporous, closed shoes made of synthetic materials
- Wear absorbent socks
- Wear water proof sandals when in public showers
Because the fungus grows slowly, it can be hard to eliminate. Anti-fungal medications are available to combat fungal infections; however, they are strong oral medications that must be taken consistently for months in order to be effective. The medications also have potential side effects to other body organs (especially the liver, skin and/or bone marrow).
To monitor side effects your physician must order periodic blood tests (usually monthly) during treatment. Any of the symptoms (listed below) suggesting organ damage should be reported immediately to your physician.
- Unusual fatigue
- Severe loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Yellow eyes
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Skin rashes
- Bleeding
- Enlarged lymph glands
- Signs of infection
If the nail infection does not cause any of these problems, then doctors often discourage treatment because of the potential side effects, the need to monitor the blood throughout therapy and the high recurrence rate. Patients with liver or heart disease generally should not take these medications.
Some insurance companies require documentation of secondary problems beyond the mere presence of the fungal infection before they will cover the costs of the anti-fungal medications.
The anti-fungal medications usually suppress the nail infection when taken as directed. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee a permanent cure. At least 1 in 5 patients, or 20 percent, will have a recurrence of the original nail infection at some time, making re-treatment with medication necessary.
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