Toenail fungus most times begins with a small separation between the end of the nail and the skin under the nail (the nail bed). Over time, a yellow material forms in this separation, thus your toenail will become thick, yellow or brown. There may also be white spots visible on the nail.

Once the nail is infected there may be a good deal of pain, which could make it quite uncomfortable to walk or even stand. The next stage is that the nail separates, and then you are left with a nasty, smelly destroyed yellow toenail. Next you will be saying my toenail fell off. When the old toenail falls off a new toenail will grow back, but the new toenail will grow back with the fungus.

Without toe nail fungus treatment, nail fungus will persist. So you better go see a doctor unless you wish to watch it happen all over again.

Toenail Fungus

As you may have noticed there are NO images of people’s feet showing dramatic pictures of toenail fungus, If you have toe fungus, foot fungus, I don’t image you want to look anyone else’s feet, you have seen enough foot fungus. If you really want to see pictures of toenail fungus there is one at the bottom of this page.

Toenail fungus is unsightly, persistent, nasty, embarrassing, and most of all aggravating! Nail fungus is also known as Onychomycosis, ringworm of the nail. It is a parasitic infection in the nail of the toes and fingers. Big toes and the little toes have the highest risk, because they are exposed to friction from your shoes.

Nail fungus infections involves a group of fungi called Trichophyton rubrum and trishophyton mentagrophyted. They thrive on keratin, the protein in your nail. Nail fungus can also thrive on yeasts (Candida albicans or Candida parapsilosis, mold, or even the acrylic nail bonding agent methyl methacrylate, which is often used in discount nail salons.

Men are twice as likely as women to have nail fungus, and it increases with age.

Those with diabetes or HIV are a greater risk so are those who tend to perspire a lot from their feet, or have a history of athletes foot. Poor circulation and hot humid weather can be an added factor. My daughter who is insulin dependent cannot wear acrylic nails or nail polish, because more times than not, she gets a fungal infection and loses either her fingernail, or loses her toenail due to the fungus infection.

WATCH THE VIDEO - Dr Oz’s Home Remedies For Nail Fungus

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Your doctor will attempt to remove as much of the affected toe nail fungus as possible. He may trim the nail with clippers, file it down, or he may dissolve it with Bifonazole and Urea paste. If the infected toe nail area is fairly small, the doctor may prescribe a medicated nail polish containing Ciclopirox (Loprox). Apply Ciclopirox to the toe nail daily until the fungus is completely gone. This fungus remedy is great for people who are unable to take anti fungal drugs.

Toe nail fungus usually involves more than one nail, so your doctor may prescribe an antifungal drug that is taken orally for several months ue to your nails growing in slowly.

Terbinafine (Lamisil) and Itraconazole (Sporonox) are each taken for up to 3 months and can be up to 70% effective.

Griseofulin (Fulvicic, Grissactin) is taken for 6 months and is up to 40% effective.

These medications have potential side effects such as nausea, rash, vomitting, stomach upset, and headaches. less common side effects are blood disorders and liver damage. Because of possible liver problems, Itraconazole should not be used by people taking Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Triazolam, or Cisapride. Before beginning treatment, your doctor will test your liver enzymes, and again during the course of your fungus treatment.

Natural Toe Nail Fungus Cure

Chamomile, echinacea, goldenseal, rosemary, sage and thyme. Chamomile, echinacea,and goldenseal have antiseptic properties. Echinacea boosts the immune system, plus helps to fight off infections. Look for topical creams for toenail fungus treatment containing these natural herbs and follow the directions.

Astragalus has antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds.

Garlic has been shown to be effective against fungus.

Grapefruit seed extract will provide antibacterial and antifungal protection while boosting the immune system. Grapefruit seed extract is available in capsule and tincture form. The daily dose is a 100-milligram capsule. The grapefruit extract tincture is to add 10 drops of the extract 3 times a day to a wee glass of water.

Tea tree oil – Numerous studies have shown that tea tree oil may kill fungus and bacteria and is been effective in treating fungal infections of the toenail. Tea tree oil is used topically and never taken internally. Tea tree oil is safe to use full strength on the nail, but dilute it when you use it on the skin.

Natural Remedy For Toenail Fungus Treatments Click Here!

White Vinegar – Some people claim that with mild cases of toenail fungus, they would heat vinegar and soak their feet in it at least a couple of times a week over an extended period of time.

How Can I Avoid Toenail Fungus

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also cause toe fungus infection, which is more harder to fix. Treat athletes foot accordingly. Always be aware that foot fungus will spread

Care for your nails – keep your toenails short, dry and clean. After showering or bathing dry your feet well and between your toes.

Change your socks several times a day if your feet tend to sweat or swell.

Don’t pick your toenails – By picking your toenails and you pick the skin near the nail, you have just created an entry for fungi.

Foot powder – Use a high quality foot talcum powder it will absorb perspiration (Do Not Use Cornstarch).

Wear Sandals, flip-flops, or shoes when in public places such as gym showers, public pools and locker rooms. Without shoes you are putting yourself at high risk for fungal infection. (Wear comfortable shoes so your feet can breathe.)

I put the picture of toenail fungus here at the bottom for the curious who are wondering exactly what toenail fungus looks like. I don’t have pictures of foot fungus between toes, but if you would like to contribute to this toenail fungus information with pictures of foot fungus just contact me at trish@theherbalshopper.com.

Feel free to post a comment about how to get rid of toenail fungus, or foot fungus problems.

Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms. Since they lack chlorophyll, they do not need sunlight to grow.

Toenail Fungus – The Herbal Shopper!