Article by N. Miley

How do you get rid of toenail fungus is not really an easy question to answer primarily because the fungus does not live on the surface of the nail. Because it’s actually located beneath the nail, it is very difficult for treatment to reach the infected area.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common diseases of the nails. It is actually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. These little parasites live under the nail and thrive in dark, damp areas.

Initial treatment for dealing with toenail fungus is to avoid contaminated areas. This fungus is very contagious and can be spread easily through gym floors, swimming pool decks, and other public areas where a person is walking around barefoot.

The fungus can also be spread inside the home by using or sharing towels that contain infected pieces of skin, sharing of shoes, or walking on floors that may have contaminated residue. The fungus is believed to be able to live for several months in these areas.

Another thing you want to do is to make sure to develop a solid routine for washing and drying your feet as you fight the fungus. You might want to use a strong anti-fungal soap, and then apply some kind of foot powder or spray once your feet are dry.

Treatments for nail fungus vary greatly and your doctor could recommend some kind of over the counter type cream or spray for mild cases up to oral prescriptions. Some of these oral prescriptions are known to be quite harsh so decide wisely.

In addition to routine medications, there are numerous natural and home remedies that are thought to help with toenail fungus. Some of these include essential oils, tea tree oil, oregano, thymol, and ingredients like undecylenic acid. There are also some foot soaks like apple cider vinegar and acidophilus that are thought to help.