Toenail Fungus: Tips For Treatment

[Guest guest]

The medical term for toenail fungus is “onychomycosis,” pronounced on * EE * ko

* my * ko * sis. Despite the commonly used term “fungal toenails”, onychomycosis

describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in

America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low

estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women.

 

The prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%. In the 1800s,

fungal toenails were very rare. The increased prevalence is linked to the

increased exposure to fungus through the use of showering facilities in gyms,

the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. There is an increase in

occlusive footwear, an increase in sporting activities, an increase in diabetes

and increase in age of the general population.

The risk factors for developing toenail fungus are increasing age, male

gender, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor hygeine, foot fungus

and a compromised immune system.

Athlete’s tend to have a higher rate of fungus infection than non-athletes.

The moisture in the shoe combined with repeated nail trauma increases the chance

of infection. Hikers, runners, backpackers, soccer, basketball and tennis

players, athletes wearing loose fitting shoes that allow jamming of the nails

against the shoe and any individual wearing shoes that toe tight are at risk for

developing toenail fungus.

There are a number of treatments for onychomycosis. The most aggressive and

effective way to treat the fungus is with oral anti-fungal medications. The most

common oral anti-fungal medications are Itraconazole (Sporonox ®) and

Terbinafine (Lamisil ®). Both medications can be quite expensive as they need to

be taken once daily for 3 months. The effectiveness of the medications ranges

from 60 to 80%, with a recurrence rate of 15%. Lamisil® appears to be more

effective and has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox®.

With both medications there is a long list of benign side effects including

nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, headache, taste disturbances

and dizziness. Serious adverse events are very rare, less than 0.5%, but do

include hepatitis and acute hepatic necrosis.

There are many other options besides oral anti-fungal medications.

Unfortunately, they are not very effective. The most effective topical

medication is Ciclopirox (Penlac ®) lacquer. Some studies have shown cure rates

up to 60%, but in my experience the effectiveness is about 10-15%. Side effects

occur in less than 2% of patients and include burning and redness around the

nail.

This medication is only available by prescription and is also quite expensive.

A few other prescription medications that help decrease the thickness of the

fungal nails are Carmol® 40 and Keralac® Nail Gel. I would not expect to see

complete cures with these products, but they can decrease the thickness and

discoloration of the nail in some cases.

There are many home remedies and over the counter products that you can

purchase. Some home remedies that can be used include bleach, tea tree oil,

grapeseed extract, and Vics VapoRub®. With any home remedy or non-prescription

topical, you must understand that the effectiveness of the treatment is fairly

low, less than 10%. If you do try one of these therapies make sure to use it

every day. Roughen up the nail surface with a file and apply the medication with

a q-tip. Bleach can cause skin irritation and some individuals have had skin

reactions to the Vics VapoRub®. In general these treatments are considered very

safe.

Combination therapy can help increase the effectiveness of the treatment. If

you choose to take an oral medication, make sure you use a topical anti-fungal

agent as well. Nail removal is also an option. Once the nail is removed, the

topicals can reach the nail bed and they become more effective. The nail will

grow back in over a period of 8-10 months. Permanent nail removal is reserved

for those with chronic ingrown nails, ulceration under the nails or pain from

the fungal nails.

The best form of treatment is prevention and preventing the fungus from

spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment option. I recommend

choosing a topical that you feel comfortable with and use it once a week. No

matter which treatment option you choose, you should take the following steps to

avoid re-infection.

1. Make sure you rotate your shoes often and keep them in a cool dry place.

2. Change your insoles frequently, and make sure they dry out between use.

3. Place an anti-fungal powder or spray in the shoes to help fight off the

fungus.

4. Bleach out the shower on a weekly basis and wash your shower mat regularly

in hot water.

5. Make sure your athletic shoes fit well to prevent jamming at the toes.

Jamming at the toes leads to microtrauma at the nails and increases the chance

for fungal infection.

6. If you belong to a gym or health club, wear sandals in the locker room and

don’t walk around barefoot.

7. Don’t keep your shoes in the gym locker where they cannot dry out.

8. If your feet sweat excessively, try using an antiperspirant spray on your

feet before your workout.

9. Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t cut too short and cause breaks in

the skin. This will increase the chance for fungal infection. Don’t let the

toenails grow too long or they will jam against the shoe and cause bleeding

under the nail, again increasing the chance for fungal infection.

The bottom line is that treating onychomycosis is very difficult. If you have

fungal toenails that cause pressure, pain or infection, consider talking to your

doctor about prescription medications or nail removal. Make sure you take

precautions to prevent re-infection and take multiple approaches to eradicate

the problem. If your fungal toenails are only unsightly and don’t cause any

discomfort, try a weekly application of an over the counter topical along with

methods to prevent re-infection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

" The increased prevalence is linked to the

increased exposure to fungus through the use of showering facilities

in gyms,the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. "

 

and the introduction of penicillin in the 1940's and 50's

that put fungus into our bloodstreams that were not there before.

 

Public showers were used much more before the 1940's in large cities

such as NYC without fungus problems. People living in poorer

neighborhoods did not all have running water or baths and showers

back then. Public baths were common before WWII.

 

Toe fungus increased with the use of penicillin and our denatured

diet. From the 1940's on there was an increase in use of white flour

and sugar and then less fresh and more frozen foods. Then came all

the colorants and preservatives.

 

We have now progressed from sugar to aspertaine and sucalse.

 

Tree tea oil, Vicks and col. silver all work to get rid of

toenail fungus.

Namaste,

David

 

 

 

 

In , kiran pari

<kiran_pari_786 wrote:

>

> The medical term for toenail fungus is " onychomycosis, " pronounced

on * EE * ko * my * ko * sis. Despite the commonly used term " fungal

toenails " , onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections

in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have

reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this

accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus

affects men twice as often as it affects women.

>

> The prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%. In

the 1800s, fungal toenails were very rare. The increased prevalence

is linked to the increased exposure to fungus through the use of

showering facilities in gyms, the use of hot tubs, saunas and public

pool areas. There is an increase in occlusive footwear, an increase

in sporting activities, an increase in diabetes and increase in age

of the general population.

> The risk factors for developing toenail fungus are increasing

age, male gender, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor

hygeine, foot fungus and a compromised immune system.

> Athlete's tend to have a higher rate of fungus infection than non-

athletes. The moisture in the shoe combined with repeated nail trauma

increases the chance of infection. Hikers, runners, backpackers,

soccer, basketball and tennis players, athletes wearing loose fitting

shoes that allow jamming of the nails against the shoe and any

individual wearing shoes that toe tight are at risk for developing

toenail fungus.

> There are a number of treatments for onychomycosis. The most

aggressive and effective way to treat the fungus is with oral anti-

fungal medications. The most common oral anti-fungal medications are

Itraconazole (Sporonox ®) and Terbinafine (Lamisil ®). Both

medications can be quite expensive as they need to be taken once

daily for 3 months. The effectiveness of the medications ranges from

60 to 80%, with a recurrence rate of 15%. Lamisil® appears to be more

effective and has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox®.

> With both medications there is a long list of benign side effects

including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, headache,

taste disturbances and dizziness. Serious adverse events are very

rare, less than 0.5%, but do include hepatitis and acute hepatic

necrosis.

> There are many other options besides oral anti-fungal

medications. Unfortunately, they are not very effective. The most

effective topical medication is Ciclopirox (Penlac ®) lacquer. Some

studies have shown cure rates up to 60%, but in my experience the

effectiveness is about 10-15%. Side effects occur in less than 2% of

patients and include burning and redness around the nail.

> This medication is only available by prescription and is also

quite expensive. A few other prescription medications that help

decrease the thickness of the fungal nails are Carmol® 40 and

Keralac® Nail Gel. I would not expect to see complete cures with

these products, but they can decrease the thickness and discoloration

of the nail in some cases.

> There are many home remedies and over the counter products that

you can purchase. Some home remedies that can be used include bleach,

tea tree oil, grapeseed extract, and Vics VapoRub®. With any home

remedy or non-prescription topical, you must understand that the

effectiveness of the treatment is fairly low, less than 10%. If you

do try one of these therapies make sure to use it every day. Roughen

up the nail surface with a file and apply the medication with a q-

tip. Bleach can cause skin irritation and some individuals have had

skin reactions to the Vics VapoRub®. In general these treatments are

considered very safe.

> Combination therapy can help increase the effectiveness of the

treatment. If you choose to take an oral medication, make sure you

use a topical anti-fungal agent as well. Nail removal is also an

option. Once the nail is removed, the topicals can reach the nail bed

and they become more effective. The nail will grow back in over a

period of 8-10 months. Permanent nail removal is reserved for those

with chronic ingrown nails, ulceration under the nails or pain from

the fungal nails.

> The best form of treatment is prevention and preventing the

fungus from spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment

option. I recommend choosing a topical that you feel comfortable with

and use it once a week. No matter which treatment option you choose,

you should take the following steps to avoid re-infection.

> 1. Make sure you rotate your shoes often and keep them in a cool

dry place.

> 2. Change your insoles frequently, and make sure they dry out

between use.

> 3. Place an anti-fungal powder or spray in the shoes to help

fight off the fungus.

> 4. Bleach out the shower on a weekly basis and wash your shower

mat regularly in hot water.

> 5. Make sure your athletic shoes fit well to prevent jamming at

the toes. Jamming at the toes leads to microtrauma at the nails and

increases the chance for fungal infection.

> 6. If you belong to a gym or health club, wear sandals in the

locker room and don't walk around barefoot.

> 7. Don't keep your shoes in the gym locker where they cannot dry

out.

> 8. If your feet sweat excessively, try using an antiperspirant

spray on your feet before your workout.

> 9. Cut your toenails straight across. Don't cut too short and

cause breaks in the skin. This will increase the chance for fungal

infection. Don't let the toenails grow too long or they will jam

against the shoe and cause bleeding under the nail, again increasing

the chance for fungal infection.

> The bottom line is that treating onychomycosis is very difficult.

If you have fungal toenails that cause pressure, pain or infection,

consider talking to your doctor about prescription medications or

nail removal. Make sure you take precautions to prevent re-infection

and take multiple approaches to eradicate the problem. If your fungal

toenails are only unsightly and don't cause any discomfort, try a

weekly application of an over the counter topical along with methods

to prevent re-infection.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Try essential tea tree oil, one drop on

each nail in the morning, and one drop before going to bed.

 

Richard

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Behalf Of Duncan Crow

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

3:34 PM

To:

 

Re:

Toenail Fungus: Tips For Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

DMSO and strong colloidal silver; I haven't seen it

fail in 30 tries,

although theoretically it will in a few cases.

 

Duncan

 

> There are many other options besides oral anti-fungal medications.

Unfortunately, they are not very effective. The most effective topical

medication is Ciclopirox (Penlac ®) lacquer. Some studies have shown

cure rates up to 60%, but in my experience the effectiveness is about

10-15%.

[Guest guest]

As a health professional, I have found that a solution of grapefruit seed extract and water eliminates fungal infections in the nails and feet. It is very safe and effective when used in the right strength. It should not be used in full strength.I also use it to deal with intestinal candida.Jerry Andersonkiran pari <kiran_pari_786 wrote: The medical term for toenail fungus is “onychomycosis,” pronounced on * EE * ko * my * ko * sis. Despite the commonly used term “fungal toenails”, onychomycosis

describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women. The prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%. In the 1800s, fungal toenails were very rare. The increased prevalence is linked to the increased exposure to fungus through the use of showering facilities in gyms, the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. There is an increase in occlusive footwear, an increase in sporting activities, an increase in diabetes and increase in age of the general population. The risk factors for developing toenail fungus are increasing age, male gender, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor hygeine, foot fungus and a compromised immune system. Athlete’s tend to have a higher rate of fungus infection than non-athletes. The moisture in the shoe combined with repeated nail trauma increases the chance of infection. Hikers, runners, backpackers, soccer, basketball and tennis players, athletes wearing loose fitting shoes that allow jamming of the nails against the shoe and any individual wearing shoes that toe tight are at risk for developing toenail fungus. There are a number of treatments for onychomycosis. The most aggressive and effective way to treat the fungus is with oral anti-fungal medications. The most common oral anti-fungal medications are Itraconazole (Sporonox ®) and Terbinafine (Lamisil ®). Both medications can be quite expensive as they need to be taken once daily for 3 months. The effectiveness of the medications ranges from 60 to 80%, with a recurrence rate of 15%. Lamisil® appears to be more effective and has fewer drug interactions than Sporonox®. With both medications

there is a long list of benign side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, headache, taste disturbances and dizziness. Serious adverse events are very rare, less than 0.5%, but do include hepatitis and acute hepatic necrosis. There are many other options besides oral anti-fungal medications. Unfortunately, they are not very effective. The most effective topical medication is Ciclopirox (Penlac ®) lacquer. Some studies have shown cure rates up to 60%, but in my experience the effectiveness is about 10-15%. Side effects occur in less than 2% of patients and include burning and redness around the nail. This medication is only available by prescription and is also quite expensive. A few other prescription medications that help decrease the thickness of the fungal nails are Carmol® 40 and Keralac® Nail Gel. I would not expect to see complete cures with these products, but they can decrease the thickness and discoloration of

the nail in some cases. There are many home remedies and over the counter products that you can purchase. Some home remedies that can be used include bleach, tea tree oil, grapeseed extract, and Vics VapoRub®. With any home remedy or non-prescription topical, you must understand that the effectiveness of the treatment is fairly low, less than 10%. If you do try one of these therapies make sure to use it every day. Roughen up the nail surface with a file and apply the medication with a q-tip. Bleach can cause skin irritation and some individuals have had skin reactions to the Vics VapoRub®. In general these treatments are considered very safe. Combination therapy can help increase the effectiveness of the treatment. If you choose to take an oral medication, make sure you use a topical anti-fungal agent as well. Nail removal is also an option. Once the nail is removed, the topicals can reach the nail bed and they become more effective. The nail will

grow back in over a period of 8-10 months. Permanent nail removal is reserved for those with chronic ingrown nails, ulceration under the nails or pain from the fungal nails. The best form of treatment is prevention and preventing the fungus from spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment option. I recommend choosing a topical that you feel comfortable with and use it once a week. No matter which treatment option you choose, you should take the following steps to avoid re-infection. 1. Make sure you rotate your shoes often and keep them in a cool dry place. 2. Change your insoles frequently, and make sure they dry out between use. 3. Place an anti-fungal powder or spray in the shoes to help fight off the fungus. 4. Bleach out the shower on a weekly basis and wash your shower mat regularly in hot water. 5. Make sure your athletic shoes fit well to prevent jamming at the toes. Jamming at the

toes leads to microtrauma at the nails and increases the chance for fungal infection. 6. If you belong to a gym or health club, wear sandals in the locker room and don’t walk around barefoot. 7. Don’t keep your shoes in the gym locker where they cannot dry out. 8. If your feet sweat excessively, try using an antiperspirant spray on your feet before your workout. 9. Cut your toenails straight across. Don’t cut too short and cause breaks in the skin. This will increase the chance for fungal infection. Don’t let the toenails grow too long or they will jam against the shoe and cause bleeding under the nail, again increasing the chance for fungal infection. The bottom line is that treating onychomycosis is very difficult. If you have fungal toenails that cause pressure, pain or infection, consider talking to your doctor about prescription medications or nail removal. Make sure you take precautions to prevent

re-infection and take multiple approaches to eradicate the problem. If your fungal toenails are only unsightly and don’t cause any discomfort, try a weekly application of an over the counter topical along with methods to prevent re-infection.