Is there a remedy for toenail fungus?

Thick, crumbly and discoloured toenails are surprisingly common - some estimates say as many as one in ten people suffer from this distressing complaint. And while it isn't a life-threatening illness, it can have a tremendous impact on every day life.

For many sufferers, wearing sandals and going barefoot is no longer an option - especially in public. And if you're dating, exposing your feet can be a real worry - even ordinary social occasions can be really distressing - going swimming or wearing sandals - you soon start to feel that everyone is staring at your feet! And even if it isn't the case, it's hard to avoid feeling the stigma of carrying around a contagious fungus.

Onychomycosis, to give it it's correct name, is the main cause of these ugly nails. It's a type of fungus and for many years the only treatment was a long - prescription only - course of treatment that could have serious side effects. Meaning that getting rid of these yellow nails wasn't always worth the effort.

Nowadays that's not true anymore. Yes there are remedies for toenail fungus - and they do work. You just have to be disciplined and prepared to wait for your healthy nails to grow back.

Remember this is a powerful fungus and it is very hard to kill! That's why so many people buy a nail fungus remover but give up on trying. I know because I spent 17 years trying to find a nail fungus remedy - but now, for the first time in years I am comfortable going barefoot and I don't feel self-conscious any more.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that thick, crumbly yellow nails - that often come away from the nail bed - are a pain. I hated having this fungal infection. I felt dirty and somehow like I was 'unclean' - but actually it is easy to catch; like athlete's foot it likes warm, damp places - so locker rooms, gym socks, public swimming pools, even your own shoes and socks are a perfect place for the fungi to grow.

So you need an aggressive two step plan - one, you need to take care of your feet and two, you need a nail fungus remover that actually works.

I believe that this toenail fungus remedy will make a difference. Try it - and start feeling like you have happy feet!

What fungal toenail remedy should I try?

When it comes to toenail fungus remedies, there are a bewildering number of choices. There are a number of prescription based medications, although these have come in for some criticism due to some potentially unpleasant side effects. It seems that most people would recommend trying a topical treatment first.

So, here are the products that I recommend. As I have said elsewhere, I believe ZetaClear is the best place to start your treatment.

The benefits of ZetaClear are that it is applied directly to the nail, and the ingredients are all natural. It's easy to use and the price is good - especially important if you follow my advice about using it for as long as a year. (Having said that, I would recommend this product even if it was the more expensive than others!)

There is also a product called ClearZal which also contains an 'anti-microbial' solution which targets any bacteria along with the fungal infection itself. I have not personally used ClearZal, however I have heard that different fungi react to different treatments, so it's worth bearing in mind.

The other product is called Nail Mycosis Solution however this is supposedly simply for 'thickened nails' so I would not rate it's chances at curing a fungal toenail infection.

This brings me on to other methods I have heard of - these include using Listerine, Vicks, and even bleach to treat fungal toenails. I would certainly not recommend bleach, and while I can't say the other two won't work, I still think you should try a product designed to cure fungal nail infections.

Once again, my first choice is ZetaClear. Good luck.

Quick - tell me what to do.

I would guess that the typical nail fungus sufferer notices there is something wrong with their toenail on their own. And then they figure that it will go away. Of course it doesn't and after a while they think it's time to look at the problem again. (Maybe after someone has remarked on their ugly toenails.)

So, you could visit the doctor. Here you will probably be given a choice of a prescription medication that has some very nasty side effects, or you'll be sent to the pharmacy to buy a product like Loceryl or Curanail. Both reputable products, but slow working and time-consuming. (And neither worked properly for me.)

Then you might try 'home remedies' off the internet. Well Vicks and Listerine are very good for your chest and your mouth - but they are not designed to kill toenail fungus. Of course someone will mention Tea Tree Oil - this is good too, but on it's own it will not kill the fungus and bacteria that are often part of nail infections.

So, now I am telling you what to do...

Don't waste your time on all the above - I've had 17 years of ugly toenails, and now I don't. Go back to this post and follow my tips on looking after your feet and start actually getting rid of your fungus today.

Athlete's Foot

The causes of toenail fungus are very similar to those that cause athlete’s foot. The reason is simple – they are both caused by the same type of fungus. These Trichophyton fungi all thrive warmth, moisture and high humidity.

As you might guess, athlete’s foot gets its name because gyms, locker rooms and communal shower areas – as well as many sports shoes – are a hotbed for fungal infections. They’re warm and moist, and anyone not drying their feet properly is providing an invitation to a fungal infection.

It is common for people with one fungal infection to have the other. Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) and fungal nail infections (Onychomycosis) seem to affect some people more than others. So while both are contagious, it’s not uncommon for only one member of a family to suffer.

Added to this, the treatment also differs. But there are similarities:
• Both require anti-fungal treatments.
• Both benefit from improved hygiene.

But… Athlete’s foot is usually cleared up by using an over the counter powder or anti-fungal cream. As you will see elsewhere in this site, curing a fungal nail infection is often more problematic as once the infection is under the nail area, it is very difficult and slow to treat.

Remember sensible hygiene – keep your feet clean and dry them well. Use recommended anti fungal treatments, dry your shoes, wash your socks and towels on a high heat, and if you are suffering badly, it may be an idea to replace your gym shoes regularly.