Foot fungus is a common type of fungal infection affecting millions of people. Know more on foot fungus treatment in this article.
Foot fungus or toenail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis is caused due to a fungus named dermatophyte belonging to yeast family. This is one of the most common type of fungal infection that affects around 60 million people all over the world. Incidentally, the number of people infected with this condition is maximum in the US. Although, this is not a serious condition as such, it is definitely embarrassing. This is probably the reason why many people hesitate to seek proper treatment against foot fungus. One must note that foot fungus is very stubborn and does not easily respond to toenail fungus treatments. Besides, it has a tendency to surface again and again.
OTC Treatment for Foot Fungus
Over the counter treatments for foot fungus are mainly available in the form of sprays, topical creams and oral medications. ZetaClear is one of the most sought after OTC cream for toenail fungus. It comes with an applicator brush so that it can be easily applied. The tea tree oil, jojoba oil and almond oil formula penetrates deep inside the nail and kills the fungus. Besides, it also strengthens your immune system, so that you can fight off the infection on your own. The results of the treatment are evident within 2 weeks. One must never discontinue the treatment without completing its full course, as it may cause the fungus to reappear. Nail-Rx is yet another topical cream with tea tree oil, lavender and lemon grass as its ingredients. Apart from fungus, it also kills several other harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
In some countries oral medications for fungal infection can be obtained only upon producing a valid prescription. Oral medications are very effective as they act from within the body. Fluconazole (Diflucan), Itraconazole (Sporanox) and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are some commonly prescribed oral medications. However, oral medications may induce some undesirable side effects. Hence, it is recommended that you only take them after consulting your doctor.
Natural Treatment
Tea tree oil is considered as the most effective natural ingredient against toenail fungus. Simply dab some tea tree oil on the edges of the nail. You can also try mixing it with lavender oil for more effect. Another remedy is to use warm water mixed with salt and lemon to soak your feet in it. While salt is a natural disinfectant, lemon acts as a soothing agent. Another natural remedy comes in the form of oregano oil, which is an antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic agent. You can blend this oil in olive oil and rub this mixture on your toenails.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment should only be seen as a last resort, when all other methods of killing fungus fail. Laser treatment uses a high intensity laser beam to kill fungus. The heat from the laser evaporates the fungus. During the first session itself, the laser kills about 80% of fungus. Whatever remaining fungus you have, can be killed during subsequent session. Generally you need 2 – 3 sessions to completely eradicate fungus. The reason why it is impossible to kill fungus in a single session is that the small traces of fungus remain in your nail, and as your nail grows, so does this fungus.
Foot fungus can be eliminated by maintaining good hygiene. Avoid soaking your feet in water for long. Also refrain from wearing damp socks, shoes. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry them properly. This should prevent any fungus from coming back to you.
