photo credit: dungodung
Onychomycosis simply means that a person is suffering from a transferable fungal infection of the both arms and feet. It is caused by a microflora of the yeast family known as dermatophyte, which enters the extremities from a small opening like a scratch or wound. It resides in the dark, warm and moist area of the nail bed where it gets it nourishment from the rich supply of blood present. It grows and gets the skin inflamed, causing you much comfort and pain. Once it has reached it peak growth, the nail will slowly fall off. Nobody wants such unsightly finger and toenails, so there are over the counter nail fungus treatments readily available.

Over the counter ointments are readily brushed or dropped onto the nails, often used for toenail fungus or ingrown nails. A common brand called Futspa, contains both antifungal and antibacterial ingredients like thyme and lavender. Since the fungus causes the nails to thicken, cracks the brittle edges of the skin and creates an overgrowth of keratin, used several times daily, the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the over the counter nail fungus treatment, alleviates the pain and discomfort.

Lamisil & Lotrimin
Lamisil and Lotrimin are over the counter antifungal creams that reduce fungi to a minimum while curing smell and discoloration of the nails. Miconazole and econazole are the active ingredients in this medication, it can be used to treat other strains of fungus like jock itch, athelete’s foot and yeast infections.

Cream Medications
Over the counter cream medications are not as strong as their doctor-prescribed counterparts, you definitely need to go to the doctor for a stronger kind. So after using the Over the counter cream for a while and you haven’t seen any results, go get a prescription.Over the counter medication works best if you have a mild case of nail fungus infection and has just started.

Tea Tree Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar
Tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar are some of the alternative treatments for nail fungus for they kill the fungi and bacteria that’s the culprit for the infection. They area safe for daily use, several times a day, on both fingernails and toenails.

Use tea tree oil in its highest concentration by saturating a cotton swab, rubbing the affected nails for at least twice daily. Something in the tea tree oils antiseptic properties stops the inflammation. Soak your nails in a container of unadulterated apple cider vinegar for 15 minutes daily. Try the 50/50 solution of water and apple cider vinegar, make sure that the affected nails are soaked. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil to increase its potency. The high acidic content of the vinegar helps to subside the inflammation and somewhat stops the continued growth of the fungi.

Alternatives
If you would prefer the alternative type of medication over the over the counter nail fungus treatment, drop by any health food and organic stores to get you tea tree oil concentrate and apple cider vinegar is readily available at any grocery stores.