Although often inconspicuous, fungi are everywhere in our environment.  They play an important role in the environment as the primary decomposers of dead plant and animal matter.  Fungi digest food outside their bodies, releasing enzymes into the surrounding environment.  This process helps to break down organic matter into a form the fungus can absorb. Yeasts, mushrooms, and mold are all common types of fungi that are beneficial to our everyday lives. 

But there are also fungi that are less friendly.  Fungus is commonly found on the body. When there is an injury to the nail, it allows the tiny fungal spores to enter and make their home within the nail.  The causes a toenail fungus infection, or onychomycosis, that can lead to discomfort, discoloration and thickening of the toenail.  Nail fungus can develop in the fingernails or toenails, but because feet have more injuries, fungal infections are more common on toenails.

In most cases, the fungi that affect toenails belong to a group called dermatophytes, which include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale.  Yeasts and molds can also cause a toenail fungus infection.  Toenail fungus affects as many as 18 percent of the worldwide population and three to five percent of people in the United States.

Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments.  So, fungal infections are often transmitted by walking barefoot in such public places as locker rooms and pool areas.  Toenail fungus can also develop as a complication of athlete's foot or an infection in the skin surrounding the nail.

Diagnosing Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is characterized by toenails that have become crusty, discolored, and malformed.  If you are not sure about your diagnosis, see your family doctor, podiatrist, or dermatologist. He or she can perform a test called a scraping to confirm whether or not you have toenail fungus. 

Treating Toenail Fungus

If you do have an infection, your best bet is to use a toenail fungus home treatment remedy.  There are a number of prescription oral anti-fungal medications such as Lamisil, made by Novartis, or Sporanox, from Janssen Pharmaceutica Products. These treatments are expensive…they can cost more than $900 for a standard three-month course. And don’t count on health insurance to help you out.  Most insurance plans will not cover the cost these medications because even though toenail fungus can be painful, (especially if a secondary bacterial infection develops), it is considered a cosmetic problem.  Prescription medications for the treatment of toenail fungus can also have serious side effects such as liver damage, so you'll need to be monitored by your health care provider if you use these drugs. 

Toenail Fungus Home Treatment

There are also several home remedies that you can use for toenail fungus.  These include daily applications of such products as tea tree oil, vinegar, Vicks VapoRub, or oregano oil.  Of these methods, the best toenail fungus home treatment is a natural supplement called Mycozil.  Mycozil contains several powerful anti-fungal ingredients that wipe out fungus from the inside out.

Of course, the best toenail fungus home treatment is prevention. If you have ever contracted a toenail fungus infection, you should consider yourself at risk for developing another one.  If this is the case, be meticulous about your foot hygiene to prevent re-infection.

Wash and dry your feet thoroughly at least once every day.  Keep your toenails clipped short so that they match the contour of your toes. Cut the nail straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.  Wear flip-flops or rubber clogs in public showers and locker rooms. 

When choosing footwear, look for shoes that fit properly, allowing enough room at the toes for air to move.  Select shoes made of natural materials that breathe and wear socks that are made to wick moisture away from the feet.  (Cotton and other natural materials make a good choice for socks.).  Change your socks every day and wash them thoroughly in hot water between wearings.  If you are fond of getting pedicures, be sure to go to a licensed nail salon and take your own tools.

Most importantly, your toenail fungus home treatment should include keeping your feet clean and dry and protecting them with shoes and socks that fit properly.  These simple steps will help prevent toenail fungus.  And if a toenail fungus infection does occur, use Mycozil as your toenail fungus home treatment to eliminate fungus quickly, safely and effectively.

Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO-Fungus Research, L.L.C.

Fungus Research L.L.C. recommends the potent, all natural formula Mycozil for the treatment of athlete's foot fungus, nail fungus, and toenail fungus.  Mycozil is a powerful internal anti-fungal formula, which is highly effective against all fungal infections. The ingredients in Mycozil have been clinically proven against fungal infections.  It is also highly effective against internal Candida or yeast infections.  To read more about Mycozil or to place an order click here…