When looking for the best toenail fungus treatment, various solutions are often recommended. There are tons of home remedies, over-the-counter creams prescribed by doctors, and plenty of items that can be bought and used from a store. That's great that plenty of people are offering to help, but how many of these actually work?
Topical Creams
One of the most common ways prescribed to get rid of toenail fungus is by using over-the-counter creams or ointments. These typically are known to not work very well and also take much longer to see results compared to other alternatives. It normally takes over a year to see noticeable results and even then the toenail may not be completely back to normal. This is also normally the cheapest option for treatment.
Surgery for Treatment
While most people's toenail conditions are never this severe, at times your doctor may have to recommend surgery to completely remove the toenail. During surgery, the toenail will be removed so a new one can grow in its place. A typical toenail should take around a year to fully grow back. While successful, many people don't like to get surgery for their toenail problems because the feelings afterward can be extremely painful. If you've ever ripped off a fingernail or toenail before in your lifetime, then you know this feeling all too well.
Oral Medications for Treatment
The best way to treat toe nail fungus seems to be by oral medication. I know what you're thinking: "Medication? Really? I'm not even going to put anything on my toenail?" That is correct. Medications have been known to treat fungus at a faster rate than topical creams and are completely painless. The only negatives, as with any medication, are the side effects associated with them. People can get anything from hepatitis to Steven-Johnsons Syndrome. Along with having to worry about taking the medication every day, the other downside is the cost. Without insurance, these medications could make quite the dent in your wallet. Since it may take around a year to see any major progress, this might be quite a costly endeavor.
Between all of the various options you hear about for toenail fungus treatment, it can be hard to choose which option to pursue. Your mother may tell you about an old home remedy that has been passed down for generations and your friend might tell you to just get surgery. Are these really the smartest options though? Most sources would say no. For the best treatment, it is recommended to get an over-the-counter oral prescription. While it may be costly, there is zero pain involved as there would be with surgery and most actually work, unlike foot creams and home remedies.
