An estimated 10% of the US population suffers from the discolored, brittle, thickened nails that are characteristic of Onychomycosis, or nail fungus infections. The disease is difficult to treat once the fungus becomes embedded deeply into the nail. In this article we explore five of the most popular treatments. But before we get started, it is important to stress that prior to embarking on a treatment approach, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified nail health specialist.
You’ll notice that in the list below we have not covered oral antifungal drugs. This is due to the fact that they have been linked to serious side effects and are not typically used as a first line treatment. If your doctor does recommend oral medications it is likely that you will also need to undergo parallel blood toxin tests to ensure you remain within safe levels.
1) Tineacide – This cream uses undecylenic acid as its primary ingredient, set in an emollient base. Undecylenic acid is a known antifungal agent that is used in a number of different topical treatments. A Californian study of 155 patients resulted after 9 months with “94% of the patients reporting ‘moderate’, ‘significant’ or ‘complete’ resolution of their infection.
2) Mycocide nail solution – The active ingredient used in Mycocide NS is benzalkonium chloride in a formulation that the journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association reported as showing positive results in 90% of patients in a 10 month clinical study. The product is applied using a unique dropper-tip.
3) Loceryl – Using amorolfine as its primary antifungal agents, Loceryl is a popular treatment in Canada, the UK and Australia. While most of its competitors require a twice daily application, Loceryl need only be applied on a weekly basis. A factor that contributes much to its popularity.
4) Zetaclear – This is one of the better known topical treatment brands. The product contains undecylenic acid blended with several essential oils including tea tree oil, lavender oil and jojoba oil. The product is sold with a money back guarantee and comes in the form of a brush-on nail lacquer. A homeopathic spray is sold as a companion product.
5) Laser treatment – Although long term clinical trials are still needed to determine just how effective laser therapy can be for the treatment of nail fungus infections, initial feedback from patients is positive. Unfortunately treatment costs remain high and not all health care polices will cover treatment costs.
If all else fails, surgical removal of the infected nail(s) remains an option. However most sufferers see this option as a last resort and prefer to first exhaust the alternatives.
Health and wellness resources:
Diets that work – Clean eating – Fat burning foods – Weight loss tips – How to lose belly fat – Reduce weight naturally – Quickest way to lose weight – Low calorie recipes – Lose weight in 2 weeks – Best exercise to lose weight – Tips to lose weight
Business and insurance resources:
Over 50 life insurance – Commercial insurance – Redundancy insurance – Building insurance – No exam life insurance – Life insurance over 50 Private medical insurance
Travel resources:
A2B transfers – Cancellation holidays – Vacation packages – Broadway travel – Travel insurance over 70 – Global late deals – Holiday insurance – Holiday villas – Travel insurance for pre existing medical conditions
