Archive for October, 2008

Nail Fungus Treatment

October 20, 2008

Anti fungal medication is the first option that comes to our minds when a health care provider detects a fungal infection and recommends a nail fungus treatment. Opportune diagnose may help to accelerate the cure after laboratory examination confirms the presence of fungi in toenails or fingernails.

In the United States, the most usually prescribed treatments contain terbinafine as an active ingredient. In fact, Lamisil cream, terbinafine and itraconazole are medications that have proven effectiveness in topical nail fungus treatment. Clotrimazole is another one of the anti fungal medication used to treat these kinds of infections.

Clotrimazole is considered a strong drug for nail fungus treatment, because it can be administered to both humans and animals, but it is also prescribed when other conditions have developed, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and vaginal yeast infections. Otherwise, scientifically unverified medications, natural and home remedies are used as cheap alternative to costly drugs, lotions and creams.

Home remedies claim to be as effective as prescribed medications for nail fungus treatment, such as applying 2 or 3 drops of distilled white vinegar onto the cuticle several times a day to help improve the condition. The same occurs with the application of tea tree oil, lavender essential oil or diluted grapefruit seed extract.

Over-the-counter drugs are another option when it comes to nail fungus treatment, including well-known products, but not elaborated to prevent or cure fungal infections. Two of the most popular products for this purpose are Listerine, the antiseptic mouthwash, and Vicks Vapor Rub, a cough reliever.

Nail fungal infections cause discoloration, chalkiness, thickening, and crumbling of the nails, so the application of creams, lotions and oils may help with improving the condition or relieving the pain and discomfort, but very few of them can cure and get rid of fungi. Something to say in the support of this is that home remedies and over-the-counter products do not cause side effects.

Nail fungus treatment with prescribed oral or topical medications rarely can cause severe side effects, however some of them are costly, particularly when it is necessary for their use or intake for long periods of time that may last over 12 months or up. In addition, some medications may include drugs combined with an antibiotic such as Marbofloxacin that over time may cause liver problems.

All fungal infections are usually slow to clear up, and continuous application of any nail fungus treatment, may cause a certain degree of burning and irritation of the skin ranging from mild to severe.

Nail Fungus Infection, Treatment and Prevention

October 13, 2008

For the prevention of nail fungus, as well as to reduce current infections, you should practice good foot and hand hygiene by following these steps:

The under layer of nails is warm and moist: the perfect condition to which a plant like fungus successfully thrives. And what else is the best way to treat nail fungus? Yes, getting to the root of the problem. Get to the root of the plant.

To achieve the path of having nail fungus free hands and toes, you must get hold of a product which will help you reach your goal. One of the leading brands for the treatment of nail fungus is ZetaClear Anti-fungal solution. It gives exactly what those who suffer from the sad affliction of fungal infection needs: getting it right and dirty to where the fungus has put down roots.

The anti-fungal solution should be applied in the infected area at least twice a day. This treatment method should be followed diligently for a prescriptive period of time. If only a portion of your nails are infected, it is best to apply the chosen treatment solution to all nails. Why? Because by applying it to all of your nails (infected or uninfected), you prevent and protect them from further spread of the fungal infection.

The safe period of following the treatment should be around 6 months or more. Since nail fungus sometimes presents a period of dormancy, stopping treatment during the latent stage will only prolong your battle against it. The new spores are just getting enough rest before they manifest themselves in the outer layer of your nails. Hence, continuous treatment will kill the fungus, even before it blatantly become apparent again.

In reality, there are no express trains in having a healthy fungal free nails. Thus, it is important that you do your part in making sure that practice the necessary precaution in avoiding them as much as you can.

You should always make sure that you keep your feet dry, especially after taking a bath and putting on your shoes. Be wary of exposing them to constant moisture, which is an ideal hatching ground of nail fungus. If your fashion lifestyle permits it, avoid closed shoes that are made of synthetic, non porous materials. If you are to wear socks, make sure they are absorbent and preferably made of cotton or wool.

When bathing in public showers or common bathrooms, wear aqua shoes or water proof sandals. You can never tell if the person besides you is plague with the same nail fungal infection. Be considerate in afflicting the infection to others. After all, this is one disease that takes a good deal on your hygiene image. You would not want someone else to suffer the same faith as you did, right?

Prevention of Nail Fungus

October 13, 2008

Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim your nails straight across and file down any thickened areas. Always dry your feet and hands, including between your toes, after bathing.

This is quite an interesting step in the prevention of nail fungus: make sure you always wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wicks away moisture may keep your feet dryer than cotton wool or wool socks. You can also wear synthetic socks under your other socks if you so please. Change your socks often, especially if your feet are prone to excessive sweating. You can also try and take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate your closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.

The third step in prevention of nail fungus would be to use an antifungal spray or powder. Spray or sprinkle your feet and as well as the insides of your shoes.

Wear rubber gloves. This will protect your hands from overexposure to water. Just remember to turn the gloves inside out to dry between uses.

Don’t trim or pick at the skin around your nails. This may give germs access to your skin and nails.

The following step in prevention of nail fungus, is one that I am sure all you should know of and hopefully practice. Don’t go barefoot in public places. Wear shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.

Choose a reputable manicure and pedicure salon. Make sure that the beauty professional sterilizes the instrument before using it on you. Better yet, take your own. An even better step in prevention of nail fungus would be to give up nail polish and artificial nails, but I know that is asking a bit too much.

For those with fungal infections, I can understand that it is very tempting to hide the nail fungal infection under a pretty pink nail polish, but this will only trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.

It is also very important to wash your hands after touching an infected nail as nail fungus can also spread from one nail to the other.

Discover the Prevention from Nail Fungus .

Preventing and Removing Nail Fungus

October 13, 2008

Onychomycocis(ON-I-ko-my-ko-sis) is also known as nail fungus or toenail fungus. It is most common in toenails. The fungus (a living organisim) lives under the protective layer of the nail. It grows and thrives on the keratin. Characteristics of nail fungus include yellow discoloration, brittle, thick, disfiguring of the toenails. As the fungus grows it pushes the nail up & separates from the nail bed. Wearing shoes can be painful especially if you have to stand or walk for long periods of time. Nail fungus is not very pretty & wearing opened-toed shoes can be embarrassing and stressful.

Ten percent or more of the population suffer from nail fungus. Its not known for sure how many people have nail fungus because most do not seek treatment. It can begin with some kind of trauma to one of your toes. The injured toe is then vulnerable to infection. Eventually the nail fungus surfaces and can potentially spread to the other toenails. Specific populations of people that have a higher risk of developing nail fungus include those who work with detergents regularly, athletes, laborers, those with depressed immune systems like HIV, the elderly, diabetics.

Nail fungus should not be ignored or taken lightly. Medical doctors, Naturopathic doctors and certified herbalists can all offer instruction on how to cure the nail fungus. The traditional medical doctor can prescribe oral medications like SporonoxTM or LamisilTM. You must take the medication regularly for 3 months and there are possible side effects such as liver damage associated with these treatments. As a result, you must have your liver checked and rechecked during treatment because the level of drug toxicity is high. The traditional medical doctor can also prescribe a topical medication like CicloprioxTM. It is a liquid solution that is brushed onto the nail fungus daily for 4-6 months. Certified herbalists and naturopathic doctors can recommend natural remedies. There are over the counter anti-fungal ointments that can be used to treat mild cases of nail fungus. Whatever method you choose will require you to follow the daily regimen for the recommended time frame in order to heal the nail fungus once and for all.

Nail Fungus Preventative Measures
# Expose your toes to air
# Keep nails clean & trimmed but do not trim too close to the nail bed. Do not share toenail trimmers with others.
# Wear cotton socks
# Keep toes out of heat & humidity
# Avoid wearing others shoes
# Wear comfortable roomy shoes that are manufactured with natural materials
# Wear shower shoes whenever you are using communal showers and bathing facilities

At Black Pearl Botanicals LLC, we offer a product called Nail Oil that is 100% natural using ingredients of Neem Oil, Emu Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Essential Oils of: Myrrh, Patchouli, Cedarwood etc. We also sell another product that is a multi-purpose salve called Nail Hand & Foot Balm. One of our customers has had such great success using this product for healthy nails and cuticles that she has urged us not to make any changes to the formula. The Nail Oil and Nail Hand and Foot Balm can be found in the Skin Care section of our online store at http://nailfungustreatment.skincareproductshop.com/

Hello world!

October 13, 2008

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!