Treating Nail Fungus

When it comes to treating nail fungus, you actually have many options. There are several prescription medications that your doctor or podiatrist can prescribe for you, and there are many all natural herbs that work, as well as some non-conventional home remedy treatments too.

Treating nail fungus with prescription medications might be one method you'd like to try if you have health insurance which covers the cost. Not all insurance companies will cover medications for nail fungus treatment though, because some of them feel it's only a cosmetic problem.

Some people prefer treating nail fungus with oral prescription medications even when they don't have insurance, or the insurance they have doesn't cover it. The biggest drawback to this unfortunately, is that the fungus prescription medications can cost $200 or more each month. Some of these medications need only be taken by mouth for about three months, then they continue working for nine to twelve months later.

The other problem that can arise when treating nail fungus with prescription medications is side effects. Some oral nail fungus medications are known to cause damage to the liver or kidneys, so most doctors will require you to get tests done each month before refilling your prescriptions.

There are alternative prescription treatments for nail fungus your doctor may discuss with you too. There's an antifungal nail polish available now for instance, that can be used to treat nail fungus. According to the mayo clinic though, research has shown that treating nail fungus with this polish is only effective for about 10% of people who have tried it.

Another option your doctor may have you try is a prescription topical medication. Although these are antifungal medications as well, they're usually used in combination with the oral medications because they don't actually cure the fungus infection by themselves.

It's these side effect risks and costs that have convinced many people to try treating nail fungus with more natural herbal and home remedies.

Treating nail fungus with home or herbal remedies usually involves applying something topically to the affected areas, instead of taking an oral medication. Most of the herbal and home remedies used are natural antibiotics and antifungal medications themselves, so they can often work with great success.

Treating nail fungus with natural remedies is often a much more gentle way to solve the problem, and the worst side effects are generally a tingling sensation, burning sensation, or smell. Some natural fungus treatments don't produce any of those symptoms though, so it depends on what you use.

Tea tree oil for instance, is a popular and effective way of treating nail fungus naturally. Tea tree oil has a very strong, almost menthol-like smell to it however, that's disagreeable to many people.

Vinegar is another extremely effective way of treating nail fungus naturally, and it too has a smell all its own. Sometimes the vinegar can sting or burn a little in the beginning too, as it starts attacking the nail fungus and bacteria.