If you discover you have a fungus somewhere on your body, it can be quite traumatic.
You never know whether this is a sign of a more serious condition or maybe if it can lead to such conditions in the future.
Fungal nail infections are very common.
Luckily nail fungus treatment is available, Fungal nail infections can strike anybody at any time.
Male adults are the group most at risk of getting infected.
The condition is very common and it affects millions of people.
It is good to have some understanding of what this type of fungus really is.
Your nails, both the sets on your fingers and toes, form a very comfortable living and breeding space for bacteria.
The kind producing the fungal infection prefers warm and dark environments.
The nail bed fits this description perfectly.
Once the bacteria find a home, they can spread very quickly from toe to toe.
They can also be passed on from one person to another.
As soon as the infection becomes evident it should be treated immediately.
The first signs are often a slight deformation of the area, and a change in color.
The nail shows a yellow or light brown stain.
A material with a bad smell collects under it.
If you can catch it early enough it can be stopped by a home remedy or homeopathic cure.
This will prevent the problem from spreading.
It will also clear up existing infections.
Some popular homeopathic and home remedies can be quite effective in treating the early symptoms of this type of infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar is particularly successful.
The Vinegar must be applied on and under the affected area.
It has the effect of changing the breeding place of the bacteria by making it more acidic.
This stops reproduction and fungal growth.
No home remedy will work immediately.
Even a mild fungus infection can take a few weeks or months of treatment before it clears completely.
Sometimes a sufferer may leave it a bit late and then infection may become worse to a point where several nails are badly infected.
In these cases it is probably better to see a doctor.
Most of the prescription cures are very powerful and should clear even a bad infection but strong medication can often come with side effects.
In extreme cases it may damage the liver.
In between the home and prescription remedies, there are also over the counter medicine available.
This offers sufferers an effective treatment.
It is also quite strong.
Use them only if your home remedies do not work.
Take care to read the instructions when buying the medicine though as they have to be applied to the affected area and not taken by mouth.
Although safer than the prescription kind, over the counter remedies can be quite potent.
There may be some health risks involved in using them.
In a nutshell then, treat the infection as soon as it appears.
Be on the lookout for the telltale discoloration and slight distortion of the nail as well as material collecting under it.
Knock it out with a home remedy and stick with the treatment.
Do not expect miracles.
It takes time to clear.
In case of a severe infection, first try a nail fungus treatment that you can buy over the counter.
Read instructions and be aware of possible danger.
You should never allow it to spread to a point where you need to go to the doctor.