subject: Onychomycosis - Just A Fancy Name For A Common Condition [print this page] Onychomycosis: it's a difficult word to say and an even harder one to spell. It's no wonder that most people bypass this difficult word and simply say "toenail fungus." Toenail fungus is a common affliction, and it isn't often painful. It is, however, always a pain to treat. Because this fungal infection can take such deep root in a toenail, it can be hard to reach with medication, which means that it can take weeks or even months to clear up, depending on how severe the infection was before treatment began. But one thing's for sure: it won't clear up on its own.
There are many over-the-counter topical treatments available to treat onychomycosis. Some people have tried many treatments and claim that they don't work. But in order to really see whether or not a treatment is working, it's necessary to use it regularly for quite a while to see whether or not it's really being effective. Patience is important when it comes to treating toenail fungus. It can take quite some time for the medication to make its way underneath the nail to where the fungus causing the infection is lurking. That's why it's always a good idea to use a medication for at least a month before deciding that it doesn't work.
But for those who don't want to spend an entire month testing out a medication only to find out that it doesn't work, there's a wealth of information available about onychomycosis and the most effective treatments. If you want a treatment that will work with relative speed, then you'll want a medication that has multiple functions. First, you'll want a medicine that softens the nail so that the medication can reach deep down to where the infection actually resides. Second, you'll want a medicine that clears away debris from the infection. Third, you'll want a strong anti-fungal to kill the infection. Finally, you'll want vitamins to encourage healthy toenail regrowth.
A straight-up anti-fungal medication can take weeks or even months to clear up a case of onychomycosis. A medication with multiple functions can help that antifungal medication to reach the infection much faster. It's pretty clear that you should choose a medication that addresses the four issues mentioned above if you want to get rid of your toenail fungus as quickly as possible. But, as with all toenail fungus treatments, you're going to have to be patient and give the medicine time to work for the best results.
