Issue Date: May 11, 2008
How to treat toenail fungus
Over-the-counter remedies generally aren't effective
By Dr. Tedd Mitchell
Toenail fungus is the most common nail disorder I see in my practice. And because it doesn't respond quickly to treatment, most folks just live with it.
But that doesn't have to be the case. Two things are needed to conquer fungal nail infections: perseverance and patience.
Some tactics:
Make your feet undesirable to fungi. Keep them dry by removing your shoes and socks after a workout, changing your socks throughout the day, using foot powder in shoes to absorb moisture and taking off your shoes when possible to allow your feet to air out.
Do not use the same nail clipper for infected and non-infected nails. You'll just transplant fungal spores to neighboring nails. And don't let others use your clippers.
Clean your feet well in the shower, and dry them well with a towel, but don't use the towel to dry other areas until you wash it. Some doctors recommend using paper towels to dry infected nails.
If you wear nail polish, minimize the amount of time that you wear it to give any infected nails a chance to "breathe."
Visit your doctor for prescription medicine to treat the infection. You'll find it must be used for up to a year to be effective. Over-the-counter remedies generally aren't effective except in mild cases.
Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is president of the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas. He writes HealthSmart every week.
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