If you are suffering from nail fungus, you certainly are not alone. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 10% of the population gets fungal nail infections. In the geriatric population, they are even more common. Because they occur so frequently and affect so many people, many methods of treatment have been developed. Most people are disappointed because they first turn to topical solutions and topical solutions for nail fungus do not work. The truth is, topical solutions for nail fungus almost never work simply because of where the infection is and the anatomy of the nail.
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is caused by fungus that lives beneath the nail. In time, it causes the nail to become thick, brittle or discolored. It can even make the nail split or separate from the nail bed. In time, infections can become quite painful. Nail tissue is tough. It has to be. Fingernails and toenails exist to protect out sensitive fingertips and toes from injury, so the nail must be strong enough to withstand normal daily wear and tear. Because nail tissue is so strong and designed to serve as protection for the fingers and toes, it is very difficult for topical solutions to penetrate it to reach the actual site of the infection.
Dangers Using Topical Solutions For Nail Fungus Removal
Topical solutions for nail fungus come in liquids, gels and creams, and they are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Some are stronger and more effective than others, but they all take a considerable amount of time to penetrate the nail, if they are able to at all. If they do fully penetrate the nail, they still need to kill the infection. This also takes a very long time, and it can be difficult to know whether it has worked or not. After using a topical solution, it may seem like the infection has been cleared when, in reality, the fungus is still present but lying dormant. When this is the case, the infection will almost always return as soon as you stop treatment.
Treatment for fungal infections of the nails is available, but topical solutions for nail fungus do not work or are very rarely effective. In fact, both over-the-counter and prescription liquids, gels and creams only work a small percentage of the time. These products also have not been approved by the FDA. Other treatments, such as laser treatments, however, have been approved by the FDA and have proven to be highly effective in completely eliminating nail fungus.
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