Donovan Baldwin

Do I Have Toenail Fungus?



Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009

by Donovan Baldwin
No Diet 4 Me

Let's face it. For most of us, our toenails are not the prettiest parts of our bodies. Even so, they generally look...well...normal.

However, from time to time, some of us look at our toenails, make a yucky face, and think, "Lord, that looks awful! Do I have toenail fungus?"

Until a few years ago, most of us had never heard of toenail fungus, but then somebody figured out that they could make us worry about it and then sell us some products...so they did!

While toenail fungus is a very real condition, and, if you have it, you DO want to get rid of it, but the fact is that less than seven percent of the population actually has a nail fungus problem. The condition, either in toenails or finger nails accounts for almost half of the infections related to the nails. Because of the depth to which it penetrates, it is difficult to get rid of, and, once it's found a home, it may return even if evicted.

The most common toenail fungus cure is with the aid of antifungal pills which must be prescribed by a physician. These pills include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). Antifungal topical medicine (creams, lotions, gels, and lacquers) can also be applied to the infected nail and surrounding areas of the skin.

However, none of these seems to be 100% effective and many people turn to other, alternative treatments for this unsightly, and sometimes painful, condition.

Anecdotal claims of a toenail fungus cure are ascribed to such things as vinegar (applied twice a day, every day).

Other products, such as ZetaClear Nail Fungus Relief, provide topical and oral homeopathic combinations can help you have more attractive nails on hands and feet.

So, how can I answer the question, "Do I have toenail fungus"?

Actually, a final determination can usually only be made by a doctor or healthcare professional familiar with the conditon. However, a toenail, or fingernail, which is affected by toenail fungus is generally thick, brittle, dark, and perhaps flaking and splitting.

While there are several possible causes of toenail fungus, trapping the hands or feet constantly in a moist environment most often provides the breeding ground for the mold which commonly causes the condition. One step to take is to keep the hands and feet out of such situations and begin treating the condition immediately.

While some cases respond well to various home remedies such as vinegar, or homeopathic remedies such as ZetaClear Nail Fungus Relief, some may have to be treated by a doctor, probably with the antifungal pills mentioned earlier.

One rule of thumb is this: If you have noticed changes in your nails which make you ask yourself, "Do I have toenail fungus (or fingernail fungus)?", you possibly do and should begin to take action to treat the condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer and 64-year-old amateur bodybuilder living in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He is a University of West Florida alumnus and a member of Mensa. After retiring from the Army in 1995, he developed an Internet business in the health and fitness field and began publishing articles on various subjects. He currently has an online health products store at http://nodiet4me.com/health_products/index.html where you can find more information on ZetaClear Nail Fungus Relief and other health products.

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Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer currently living in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. He is a University Of West Florida alumnus (1973) with a BA in accounting. He has also been a member of Mensa and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and has held several managerial positions while in the military and in civilian life. After retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, he became interested in internet marketing and developed various online businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters. He has a blog, Fitness After 40 at http://fitness-after-40.blogspot.com .
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