Toe nail fungus is the condition in which the toe nails get infected with fungal spores causing them to turn an unsightly color and grow very think and flaky.
The condition in itself is not necessarily very painful or fatal but it is uncomfortable and hugely embarrassing.
The feet are more prone to it because of the fact that they are usually covered with socks and shoes, creating a cool, dark and moist environment in which the spores thrive.
Though it is not life threatening, the condition needs to be taken care of at the earliest so that it does not spread.
There are a few options that can be implemented.
Surgery is an effective option.
In this method the entire infected toe nail is removed surgically.
The upside of this treatment is that there is absolutely no chance of relapse but, on the other hand, it is expensive and invasive and takes a long time to heal.
Taking oral medication is also sometimes considered as an option but this is not usually very viable.
The reason for this is that the meds put undue pressure on the body, especially the liver, and so can be dangerous if not administered properly.
The use of topical creams and ointments have been popularly considered as the best option because the use of the cream is external only, it is not at all invasive and best of all, it is much cheaper than the other two mentioned.
The downside of this treatment is that it takes 2 to 8 weeks to cure the toe completely and there is a risk of relapse if care is not taken.
A new-age treatment option that is effective, not invasive, completely safe and very swift is the laser treatment.
As little as one sitting can completely cure it in most cases and there are no harmful side-effects or relapses.