Toenail fungus is a condition that is known for being hard to treat. It has driven many to frustration over the slow, agonizing road towards complete recovery. It requires consistent medication and a change of habits. When the patient is very young, the level of difficulty just gets so much higher as children rarely have the patience to see things through. Parents should be alert about signs of fungal infection and consult a doctor if symptoms are present. Early intervention prevents the organism from reaching critical mass and makes it easier to snuff out. Although self-medication is possible with over-the-counter drugs and alternative remedies, a visit to the doctor is highly encouraged for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
There are a number of nail problems that may be due to an infection. The toenail fungus that causes onychomycosis is among the most common and pervasive. Most of its victims are seniors who are no longer in the best of health. Diabetics and others with immune system issues are also likely to fall prey to this disease. Even athletes who are in the peak of fitness can succumb to the fungus mainly due to consistent exposure during training. Children are infected much the same way — that is, overexposure to harmful elements when playing barefoot outside or attending swimming lessons.
The symptoms of onychomycosis include discoloration, itchiness, pain, brittleness and loosening. The organism embeds itself beneath the nail and grows from there into the nail bed. The edges will gradually turn yellow and spread to the interior. The areas around the toes will become very itchy but no amount on scratching will give relief. Eventually, the whole underside of the nail will be yellowish indicating the overwhelming presence of the adversary. It may loosen up, attracting dirt, and come off completely after a while.
Traditional Treatments
Children may get embarrassed about their oddly colored toes and have a difficult time concentrating on their studies due to the constant itch. Doctors will design a treatment plan that aims to cure the ailment as soon as possible. However, expectations must be set. Traditional treatments such as antifungal creams and oral drugs work very slowly so months may pass before any reversal becomes apparent. Itraconazole and terbinafine are just some of the active ingredients present in them. They work by boosting the body’s ability to block off further fungal growth, essentially squeezing the life out of it.
Alternative Remedies
People who are looking for alternatives for treating toenail fungus in children may have heard of home remedies such as vinegar and bleach. A small amount is mixed in water and the feet are soaked in the solution several times in a day. Some swear by their effectiveness but ask the doctor about them before trying it out. Another thing that can be done to hasten the recovery is to employ laser treatment which instantly zaps the fungus. Remarkable progress can be achieved in a few minutes instead of a few months.
