Over-the-counter medicines are drugs that are bought without a doctor’s prescription. Most of the time, they are commercially prepared products that may be used in a do-it-yourself approach. Organic and household remedies for treating fungal infections are time consuming but are affordable and produce lesser or no side effects at all. For this reason, people tend to use over-the-counter nail fungus treatments more often than any other toenail fungus remedy available.
For now, there are over thousands of over-the-counter nail fungus treatment products available in the market. So how do we know which ones are more effective and safe? These treatments include lotions, creams, ointments, household products and natural remedies like oils.
Natural remedies like tea tree oils and olive oils may be used as an over-the-counter nail fungus treatment. An antifungal mud called Saprox is a product made from Czech Republic. Household remedies which include vinegars (like apple cider vinegar), Vicks vaporub, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and antiseptic mouthwash (Listerine). To use tea tree oil, use a cotton swab and rub over the infected nail two times a day.
For topical antifungal medicines and pills, they can be classified according to what active ingredient is involved. There are actually 3 active ingredients. They are Cotrimazole, Terbinafine hydrochloride, and Miconazole nitrate.
The active ingredient Terbinafine hydrochloride is the most commonly used ingredient. This kind of ingredient found in most over-the-counter nail fungus treatments sold in the market are very effective and works fast. They are available in lotion or cream and are applied directly to nail affected. One of the most trusted and popular example for this category is Lamisil.
A chemical compound called Miconazole nitrate is made up of imidazole in combination with cocamide, tocopherol, isobutene, sorbitan sesquioleate, and benzyl alcohol. Make sure to shake this compound well before applying to the infected nail using a dropper. It is given twice a day until the condition is completely treated.
This category is also used for the prevention of jock itch scalding, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. It is for external use only and not taken orally. It is also contraindicated for children below 2 years old and for pregnant or lactating women. Cotrimazole on the other hand may be purchased in lotion or cream which is used once a day in smaller amounts
Finally, keep in mind that everybody is unique from everybody else. Therefore, never expect that a particular kind of over-the-counter nail fungus treatment that cured your friend will and should also cure your medical condition as well.
At his wesite, ToeNailsFungus.net, Art Fedrohr writes more about toenail fungus remedy and Fungus Under Toenails.
