Toe fungus treatment is a very difficult, expensive and time consuming process, requiring patience and staying power, if meaningful results are to be achieved. To begin with, fungi are normally very resilient microorganisms which are hard to get rid of. When they lodge themselves under and within the toenail, with the additional protection of the hard covering there, treatment becomes even more complicated.

Damp and dark places are a haven for fungi so toes provide the very best environment for them. Once embedded in the nails, the infection causes them to come loose from the bed of the toe and become thick and discolored. The nail also starts to crumble as the infection eats away at it, but there is usually no pain associated with this condition. Prior injury to toes and poor circulation of air about the feet increase the chances of contagion.

In truth, effective treatments seem very limited. Topical medications have not proved to be very helpful. As well, the rate of failure among oral medicine is very high, even for the most potent ones. Furthermore, using these products for any extended time can result in liver damage, and other undesirable side effects. All indications are that there is no one magic potion. No one product works for everyone. Some persons may experience limited success using a particular medicine, whereas it does nothing for others.

There is some good news and claims of success with the use of natural treatments. One product which has been acclaimed for its effectiveness is tea tree oil. Some doctors even advocate this in preference over prescription drugs. A prerequisite for the use of natural treatments is that they should contain an active fungicide.

Herbal supplements such as garlic, olive leaf extract and oregano act as systemic anti fungal agents and can be used in combination with natural treatments. Nevertheless, a person should always consult with his doctor prior to beginning any type of treatment, natural or otherwise. Some natural medicines have the tendency to interact with traditional ones, worsening the original condition.

One home remedy known to have positive results for some sufferers is soaking the sick digit in hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis. The use of an antifungal cream called Whitfields Ointment has also been given enthusiastic reviews by others. In addition, practical considerations such as putting power in shoes, regular scouring of feet, wearing dry shoes and socks and wearing footwear made of natural fibers, such as cotton, help in stabilizing the condition.

Fungal infections can lie dormant for some time and then flare up again unexpectedly. In cases of repeated reoccurrence, where the toenail is painful and difficult to care for, some podiatrists may even suggest permanent removal of the nail. These cases though, are usually the exception rather than the rule.

Given its elusiveness to successful treatment, some experts even suggest that unless, it is painful or bothersome, nail infections should be left alone. For those living with this malady, that is easier said than done. A fungal infection is not only unpleasant to look at, living with it is also very discomforting. It is perfectly understandable that sufferers will extend themselves in trying every type of toe fungus treatment available, in an effort to rid themselves of this stubborn ailment.