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.
There are thousands of over-the-counter nail fungus treatments available in the market nowadays. However, keep in mind that not all of them are effective and safe. To name a few types of these treatments are antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, home remedies and all-natural products.
All-natural over-the-counter nail fungus treatments include olive oil and tea tree oil. Saprox is an antifungal mud treatment coming form Czech Republic. Home remedies include Vicks vaporub, vinegars (ex: Apple Cider vinegar), dmso cancer or dimethyl sulfoxide, and mouthwash (Listerine). In using tea tree oil, a cotton swab is used and rubbed into the affected nail twice a day.
Topical antifungal drugs and pills are categorized according to the active ingredients in the drug. There are 3 active ingredients, namely: Miconazole nitrate, Cotrimazole, and Terbinafine hydrochloride.
The most common type of active ingredient used in an over-the-counter nail fungus treatment is Terbinafine hydrochloride and is very effective. It also works very fast and is available in cream or lotion. The item is directly applied to the nail infected. A popular example for this type of over-the counter nail fungus treatment is Lamisil and is trusted by most people.
Miconazole nitrate, a chemical compound, is composed of imidazole and benzyl alcohol, sorbitan sesquioleate, isobutene, cocamide, and tocopherol. For this type category, be sure that the solution is shaken well. Apply it using a dropper two times a day until the healing process is complete.
Furthermore, it is given to prevent ringworm, jock itch scalding, and athlete’s foot. Thus, extreme caution should be well observed and must be use for external use only. It is contraindicated for patients who are pregnant and lactating, and even for children below 2 years of age. On the other hand, Cotrimazole is available in ointment or cream and applied in small amounts once a day.
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.
