Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection that usually affects the toe nails or the finger nails. This condition is mostly asymptomatic; however, in a few affected individuals, it may cause pain, discomfort and disfigurement, and may result in physical and occupational limitations. The most noticeable factor of this condition is cosmetic appearance which may be associated with emotional trauma.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Onychomycosis is aimed at treating the chronic fungal infection and providing nutrition to the nail-bed so as to help in the regeneration and growth of normal finger-nail tissue. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an effective anti-fungal action are used in low doses for prolonged periods, in order to control the infection affecting the nails. Oral medication can be supplemented with local therapy in the form of application of medicated ointments, pastes, and oils on the nails. Long-term therapy is required since these infected finger nails are usually resistant to treatment, while aggressive, high-dose antifungal therapy may have toxic effects.
Antifungal Ayurvedic treatment is also supplemented with treatment for the finger-nail bed tissue so as to provide nutrition to the area, remove infection as well as toxins from the area and provide a soothing action to the capillaries and subcutaneous tissue in the area. This helps in reducing treatment time, and in helping in the re-growth of healthy nails.
Most individuals affected with Onychomycosis require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from six to nine months in order to achieve a complete cure from the condition. It may also be necessary to treat other associated medical conditions such as diabetes and an immunocompromised status. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant contribution to play in the management and treatment of Onychomycosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
