Supplements for Nail Fungus
The American Academy of Dermatology says that the most common kind of nail infections is nail fungus. This condition affects approximately 12 percent of all Americans. The infection can run in families but everyone is susceptible. Consider a selection of supplements in the forms of oral, capsules and tablets you can take that will reduce the severity or prevent nail fungus.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral. It contains antixoidant properties, which is important for protecting your cells and organs from damaged that may be caused by free radicals. The mineral helps to treat nail fungus by removing bacteria from the infection, but does not remove it completely. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, white spots on the fingernails may be a indication of a zinc deficiency or an underlying medical condition.
- Zinc is an essential trace mineral.
- The mineral helps to treat nail fungus by removing bacteria from the infection, but does not remove it completely.
Vitamin B12
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According to ChetDay.com, vitamin B12 is important for helping to treat nails that are brittle and break easily, which may be a sign of low amounts of vitamin B12 in your body. A vitamin B12 deficiency may cause nail fungus or similar infections as the nails are weak and prone to conditions. Also, the nails may turn very round and turn dark if you do not have enough vitamin B12 in your body.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H helps treat weak nails, which are prone to infections such as nail fungus, according to a 2002 issue of "Natural Magazine." Preliminary evidence suggests that vitamin H may be able to help treat nails that are brittle, thin and splitting 2.
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C assists in keeping your nails hydrated and also helps to fight off free radicals, due to its antioxidant properties. ChetDay.com notes that low intake of vitamin C can result in brittle and dry fingernails. In addition, it may also contribute to the development of hangnails.
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References
- UMMC: Vitamin H (Biotin)
- Shirwaikar AA, Thomas T, Shirwaikar A, Lobo R, Prabhu KS. Treatment of onychomycosis: an update. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2008;70(6):710-4. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.49088
- Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, Ahmad S, Ahmad SA. Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream. Trop Med Int Health. 1999 Apr;4(4):284-7. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3156.1999.00396.x
- Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotrimazole. J Fam Pract. 1994 Jun;38(6):601-5.
- Chee HY, Lee MH. Antifungal activity of clove essential oil and its volatile vapour against dermatophytic fungi. Mycobiology. 2007;35(4):241-3. doi:10.4489/MYCO.2007.35.4.241
- Gayoso CW, Lima EO, Oliveira VT, Pereira FO, Souza EL, Lima IO, Navarro DF. Sensitivity of fungi isolated from onychomycosis to Eugenia cariophyllata essential oil and eugenol. Fitoterapia. 2005 Mar;76(2):247-9. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2004.12.005
- National Institutes of Health. "Fungal nail infection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". June 2011.