“Toenail fungus is no big deal! All you have to do is put on this cream and you’ll be fine!”

That’s the message we hear from television commercials and billboard advertising. There’s only one problem: topical medications for treating toenail fungus generally don’t work. The vast majority of people who purchase topical toenail fungus treatments are disappointed by the results. You’re far better off consulting your doctor to discern what treatment options will work to alleviate your toenail fungal infection.

Here are the top four reasons why topical medications for toenail fungus don’t work:

Reason Number One: Your Toenails
The primary reason that topical medications for toenail fungus don’t work has to do with the nature of our toenails. Toenail fungus grows and thrives under the toenail. Our toenails are like the roof on a house, designed to protect the tender ends of our toes. That means they’re tough, relatively rigid and difficult to penetrate. They’re not completely impermeable, but it is far from easy for a topical medication to penetrate the toenail itself and reach the fungal infection below. If the medication cannot reach the infection, then it can not cure the infection.

Reason Number Two: Topical Medications Require Regular, Repeated Applications
When you read the instructions on the typical over the counter topical toenail fungus remedy you will quickly discover that you’re supposed to apply the medication to the affected toenails two or three times per day until the fungal infection is eliminated. This can take several days. In the majority of cases, you can expect to be applying the topical medication for at least a week to ten days.

This is a problem for many people who have busy schedules and travel often, as they wind up missing doses. In some cases, they miss entire days. When the topical medication is not applied regularly, its effectiveness diminishes. This is disappointing, and often discourages people from even attempting to treat their toenail fungus.

Reason Number Three: Topical Medications For Toenail Fungus Are Expensive
At first glance, it may not seem like the over-the-counter topical medications available to treat toenail fungus are expensive. That’s because most people don’t read the instructions about how much medication is supposed to be applied per dose. When you apply topical toenail fungus medication as directed, it turns out that the standard-sized tube contains only enough medication for a few days. For a complete treatment regimen, you’ll have to buy several packages, and the cost quickly rises. What appears at first to be a smart financial decision turns out to be expensive one in the long run.

Reason Number Four: Adverse Reactions To Topical Medications
Another reason that topical medications for toenail fungus don’t work is due to the reactions people experience when they use these over-the-counter products. Some people discover that they are sensitive or allergic to ingredients in these topical medications. In a few rare instances, these reactions can be quite serious. The fact that a medication is available without a prescription does not mean it is safe for everyone to use! Additionally, there is always a risk that an over the counter medication can interact with a prescription medication that you take, and cause an adverse affect. If you regularly take prescription medication, you’ll want to check with your physician before taking any additional medications – even over-the-counter medications!

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