photo credit: goodcatmum
Nail fungus or Onychomycosis, is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte on both fingernails and toenails. They love dark, warm and moist areas and this is why most people who have this condition are people from warmer climates who wear shoes.

Fungus usually enters the toes by a small break in the nail, by weak toenails to wearing shoes that are on too tight. Since fungus loves warm and moist environment, wearing damp shoes will increase chances of breeding the fungi. If you cut your toenails too close to the skin, this causes a small opening for the fungus to go in. If your perspire more often than most people, this can be a major cause as well.

If you are experiencing brittle chipped and flaky nails, if they develop a yellow, black or brownish hue, you may have toenail fungus infection already. If your toenails are getting thick and inflamed toes with the feeling of pain and discomfort already, you have caught the infection already. If your toes smell, you have a full blown toenail infection condition.

But don’t fret because there is a lot of treatment readily available most especially if your infection is in its early stages. The sooner you notice the signs, the sooner you get it treated so it wont spread to the other toenails and chances of the infection reoccurring will be halted.

Vinegar
Vinegar (either apple cider or distilled vinegar) will combat the early signs of toenail infection. All you need to do is fill a basin with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water, soak your feet for 20 minutes then wipe it dry with either a cotton towel or absorbent paper towels. Do this treatment twice a day for maximum efficacy.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a nature’s fungicide and antiseptic all rolled into one. With a Q-tip or cotton ball, just saturate it with tea tree oil and apply it on the affected toenail, for twice a day like in the morning and just about before you go to bed. Do this regularly till the fungus is gone.

Listerine
Use the regular Listerine mouthwash and soak affected toenails for 20 minutes twice a day. The antiseptics in the Listerine formulation will eradicate the fungi.

Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol that you can find at any pharmacy will do the job. Soak the feet for 20 minutes, twice a day. Dry thoroughly with absorbent paper or cotton towels.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide at 3% can also be used. Just use full strength and soak the feet for 20 minutes daily and at least twice a day. If this is too strong, try a solution of 50-50 water and hydrogen peroxide then towel dry.

Vicks Vapor Rub
Vicks Vapor rub has been known to stop the growth of fungus but not actually cure it, so there are doubts surrounding this method.

Prevention
Avoid public shower stalls and bathrooms. Make sure that nail clippers are fully disinfected before use. Air out sandals that hasn’t been used for quite some time.