Content

• Steps

Onychomycosis occurs when one or more nails become infected with a fungus. It may begin with a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail or toenail. When the fungus spreads deep into the nail, it can cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and rupture the edge of the nail, making it unsightly and potentially painful. Fungal nail infections often occur if the nail is continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or water floors. A warm and humid environment is a good condition for onychomycosis to grow and spread. Although some people have genes that are susceptible to fungal infections, factors like swimming in the water and sweating are often the cause of the fungus appearing due to moisture accumulation. In extremely serious cases, onychomycosis can be very painful and affect the ability to move hands or feet. Read the steps below to learn how to cure onychomycosis at home or seek medical treatment.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Try home remedies

1. 

   
   
   Put tea tree oil on your nails. Tea tree oil has been used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent for centuries. Dab directly or soak tea tree oil in a cotton ball and rub it on the affected nail.
   • Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the nail. Remember to throw away the brush after use.
   • Try mixing tea tree oil with olive oil and rub it on your nails. You can rub this mixture on your nails as many times as you want, but twice a day is usually enough to treat mild cases.

2. 

   
   
   Mix a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and salt. Mix 4 cups hot water, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup Epsom salt, then add ¼ cup white vinegar. These ingredients are available in pharmacies. Soak the nail directly in the mixture or soak a cotton ball and apply it on the nail for about 10 minutes. Repeat twice a day.

3. 

   
   
   Rub pure orange essential oil onto your nails. As well as tea tree oil, orange oil is also used as an antifungal and can kill onychomycosis. Be sure to rub the essential oil on your nails and under them as well. Make sure you are not allergic to orange essential oil by testing small areas first before applying.

4. 

   Crush fresh garlic and mix with white vinegar. Garlic has antifungal properties when used fresh. Garlic needs to be crushed to release allicin, a compound with antifungal properties. Soak your toenails in the mixture for as long as possible. Eating fresh garlic can also help kill fungus.

5. 

   Take advantage of the acidity and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar. The acids in apple cider vinegar work to prevent the spread of fungus and kill bacteria. Dilute equal parts vinegar with water and soak nails in solution for up to 30 minutes. Do this every day and be sure to dry your nails after soaking.

6. 

   Soak the infected nail in an antibacterial mouthwash. The alcohol in the mouthwash has an antiseptic effect, while the anti-disease compounds help remove the fungus. Soak your nails in mouthwash for about 15 minutes a day.

7. 

   Apply Vick's VapoRub's oil. Apply a small amount of decongestant to your nails and put on socks or gloves before going to bed. Make sure nails are dry before applying Vick's oil.

8. 

   Apply lavender oil to the affected nail. Lavender essential oil has antiseptic properties and reduces skin irritation. Heat lavender oil in the microwave until warm. Soak a cotton ball in lavender essential oil and place it on the infected nail for a few minutes, several times a day.

9. 

   Try oregano essential oil with antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, analgesic, and antifungal properties. Oregano oil can be very effective in treating onychomycosis. Place a few drops of the oil on the affected area several times a day.

10. 

    Squeeze the lime over the nail and around the nail. The citric acid in lemons works to prevent onychomycosis from spreading to other nails or other areas of the body. Wait about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Medical treatment

1. 

   Take oral medications. See your doctor for an oral antifungal prescription if the home remedies above haven't worked. The two most commonly used prescription drugs believed to be particularly effective are terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Ask your doctor about the best medicine for your condition.
   • You may be prescribed oral medication if you are at risk of developing cellulitis or having pain from onychomycosis.
   • Oral medications will help to grow new nails that are free of fungus, but it will take a long time before a complete nail replacement can be completed. Usually the medicine starts to work after 6-12 weeks, but it can take many months to go away.
   • Note that oral medications can cause a number of side effects, including hives and liver problems.

2. 

   Apply antifungal nail polish. If the fungal infection is not so severe that requires oral medication, you may be prescribed an antifungal nail polish from your doctor. This nail polish basically looks like nail polish and should only be used on infected nails. The most commonly prescribed antifungal nail polish is ciclopirox (Penlac).
   • Apply to the affected area once a day for a week. Then wipe it off with rubbing alcohol and start a new process.
   • The downside of this therapy is that it takes a long time to get rid of the fungus, which can take up to a year to get rid of onychomycosis.

3. 

   Try a gel or cream. Your doctor may prescribe creams or gels with antifungal or urea ingredients that help absorb moisture. Some creams require a prescription, others can be purchased without a prescription.

4. 

   Consider surgery. In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove part or all of the infected nail. Don't worry, the nail will grow back, only you need to wait a while and may be a bit painful.

5. 

   Laser treatment. Now doctors can treat onychomycosis with laser therapy or photodynamic therapy to get rid of the fungus. Laser therapy has only been in use for a few years so it may not be available in some areas. Besides, this therapy costs from a few million to tens of millions of dong. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Prevent onychomycosis

1. 

   Good hygiene. Expose the nail to as much air as possible. You can keep your nails dry by avoiding tight, sweaty socks, and choose open-toed shoes.

2. 

   Keep nails short and dry and clean. Use a nail clipper to fix your nails regularly. Keep fingernails short to prevent bacteria from settling under the nail.

3. 

   Wear breathable socks. Avoid cotton socks and wool socks if you know your feet are going to sweat. Synthetic socks are better at preventing moisture from accumulating and soaking in socks.

4. 

   Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products. This not only prevents you from coming into contact with bacteria while doing chores, but also keeps your hands dry. The bacteria like to live in warm and humid places, so avoid creating this environment around your nails if possible.

5. 

   Always wear shoes in public. This is especially important when you take a shower at the gym. Remember to wear sandals when showering if you are sharing the bathroom with more than one person. Places that are always humid and warm, full of people who sweat, are a breeding ground for bacteria.

6. 

   Avoid unsanitary manicures. Make sure the salon disinfects the tools after serving each client.
   • If you don't want to ask the salon owner or are unsure if they are telling the truth, just bring your own nail kit and ask them to use your tools and polish.
   • You should also stop nail polish and fake nails. Nail polish can trap moisture in your nails, and can further scratch and create an environment conducive to bacteria.
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