Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Recognizing nail fungus
• Part 2 of 4: Treating fungus with OTC drugs and folk remedies
• Part 3 of 4: Prescription Treatments for Fungus
• Part 4 of 4: Preventing Reinfection
• Tips

Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is an infection that affects the toenails and, in rare cases, the fingernails. This infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm and humid environments such as shoes. If you suspect that your nails are flexible, start treatment as early as possible and follow through with the treatment, otherwise the fungus may return.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Recognizing nail fungus

1. 1 Look for white or yellow spots under your nails. These spots are the first sign of a fungal infection. They can appear under the tip of the nail. With the development of the infection, the stain grows, and the nail becomes thicker and begins to crumble from the sides.
   • The nail can also become deformed.
   • An infected nail may turn pale.
   • Debris may appear under the nail and make it appear darker.
2. 2 Check for an unpleasant odor from the nail. Fungal infection is not always accompanied by an unpleasant odor. If you show signs of infection, but there is no bad smell, this does not mean that you should not be afraid of infection.
3. 3 Check if other nails are infected. Nail fungus spreads very easily. A person may suddenly find that not one nail is infected, but several (but, as a rule, not all). Staining on multiple nails is another sign of nail fungus.
4. 4 Do not hesitate to go to the hospital if you feel pain or your nails begin to slip. These are obvious symptoms of infection, and at a rather late stage of development. Ignoring the infection can affect your ability to walk and cause it to spread to other nails and the skin around your nails.

Part 2 of 4: Treating fungus with OTC drugs and folk remedies

1. 1 Apply Vicks VapoRab ointment to your nails. Apply this ointment (commonly used to treat coughs) every day to effectively relieve symptoms of the infection. Apply some ointment with a cotton swab.
2. 2 Soften and trim your nails. Trim your nails to relieve pressure on your fingers and toes, thus relieving pain. If an infection gets into the nail and it becomes thicker and harder, it will be difficult for you to trim it without first softening it. Buy an over-the-counter urea lotion to help shrink and break down the affected areas of your nail plate.
   • Before going to bed, apply lotion to the affected nail and wrap it in bandages.
   • Wash your feet with soap and water in the morning to remove the lotion. Soon after, the nails will soften enough to be filed or trimmed.
   • Find a 40% urea lotion.
3. 3 Buy an antifungal cream or ointment. Try a number of over-the-counter remedies before you go to your doctor. First, you should cut the white spots off the affected nail and then soak it in water for a few minutes. Wipe your nails dry before applying the cream with a cotton swab.
   • A cotton swab and other disposable applicators can help prevent the spread of infection. Try to touch the affected area as little as possible.
4. 4 Apply Kirkazone vulgaris extract. In one study, an extract of this plant was found to be as effective as prescription antifungal ointments. The course of treatment lasts about three months.
   • For the first month, apply the extract every three days.
   • In the second month, apply the extract twice a week.
   • For the last month, apply the product once a week.

Part 3 of 4: Prescription Treatments for Fungus

1. 1 Take an oral antifungal medication. This medication is considered the most effective in treating fungal infections, but it is only available with a prescription. The course of treatment usually lasts three months. In addition, your doctor may also prescribe a topical cream or ointment for you. You will also need to have a blood test from time to time to monitor your body's response to medications.
   • Oral antifungals replace the affected nail with a new, healthy nail. You won't see results until the nail is fully grown, which can take more than four months.
   • These drugs sometimes have severe side effects and are not recommended for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure.
2. 2 Learn about medicated nail polish. This varnish must be applied to the affected nails and the surrounding skin once a day. At the end of the week, the layers of varnish should be removed with alcohol and reapplied.
   • To contain the infection, you will need to apply the varnish for a year.
3. 3 Use prescription creams and lotions. Antifungal creams can be given alone or in combination with other agents, such as oral medications. To help the cream penetrate the nail, try thinning it down first. To do this, soak your nails in water or apply a urea cream and leave overnight.
4. 4 Remove the affected nail. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may advise you to remove the nail surgically. Thereafter, topical agents can be applied directly to the skin and to the new nail, which will begin to grow back.
   • If the infection is unusually painful and does not respond to treatment, your doctor may advise you to remove the nail completely.
   • It will take about a year for the nail to grow back to its normal size.

Part 4 of 4: Preventing Reinfection

1. 1 Wear slippers for your shower when visiting public pools, changing rooms, spas, or showers. Fungal infections spread incredibly easily, and wet rooms are the most conducive environment for them. Protect yourself by wearing flip flops or other shower slippers that will reduce contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
2. 2 Keep your nails clean and dry and trim them regularly. Wash your hands and feet regularly, keeping in mind the areas between your toes and your fingers. Trim your nails and keep them dry. You should also sand the thicker areas of the nail plate.
   • Nails should not be longer than a finger.
   • If your job involves getting your hands wet frequently (bartender or maid), dry them as often as possible. If you have to wear rubber gloves, change them regularly to keep your hands from fogging up and getting too wet.
   • If you suspect you have an infection, don't try to hide it by painting over your nail with regular nail polish. This will only trap moisture and exacerbate the infection.
3. 3 Wear suitable shoes and socks. Throw away old shoes and choose shoes that will "breathe" and in which your nails will not sweat. Change your socks regularly (more than once a day if you sweat a lot) and opt for socks made from materials that will absorb moisture from your skin (wool, nylon, and polypropylene).
4. 4 Visit a good nail salon and keep your tools clean. Make sure the salon where you do your manicure or pedicure sterilizes your tools. If you are in doubt about the thoroughness of the sterilization process, take your instruments to the salon, and then sterilize them.
   • Disinfect nail clippers, nail clippers, and other tools used for trimming and grooming your nails.

Tips

• Keep your feet dry.
• Wear cotton socks.
• People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, circulatory problems, or Down syndrome are more susceptible to fungal infections.
• Nail fungus rarely affects children and is much more common in adults.