Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a common infection that affects the toenails and less often affects the fingernails. The disease is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, humid environments, such as your shoes. If you suspect that you have toenail fungus, try to treat it quickly and regularly because the fungus will keep coming back if allowed to persist.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing Foot Fungus
Step 1. Look for a white or yellow dot under your nail
This is the first sign of a yeast infection. This spot can appear under the tip of the toenail. As the infection gets stronger, the discoloration will spread further and your nails will become thicker and more brittle on the sides.
- The shape of your nails can also be distorted.
- Infected nails may appear dull.
- Dirt can appear under the toenails, making them look dark.
Step 2. Notice if your toenails emit a foul odor
An unpleasant odor does not always accompany a yeast infection. If you show other signs of infection but don't have an odor, don't assume it means you're free of toenail fungus.
Step 3. Check if the other nails are also infected
Nail fungus spreads easily. You may find that more than one (but usually not all) of your nails are infected. If you notice discoloration of some of your nails, this is another sign that you have nail fungus.
Step 4. Don't hesitate to seek medical care if you experience pain or your nails start to fall off
These are clear signs of infection and may be quite severe. Ignoring this infection can affect your ability to walk and allow it to spread to other nails or the skin around your nails.
Part 2 of 4: Treating Fungus with Over-the-counter or Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply Vick's VapoRub balm on your nails
If used daily, this ointment (usually used to treat coughs) can work effectively in reducing the symptoms of infection. Apply a small amount with a cotton ball.
Step 2. Soften and trim your nails
Keeping your nails short will reduce pressure on your toes or hands, thereby reducing pain. However, trimming your nails can be difficult if the infected nail becomes thick and hard, so you may need to soften it first. Purchase an over-the-counter urea-containing lotion that can thin and break the diseased portion of the nail plate.
- Before going to bed, cover the infected nail with lotion and wrap it in a bandage.
- In the morning, rinse your feet with soap and water to wash off the cream. The nail will soon start to become soft enough for you to file or trim.
- Look for a lotion with a 40% urea content.
Step 3. Purchase an antifungal cream or ointment
There are many over-the-counter options that you may want to try before visiting your doctor. First, file away all the white spots on the infected nail, then soak it in water for a few minutes. Dry your nails before applying the cream with a cotton ball.
Using a cotton swab or other disposable applicator will help prevent the fungus from spreading. Touch the affected area as little as possible
Step 4. Use snakeroot extract
In one study, extracts of this plant were as effective as prescription antifungal creams. The treatment lasts about three months.
- Use once every three days for the first month.
- Use it every other day for the second month.
- Use once a week in the third month.
Part 3 of 4: Treating Fungus with Prescription Drugs
Step 1. Try an oral antifungal medication
Consider the most effective treatment, you must have a prescription to be able to take these drugs. Treatment usually lasts for three months and the doctor may also prescribe a topical cream or ointment. You may also need to have regular blood tests to monitor how your body reacts to the drugs.
- Oral antifungal drugs work by replacing the infected nail with a new, healthy nail. You won't see results until the nail has completely grown back and this process can take up to four months.
- These medications can sometimes have severe side effects and are not recommended if you have liver disease or congestive heart failure.
Step 2. Ask about medications in the form of nail polish
This medication requires you to paint the infected nail and the skin around it once daily. At the end of the week, you remove the layers of paint with rubbing alcohol and repeat the process from the beginning.
This method can take up to a year to get rid of the infection
Step 3. Use the prescribed cream or lotion
Antifungal creams can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications, such as oral medications. To help the cream sink into the skin, try thinning your nails first. You can soak it in water or smear it with urea cream and leave it overnight.
Step 4. Remove the infected nail
Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may recommend that you remove the nail surgically. This allows the topical medication to be applied directly to the new skin and nails as they grow back.
- If the infection is very painful or doesn't work, the doctor may decide to have the nail removed permanently.
- It may take up to a year for your nails to grow back.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Re-Infection
Step 1. Wear special shower footwear when visiting swimming pools, locker rooms, spas or public bathrooms
Fungal infections spread very easily and can thrive in damp environments. Protect yourself by wearing flip-flops or other special shower footwear that will reduce your contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Step 2. Keep your nails trimmed, dry and clean
Wash your hands and feet regularly, making sure you wash between your fingers and toes. Keep your nails short and dry, and file the thick areas of your nail plate.
- The length of the toenail should not exceed the length of your toe.
- Make an effort to dry your hands as often as possible if you have a job that gets your hands wet a lot, such as as a bartender or cleaning the house. If you must wear rubber gloves, make sure you change them so that your hands are not too sweaty and damp.
- If you suspect that you have an infection, don't paint your nails with regular nail polish and try to hide it. This can trap moisture and make the infection worse.
Step 3. Put on the right shoes and socks
Throw away your old shoes and look for shoes that reduce moisture and will prevent your feet from getting damp. Change your socks regularly (more than once a day if you sweat a lot), and look for fabrics that absorb moisture away from your skin, such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene.
Step 4. Visit a trusted nail salon and keep your own nail care kits clean
Make sure any salon you visit for manicures and pedicures has thoroughly sterilized all of their equipment. If you don't know how well the salon equipment sterilizes, bring your own tools and sterilize them afterwards.
Disinfect toenail or cuticle clippers or any tools you use to keep your nails neat and healthy
Tips
- Keep feet dry.
- Wear cotton socks.
- Nail fungus is not very common in children and is mostly found in adults.
- People with weak immune systems, diabetes, blood circulation problems or Down's syndrome are more susceptible to fungal infections.
