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Nail Fungus Cures and Athlete's Foot Cures

Nail fungus leads to the thickening and discoloration of the nails. Nails turn yellow and become porous and deformed. The infection commonly occurs on the toes but also may affect fingernails. It may not be a dangerous condition, but nails could be destroyed permanently. Athlete's foot is also a type of fungal infection in the skin. It causes flaking, scaling and itching. It generally affects your feet, but it may spread to other areas, such as your groin. Nail fungus and athlete's foot can be treated with several pharmaceutical and homeopathic treatments.

  1. Prescription Medications

    • Prescription medication is available for nail fungus. Lamisil, a topical gel that is quickly absorbed by skin, can treat the fungus. Diflucan and Sporanox are oral prescriptions. Cost is one disadvantage of prescription treatments, as Diflucan and Sporanox can cost an average of $100 per week as of 2009. The oral prescriptions also have possible side effects such as nausea, headaches and even kidney or liver problems.

    Home Remedies

    • Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, toothpaste and vinegar have been suggested as home remedies to treat nail fungus. Creating a diluted beach solution to be applied on the toenail, which is then soaked in either sea water or rum, is another solution. Applying vitamin E on the nails is also a potentially effective form of treatment.

      Natural-based topical products for nail fungus treatment are can be effective. For example, Fungisil is a combination of natural oils and minerals plus antifungal agents used to fight and cure fungal infections. It also works to restore the health of your nails. Zetaclear is another natural product. With a blend of plant-based oils, Zetaclear works to treat the cause of the infection and helps maintain healthier-looking nails.

    Athlete's Foot Treatments

    • Medicated powders may be used to treat athlete's foot. Tolnaftate or miconazole are medicated treatments designed to deal with the fungus and help keep your feet dry. Soaking your feet in aluminum acetate likewise will help with athlete's foot. There are also antifungal creams and sprays that can be used, including Terbinafine, Miconazole and Clotrimazole. For a homemade remedy, create a foot soak by diluting white vinegar in water (one part vinegar to four parts water), and soak your feet in the solution for 10 minutes one or two times a day.

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