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Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus

When fungus finds its way under the nail, the nail provides a barrier for it while socks and shoes provide moisture and warmth for growth to take place. Over time, this fungus destroys the nail, discoloring it and causing it to thicken. In some cases, it may even fall off. There are treatment options, some of which are self-care, the rest of which are prescribed by doctors. If you attempt self-care first and find the treatments aren't working, seek medical attention promptly to prevent the fungus from spreading.

  1. Trim the Nail

    • Trimming the affected nail with toenail clippers not only reduces the amount of the infection, but it also helps prevent its spread. As the nail grows out, so does the infection. Each time you trim the nail, you trim the infected area away. Eventually this maintenance will help rid the nail of the fungus as healthy nail grows in behind it. This is similar to debriding, a process performed by a podiatrist in which he files any thickened, infected area of the nail away.

    Apply Tea Tree Oil

    • Tea tree oil is native to Australia and has been used for hundreds of years by Australians for various ailments. One of its uses happens to be as an antifungal, and it has been found to work effectively in the treatment of toenail fungus. Apply two or three drops of 100 percent tea tree oil onto a cotton swab and rub it on the affected toe(s) two or three times a day. Results may vary for every person depending on the extent of the infection; however, six months of this treatment should be sufficient. If the infection returns, repeat the process until the healthy nail returns. Tea tree oil should not be ingested due to its toxicity, and if a rash appears during use, stop immediately.

    Take Oral Medications

    • If you have tried self-care to no avail, you may need to seek the treatment of your doctor. He will usually start with an oral antifungal prescription such as Diflucan, Lamisil or Sporanox. These assist the nail to become free of the fungus by slowly replacing the fungus with healthy nail. Though the typical length of time you will be on the medication is six to 12 weeks, it may be four months or more before you see any results and the infection is eliminated.

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