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Facts & Tips
•Nail fungus may begin as a white or yellow spot underneath the tip of the nail. As the fungus grows it causes the nail to thicken and crumble at the edges.
•The fungus often develops on feet exposed to warm environments such as sweaty shoes and shower floors.
•This affliction is not the same as athletes foot, which is primarily a skin condition, although the two can develop under the same environments and may be caused by the same type of fungus.
•Symptoms of nail fungus include thickening of the nail, crumbling or brittleness, distorted shape, raggedness, dull appearance lacking luster and yellowness or dark discoloration.
•The fungus cannot generally be just cut off and typically reappears when trying to do so.
•Fungus, yeast and mold do not need sunshine to survive and actually thrive in dark, warm, moist places.
•Nail fungus occurs more often in toenails than fingers and is generally not a problem unless the nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture.
•Diabetes and decreased circulation are risk factors for developing nail fungus, as are age and heredity.
•Nail fungus can spread from nail to nail.
•Doctors will try to get you to use oral medication for treatment. Medical treatments take months and often over a year, with headaches, stomach aches and liver damage as side affects. It is reported that natural home remedies work as well or better, without the possible side affects.
•Vinegar treatment: soak your nail in a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and dry. Repeat daily until after fungus gone and toenail grows back properly.
•VapoRub treatment: rub VapoRub into the toe and affected nail, especially beneath the nail. Repeat daily until fungus gone.
•Estimates range as high as 10% of North Americans with toe fungus and it is the most common ailment treated by foot specialists.
•To prevent nail fungus, or if you already have nails infected, use anti fungal foot powder in your shoes, wear breathable shoes and socks and let your feet breath as often as possible.
•Do not cover infected nails with nail polish.
•Keep your feet dry. Do not share or reuse towels.
•Apply undiluted tea tree oil to the nail and toe. It is a natural antiseptic.
•Soak your toes in mouthwash with antiseptic, such as Listerine. Use equal parts Listerine and water if soaking. Use straight Listerine if dabbing.
•Soak your toes in equal parts water and apple cider vinegar for 15-20 minutes. Thoroughly dry.
•Use a hair dryer to dry your toes after a shower or bath, or after soaking your feet.
•Blend 2 drops of oregano oil and 1 teaspoon of olive oil and apply directly to affected nails.
•Use Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) cream to your feet before sleep. It will rid you of the rough scaly skin that is prone to growing fungus.
•When applying any cream or ointment be sure to also apply to the underside of the toe where the fungus actually develops.
•Eat more yogurt, it contains a probiotic (good bacteria). Also, cut back on refined sugars and dairy products.
•Olive leaf extract is a good natural internal anti fungal treatment.
•When visiting public spas, hot tubs, locker rooms, showers and pools wear flip flops or water shoes to protect your feet from coming in contact with fungal spores. Then thoroughly dry your feet.
•Did we mention that the best treatment is prevention. Clean and dry your feet. Keep your feet dry. Keep your feet dry.
•Mentholatum ointment has been offered as a treatment by readers. We found it at drugstore.com
•Crushed Juniper berries made into a tea is another treatment offered. Soak the nail in the tea several times a day. Apparently you can find juniper berries at health food stores.
•The following treatment is offered by someone who had tried other treatments and came upon a cure that worked for him.
• Mix vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and anti bacterial soap.
• Use a rough surface file and file the outside of each toe thoroughly.
• Wet a cotton ball with alcohol. Squeeze the alcohol out.
• Pour copious quantities of the solution on the cotton ball.
• Apply to all toes, even those NOT infected!
• Repeat this procedure at least with three times
• Allow toes to dry for about five minutes
• Generously apply VICKS vapor rub, including between toes.
• Perform at least twice (2x) per day
• Should start seeing results within 72 hours.
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