Nail fungus is an infection caused by fungi that grow on fingernails or toenails. If you see white or yellow spots on your nails, you may have a fungal infection. If a fungal infection continues to thrive, it will cause your nails to become brittle, flaky and discolored. Nail infections can be hard to treat. If you think you have a fungal infection on your nails, see a doctor to determine whether a prescription is necessary. You can also try a few over-the-counter remedies.
Antifungal Lotions
While stubborn fungal infections require prescription medication, nail fungus may be helped by using an over-the-counter topical antifungal lotion, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. You can use these antifungal creams in conjunction with prescription medication to improve your results, according to MayoClinic.com. Your doctor may also recommend applying a lotion that contains urea to your infected nails along with an antifungal treatment. Lotions that contain urea will help your nails absorb the antifungal medication more quickly.
Vinegar
You may experience some relief by soaking your nails in vinegar if you have a fungal infection, according to MayoClinic.com. The effectiveness of vinegar on nail fungus has not been proved, but a vinegar soak is an easy and inexpensive over-the-counter treatment that could help. If you suffer from toenail fungus, soak your feet in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse and dry your feet well to prevent further fungal growth. Repeat this soak daily unless your feet become irritated, in which case you should soak just two or three times per week.
Mentholated Topical Creams
MayoClinic.com says that mentholated topical creams, which are designed to treat congestion due to the common cold, may be beneficial in treating nail fungus. Studies have not been performed to determine the effectiveness of over-the-counter mentholated cream on nail fungus. Talk to your doctor before trying it yourself.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal that can be used to treat yeast infections, including athlete's foot and nail fungus. Studies to determine how effective tea tree oil is in treating nail fungus are ongoing. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using tea tree oil to treat your nail fungus. Topical use of tea tree oil can sometimes cause skin irritation, according to MayoClinic.com.
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