1. To Treat or Not to Treat, That is the Question
When a nail infection is mild, affecting only one small toenail with little or no symptoms, many people choose to leave the infection untreated, as medication can be expensive and can have serious side effects. In a small number of cases, the infection may resolve itself; however, most of the time it gets worse or spreads and will need to be treated at a later date. If leaving your nail infection untreated, keep a close eye on the affected nail, keep the nail trimmed short and always sterilize clippers or scissors used to cut the nail before continuing on to other nails.
2. The Medication Method
Antifungal tablets will almost always clear the problem, but it must be taken for at least 6 to 12 weeks and is not cheap. Antifungal medication does not prevent the return of fungal nail infection. Always discuss medication options thoroughly with your doctor, as many drugs have side effects and cannot be taken with other medications. Finally, if you choose to treat fungal nail infections with antifungal drugs, you must follow through with treatment, or you run the risk of building resistance to the medication and developing an even more severe infection.
3. Pretty Nails That Fight Infection
Antifungal nail paint is particularly helpful when the infection is located only on the end of the nail, but will not work so well if the infection is severe or has spread to surrounding skin. Nail paint must be used for at least 6 months and should be used exactly as your doctor orders.
4. Going to Extremes
When nail infections are severe, your doctor may recommend complete removal of the nail. The procedure involves a simple operation which only requires local anesthetic and will be followed with antifungal medication, either oral and/or topical, to prevent the growth of an infected nail. While nail removal is an extreme treatment, it is often faster and more affective than other methods.
5. A to V Home Treatments
There are many home treatments for fungal nail infections; however, they are best for mild cases. Soak infected nails for 20 minutes each day in a mixture of 2 quarts warm water, 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 10 drops lavender essential oil. After soaking, dry the nail and surrounding skin and apply equal parts of lavender oil and tea tree oil to the nail. In addition to applying this solution after your vinegar soak, apply each morning and at night before bed. Finally, every other day, apply a thick layer of petroleum-based ointment containing eucalyptus oil, such as vapor rub, to the nail and cover with socks or gloves, leaving the treatment on overnight.
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