Various strategies exist to help rid one’s nails of a fungal infection. Popular methods involve utilizing off-the-shelf antifungal medication, ensuring the affeced digits are kept in a neat and sanitized state, and trimming the nails regularly.
For some, at-home treatment may prove beneficial, such as submerging contaminated nails in vinegar or bleach to eliminate the fungus. Others may find relief by rubbing tea tree oil or oregano oil over the affected nails to disallow the fungus to prevail.
When home remedies and over-the-counter medications fail to be effective, your physician may administer a course of oral antifungal medication. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat nail fungus.
To avoid infection escalation, those with nail fungus need to take certain steps to prevent further contagion. Hygiene remedial action must be taken, from comprehensive hand-washing to sanitization of any and all tools that make contact with the afflicted nails. Moreover, exercise caution by abstaining from passing nail clippers or other individually-used items to helpers and colleagues.
Those afflicted with nail fungus may feel a temptation to conceal their nails. However, speedy intervention is pivotal to care for nail fungus before it worsens. Without treatment, the nails can harden, become overly brittle, and change shape. Even more gravely, nail fungus left untreated can cause serious infections.