Home Remedies for Fingernail Fungus

Approximately ten percent of adults get fingernail fungus. It is more common in damp, humid and moist environments. Since the feet are not exposed to air as much as the hands, toenails get this condition more than fingernails. It may start out as a small spot under the nail. Over time, the spot starts to grow and the entire nail is affected. The nail turns becomes a discolored shade of yellow, gets thicker and begins to crumble away. Sometimes, you may get an ingrown toenail or the nail begins to separate from the nail bed. This can be a problem if you are on your feet all day. While your doctor can give you a prescription for fingernail fungus or you can purchase it over-the-counter, there is an excellent home remedy that is in your kitchen.

Soak your nails in apple cider vinegar three times a day for five minutes. The acidic properties will prevent further fungus growth. However, you will have to wait until the infected nail grows out far enough for you to safely cut it. Therefore, you will need to keep up with the vinegar bath until you have a new nail. This may take a while.

While vinegar is an excellent home remedy for fingernail fungus, it will take a while to eventually eliminate the organism that is residing in your nails. By the time you realize that you have this condition, your unwanted guest will be embedded deep in the nail bed. Therefore, the best home remedy is prevention.

Keep your feet clean and dry. If you have to, change your socks several times a day. By doing this, the microorganism will not be able to survive. Also if you wear slippers around the house, wash them after you use them.

Keep your nails cut short. This prevents the microorganism from getting under them.

Soak your nails in vinegar one to two times a week. While this is an excellent home remedy if you have fingernail fungus, it also prevents it. The acidic content of this will kill off any fungus that is starting to invade your nails.

Even though your hands are exposed to the air more than your tows, your fingernails can get infected also. Do you ever notice the dirt and grime that builds up in them? Make sure you wash your hands often and use a fingernail brush to thoroughly clean them.

Do not panic if you have fingernail fungus; you will not die from this. However, it can cause discomfort, is contagious and an eyesore. Vinegar is an excellent home remedy to prevent you from getting fingernail fungus and treating it if you do get it.