How to Eliminate Fungus from Fingernails and Toenails

Fingernail and toenail fungus infections can prove to be very difficult to cure. In medical parlance the condition is known as onychomycosis. Before trying to cure the conditions one must have a clear understanding of the nature of nail fungus infections. Fungus can only live and thrive on dead things. Once the fungus gets established on the dead tissue below the nails the metabolic toxins that are excreted by the fungus can kill the adjacent tissue and the fungus continues to thrive once it is established. The fungus somehow first gets established on the fingernails or toenails and it thrives by killing the tissue under it.

Fungi thrive in areas that are dark and damp, and that is why toenails are the most affected because shoes provide the right environment. Although eliminating fungus from fingernails and toenails can be very difficult there are many methods of treatment that can lead to cure. The method recommended by doctors involves the use of Lamisil which contains the active drug terbinafine. Although Lamisil cream is also available the tablets are supposed to be more effective because the nail fungus lies deep under the infected nail and it is difficult for surface treatments to reach there. The tablets work on the infected area deep under the nail through the bloodstream. Lamisil is only available on prescription by a doctor.

Another option for eliminating fungus from fingernails and toenails is the use of Lamisil Cream for topical application but it takes a longer time to cure than tablets. Follow the instructions that come with the tube. The downside is that Lamisil has many side effects. Patients using Lamisil should keep a watch out for liver toxicity symptoms such as yellowing of skin and eyes, light colored stools, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and dark urine. The prescribing doctor should be told about any unusual symptoms that may appear during treatment.

If you wish to avoid the side effects of Lamisil then you can try one of the treatments using home remedies. The foremost of these is the use of vinegar. This method was also used successfully by a friend of mine. The method she used was that she would mix equal proportions of apple cider vinegar and warm water in a basin and soak her toenails in the solution for about 20 minutes. Then she would wipe the toes thoroughly to dry the toenails. She would use a towel first and then super absorbent paper. She did this twice daily for about a month for complete relief. You can also use the same procedure for fingernails. If the nail has grown thick then filing it down speeds up the process. How much time the treatment will take depends on the extent of infection. The key is persistence.

The other home remedies for eliminating fungus from fingernails and toenails use tea tree oil, Listerine and Vicks Vaporub. In all the cases it helps to file down the affected dead nail until the base is exposed. Remove all the debris you find there and then apply the remedy. Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and fungicide. Dip a cotton ball in the oil and apply it to the affected area. Repeat twice a day until the fungus is gone. Listerine is also an antiseptic and soaking the affected nails in it for 20 minutes twice a day will remove the fungus. You can also use rubbing alcohol or 3% Hydrogen Peroxide available in pharmacies in the same manner. In all cases, after soaking, dry with a towel or super absorbent cotton.

As it is said prevention is better than cure. To prevent both fingernail and toenail fungus, especially if you are prone to it, avoid the use of public shower stalls or bathrooms. Don't share your nail clippers with others, in the salon make sure that the clippers are properly disinfected before use. Finally as it is easier to eliminate fungus from fingernails and toenails in the early stages, use one of the above procedures when the infection starts, as it can spread quite fast.

Sources:
1. http://www.lamisil.com/index.jsp
2. http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/fungus.html
3. http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/toe.html