Fungal infections of the toe nail are a common, but fortunately rather mild, problem. The infection is medically known as onychomycosis, and is probably the most common of all nail related diseases. There are a variety of fungi that can cause onychomycosis, but the symptoms of all these infections are pretty much the same. The nail starts to become thick, yellowish, and cloudy, and eventually starts to either crumble or become loose entirely. Usually there is no pain, irritation, or discomfort, unless the infection becomes very severe. Any symptoms apart from the deterioration of the nail itself are usually related to allergic reactions to the fungus, rather than being a direct result of the infection itself.
A fungal infection of the nail is quite easy to recognize, but unless you are sure that you do have a fungal infection, it is a good idea to get a diagnosis from a doctor. Other conditions, such as dermatitis and psoriasis, are sometimes confused with onychomycosis, and it is important to properly identify any problem in order to successfully treat it. In addition, fungal infections of the toe nail are sometimes impossible to treat without appropriate antifungal medications, which is another reason why you may need to visit your doctor anyway. Such infections take several months to be cured, and some people would therefore prefer to go in for a certain cure, rather than try series of home remedies that may or may not help, spending a month or two on each one.
If you are sure that you have a fungal infection and the infection is a mild one, you can try a few home remedies - be sure to consistently use the treatment for at least a month, and preferably two months, before giving up. Even with the right treatment, nail fungus can take up to a year to go away. Tea tree oil is one remedy that is often recommended; not enough scientific tests have been performed to say for sure whether it helps or not, but it is known to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. You should apply tea tree oil to the infected nail every night, every morning, and if possible, once during the day as well. At night, before applying the oil, you can also soak your feet in a solution of vinegar and water. The infection is actually under the nail, so in order for the treatment to reach it, it is advisable to lightly file the top surface of the nail.
answered by G M