If you suffer from onychomycosis and don't want to waste time with unnecessary remedies, opt for a scientifically valid treatment that you can do yourself. While it will take some time to achieve the desired effects, you will actually be able to act on the root cause of the infection. If you don't see any results, you can also see your doctor for a prescription for oral or topical medication.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply antifungal essential oil once a day to the affected nail if you prefer a natural treatment
Mix 12 drops of a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil) with a couple of drops of an antifungal essential oil. Then, apply 1-2 drops of this solution on the infected nail and leave it on for 10 minutes. To make it easier to penetrate, you can gently massage it with an old, soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, avoid home remedies and see your doctor as soon as you notice nail fungus.
- To treat your nail, repeat this every day for at least 3 months.
Antifungal essential oils:
Bael;
Lemongrass;
Geranium;
Orange;
Palmarosa;
Patchouli;
Mint;
Eucalyptus.
Step 2. Use extra high ageratin extract 2 or 3 times a week if you don't want to apply the drops
Purchase a treatment containing super high ageratin extract, a powerful antifungal. Typically, it is equipped with a brush to dip into the extract and apply on the infected part. Use it 2 or 3 times a week and let it dry on the nail.
- To see results, you need to use this extract for about 3 months.
- It is not very easy to find ageratina leaf extract in Italy. This is mostly a traditional Mexican remedy, but you can do a web search and find online retailers.
Step 3. Apply menthol ointment once a day
According to some research, topical menthol ointment is an inexpensive and effective treatment. Then, dip a clean finger or cotton swab in the ointment and spread it over the infected nail. Continue the treatment by applying it once a day until the infection goes away.
- If you want to apply before going to bed, put on a pair of gloves or socks to prevent the ointment from rubbing off the sheets.
- Keep in mind that the treatment could last almost a year.
Step 4. Try applying a baking soda paste at least once a day if you prefer a cheaper solution
Although more research is needed, one study suggests that baking soda can slow the growth of the fungus. So, if you're going to use it, put it in a small bowl and add enough water to make a spread. Apply it to your nail and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, rinse and dry the nail thoroughly.
- You can use this remedy several times a day, but it will probably take you almost a year to see results.
- Although some home remedies ensure healing through the combination of vinegar and baking soda, their effectiveness has not been proven.
Method 2 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Get examined if onychomycosis does not respond to self-medication
If you have been trying to heal an infected fingernail for at least 3 months or toenails for at least 1 year and have not seen any improvement, see a dermatologist. Also make an appointment if you notice thickening and discolouration.
- If the nail has thickened, home remedies may be ineffective, so getting a diagnosis of onychomycosis and appropriate therapy is important.
- The diagnosis of onychomycosis, which occurs during a dermatological examination, must be confirmed through direct microscopic observation and culture examination.
Step 2. Take the medications by mouth over 8-12 weeks
Antifungal medications to be taken orally are one of the most effective treatments for fighting this infection, although they can take a few months to work. To eradicate the fungus, your doctor may instruct you to take one terbinafine tablet every day.
Ask your doctor about the side effects, such as skin rashes and liver problems. Let them know if you are taking antibiotics, anxiolytics, heart medications, or antidepressants because systemic antifungals can interact with these medications
Step 3. Apply antifungal nail polish every day for at least 2 months
If you are concerned about side effects from taking oral antifungals or if the infection is not absolutely serious, your doctor may prescribe a special antifungal nail polish to use once a day. Trim your nail and clean it with water or alcohol before applying it.
Some antifungal nail polishes should only be used every other day or a few times a week, so ask your doctor for specific instructions
Step 4. Try a topical cream if the fungus hasn't infected the entire nail
If your doctor thinks your nail will respond to light treatment, he or she will likely instruct you to soak the nail in water before applying a urea cream to further soften it. You'll have to keep her blindfolded for a day. After that you will have to dip it back into the water, scrape it and apply more cream. Repeat the treatment for 2 weeks.
Once the infected part of the nail is removed with the scraper, you need to apply the antifungal cream to completely eradicate the infection
Step 5. Opt for surgical ablation if drug or topical therapy is not effective
If the infection is severe, the dermatologist may advise you to remove the nail (simple onychectomy) so that the infected area can be treated directly. Once treated, the nail should grow back normally.
Did you know that?
In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend onychectomy with matricectomy (which destroys the nail matrix and prevents the nail from growing back). Ask him what technique he wants to perform and what the outcome will be.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Onychomycosis
Step 1. Bring breathable socks and comfortable shoes
In order not to suffer from mycosis, the feet must stay dry all day. So, wear socks that disperse moisture and make sure your shoes aren't tight enough to press on your nails.
Try to alternate the shoes you wear every day so that they have time to get some air before they are used the next time. This way, you will prevent any trapped moisture from getting into your nails
Advise:
If you can, avoid tight-fitting stockings, such as tights, tights, or compression stockings, as they can trap moisture near your nails.
Step 2. Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products
By doing this, you will not only avoid coming into contact with bacteria during household chores, but will also keep your hands dry. Since fungi thrive in warm, humid environments, keeping your hands dry will help prevent yeast infections.
Replace your gloves if they get wet on the inside to prevent your nails from getting wet with the detergent or water used for washing
Step 3. Protect yourself in public places with shoes or slippers
Since you can catch a fungus when walking barefoot in public places, always wear a pair of slippers. Remember to use them in showers, changing rooms or public swimming pools.
Avoid using someone else's shoes or slippers
Step 4. Trim your nails and keep them clean
Remove dirt under your nails and cut them straight before they get too long. Even if you like to apply nail polish from time to time, take a break between applications because nail polish can inhibit perspiration and increase the risk of yeast infections.
If you are used to manicuring in a beauty salon, make sure staff sterilize equipment and containers after each use
Advice
- According to some research, vinegar, oregano oil and mouthwash are ineffective against nail fungus.
- Fingernails can take 3-6 months to heal, while toenails can take 12-18 months.
- The use of lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis is promising, but still too recent for it to be declared as undisputedly effective.
