|
It is important to treat nail fungus as soon as possible. The longer you have nail fungus, the harder it will be to get rid of. Follow these tips on treating nail fungus to have soft, smooth nails in a matter of weeks.
Access the situation
If your situation is mild to moderate you can most likely treat your nail fungus right at home. If your nail fungus infection has amounted to disfigured nails, black discoloring and even nails falling off you have a severe case of nail fungus and should see a doctor. Doctors can prescribe oral medication that will help to zap the nail fungus away faster than home remedies, however the medicine is fairly expensive. In some cases a doctor may suggest removing the seriously infected nails so that a new, healthy nail has the change to grow in and start over.
Clip and file
Treating nail fungus requires you or a doctor to clip as much of the infected nail off as possible. Cut the nail so that there is no white at the end of the nail. This prevents dirt and grime from building up as well, which feeds nail fungus.
You or your doctor need to file the nail down to its regular width. Fungus often causes a nail to thicken and grow up instead of out. You need to file the nail down as much as possible to remove the fungus and allow external treatments to penetrate the nail and attack the fungus growing under the nail bed.
It is best to use metal tools when dealing with nail fungus because it is easier to disinfect. Make sure to disinfect your nail clipper and nail file right after using them on your nails so as to prevent infecting other members of your household. Soak the instruments in rubbing alcohol for at least 10 minutes and let them air dry.
Use nail fungus treatment
If you are taking prescription drugs from your doctor, make sure to take them as prescribed and on a regular basis. Skipping doses will only prolong your nail fungus.
If you are opting for home treatment I suggest using essential tea tree oil for treating nail fungus. Tea tree oil works as an antifungal to attack nail fungus that grows under and around your nails. It also works as a barrier on your skin to prevent nail fungus from growing and building up any more than it already has. By simultaneously fighting and preventing the tea tree oil will kill off nail fungus faster than other home remedies. It is also completely natural and will not harm your body.
Take a Q-tip or cotton swab and rub tea tree oil all over the infected nail. Make sure to cover the cuticles, as well as much of the underside of the nail as possible. Don’t forget the sides of the nail bed. Your nails should be completely covered with the oil for maximum affect. You should apply tea tree oil 2-3 times a day.
Tea tree oil is available at your local drug store for less than $10.
|
