Natural Treatment For Nail Fungus

A fungus is a microscopic organism that doesn't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses while others cause illness and infection.

Nail fungus is a condition caused by the infection of the nail by a fungus. It usually begins as a white or yellow spot on the tip of the nail and spreads deeper into the nail, causing the nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. This can be potentially very painful... making it difficult to wear shoes or boots. A foul odor may also develop.

Nail fungus usually is found more often in men and older people but it is nondiscriminatory and no one is immune in both genders of all ages.

The fungus typically causing nail fungus belongs to a group of fungi called dermatohpytes ..but molds and yeast can also be responsible for nail fungal infections.

Nail fungus infection causes the following symptoms:

Thickened nails.
Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails.
Nails distorted in shape.
Flat or dull nails ... luster and shine gone.
Nails are yellow, green, brown or balck in color..caused by debris building up beneath the nail.
Nails may be separated from the nail bed .. a condition called oncholysis

Dermatophytes .. the group of fung to which the fungus causing nail fungus belongs.. live in warm moist environments. hey can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture - conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

Nail fungus infection is more common in toenails because they are often confined in warm moist environment in shoes where the fungus thrives. It may also have somthing to do with diminished circulation in the toes in comparison to the fingers.

If you are an exercise enthusiast that goes to the gym alot .. if you are a skier or a skateboarder or a skater... you are just naturally more vulnerable to nail fungus infection.Any athletic activity in which the feet are encased in snug shoes or boots with the added factor of pressure on the feet makes you more vulnerable to nail fungus infection than those who do not engage in such activities.

Nail fungus is more common among older adults because nails grow more slowly and thicken with aging, making them more susceptible to infection.

There are the conditions that make the risk of nail fungus infection increase.

Smoking
Perspiring heavily
Working in a humid or moist environment
Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration
Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
A minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection
Diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

The first thing that needs to be done ... get a diagnosis.

Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a nail fungus infection. Microorganisms, including yeast and bacteria, also can infect nails. Knowing the cause of your infection helps determine the best course of treatment.

Once diagnosed... there are several medications to treat nail fungus infection with... oral and topical .. chemically based medications.. that a doctor may prescribe.

These medications will stop the infection and clear it up ... over a time period of up to 12 months. Nails grow slowly so it takes a long time to rid them of the infection. Of course.. how deep the infection has gone is a major factor in how long it will take to clear it up.

There are are also all natural treatments that are extremely effective in stopping and clearing up nail fungus infection if you are not one who is crazy about using chemically based medications.

You can review one of them here.

To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:

Keep your nails short...dry and clean...thoroughly dry your hands and feet.including between your toes..after bathing.
Wear appropriate socks...change them often..especially if your feet sweat excessively.
Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise.
Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.
Use an antifungal spray or powder....spray or sprinkle your feet and the insides of your shoes.
Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails...this may give germs access to your sking and nails.
Don't go barefoot in public places.
Choose a reputable manicure and pedicure salon. Give up nail polish and artificial nails... they can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.
Wash your hands after touching an infected nail...nail fungus can spread from nail to nail.


Nail fungus infection can be unattractive and painful. Be patient in treating it..giving it time to clear completely..then follow those steps to stay nail fungus infection free.