Fingernail Fungus Treatment

Just like hair, nails are supposedly a dead part of our body. But if you do not take care of them properly, these supposedly dead tissues can make life really unpleasant for you. Nails are a beauty asset, just like hair. Consequently taking care of nails is vital to your appearance and health as well. Nails, actually do reflect whether you are in the pink of your health or not. However, if you neglect the cleaning and taking care of your nails, it could result in a fingernail fungus. And hey, I am not alarming or startling you because nail fungus is a very common occurrence. Just that you have to take care that it does not go out of control. So fingernail fungus cure has to be done as soon as possible, once you know that you have symptoms of fingernail fungus.

Medically or scientifically, fingernail fungus is called Onychomycosis. It is most often caused by dermatophytes, which is a group of fungus, comprising 3 types of fungus which cause skin diseases in animals and humans. Sometimes, fingernail fungal infections are also caused by non-dermatophytic molds and a genus of yeast, called candida. In fact a type of fingernail fungus, caused by this yeast species candida thrives in a situation where there is a fingernail infection already.

Symptoms of Fingernail Fungus

Fingernail fungus symptoms typically include a nail plate which has a yellow, cloudy and a thickened appearance. The nails might turn crumbly and rough. In addition to that, they can also separate from the nail bed. It basically locates under the nail and it starts digesting keratin, which coats and protects the nail from damage.

Treatment for Fingernail Fungus

Pharmacological Treatment
Pharmacological treatment for fingernail fungus most of the time includes systemic anti-fugal medications- terbinafine and itraconazole. There are also topical medication like nail paints containing ciclopirox or amorolfine. When there is a superficial onychomycosis, rather than a topical therapy, systemic antifungal therapy is suggested. Another fingernail fungus remedy is hydrogen peroxide. Soaking the nails in hydrogen peroxide can help in getting rid of fingernail fungus.

Home Remedies and Natural Remedies

Vinegar
One effective natural treatment is soaking your hand in a bowl of vinegar. This is believed to decrease the amount of fungus around the fingernails. To be more specific, mix half a cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a cup of water, and soak your hands in it for 15 minutes. A daily session of this process will prevent the fungus from growing.

Vicks Vaporub
Perhaps the easiest way to inhibit fungus reproduction is to rub your hands with Vicks Vaporub daily. Rub it around the affected area around your nails at least twice a day. The treatment is pretty slow, but it has been known to lessen the amount of bacteria around the nails. However, you would observe the results within a week of applying it.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil extracts are supposed to work wonders for fingernail fungus. It is also one of the most popular nail fungus treatments. Expose your fingernail and the surrounding area to 2 drops of tea tree oil everyday. If you feel an itching sensation with this treatment, add same amount of olive oil to the tea tree oil. This will prevent the itching, while retaining the curative powers of tea tree oil.

Another fingernail fungus cure is using Neem Oil for soaking the affected area or use a decoction of neem leaves for fingernail fungus.

And the best remedy of all to deal with fingernail fungus is to always keep your fingers as clean and dry as you can keep them. While washing hands, take care of cleaning your nails and the area around the fingernails. Clipping the nails is another way to keep the fingernails healthy.

Now hopefully, dealing with fingernail fungus would be easier! Take care!