Toe Nail Fungus

Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, is a contagious infection of the toe nail with fungus caused by the same fungal organisms which cause ringworm of the skin (Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes, rarely other trichophyton species or Epidermophyton floccosum [1]).

It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails and is often treated by powerful oral medications which rarely can cause severe side effects, including liver failure, although it sometimes responds to a combination of topical medication and periodic filing of the nail surface.

Tea tree oil is considered by some people to be as effective as the prescription medication clotrimazole[2]. Massage the nail bed with a drop of tea tree oil two or three times a day. Another treatment attempt is to apply two drops of distilled white vinegar to the nail base, or, additionally, nail plate and under the nail, two-three times daily for approximately six months or until the fungus is gone.

This treatment is very effective but only if followed consistently. The effect results from vinegar's acidity. Another method is to apply products like Vicks Vaporub or Undecylenic acid. The effectiveness of these home remedies is disputed.

Physicians treat onychomycosis with antifungal medication, available as special medicinal nail lacquer (for mild forms of onychomycosis) as well as systemic medication (pills). For advanced onychomycosis, especially if more than one nail is infected, systemic medication is considered necessary to cure the infection.