How to Cure Fingernail Fungus Fast: 7 Home Remedies That Helps

Fingernail fungus infection is a common nail disease. The infections take up to 50% of nail abnormalities. It is essential to know that the fungus is a vital bacteria in the body; nonetheless, it overgrows and becomes a menace. So, how to cure fingernail fungus fast, what are the main causes?

Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium. The infection affects the toe and fingernails. At first, it appears as skin discoloration and nail thickening. Nail edges crumble and proceed to worse scenarios, which may require medical attention. 

If you feel uncomfortable with the new fingernails’ appearance, visit a dermatologist. The practitioner will examine your nails and the surrounding skin. The fungus is contagious and quickly spreads from one finger to another.

Treat all affected fingers. A dermatologist first takes some samples by collecting debris around the finger. They will trim off part of your nail or scrap part of your skin. Lab experts will then diagnose and determine whether the condition requires medical help. 

Types of Fungal Nail Infections

Four types of fungal nail infections look different. 

Distal/lateral subungual onychomycosis. This is the most common fungal nail infection. A dermatophyte fungus causes it. Toe and fingernails are most susceptible. The fungus starts at the nail bed before proceeding underneath the nail. A yellowish-colored area appears from the edges to the center of the nail.

White superficial onychomycosis. It is rare to find this type. Nonetheless, it appears on the nail surface, white spots and later become like powder and ultimately cause the nail to crumble. 

Proximal subungual onychomycosis. White spots can be seen at the center of the nail. The disease grows with the nail growth as it moves outward. This type is scarce. HIV patients and people with a poor immune system are, however, at high risk. 

Candidal Onychomycosis. This infection comes because of yeast. It causes swelling and inflammation around the nail. If not treated, you quickly lose the entire nail. This fungus is common in people with finger injuries or other infections. Find out here about Kerassentials and how it may help with fungus infections

Common Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection

According to the fungal nail infection, the symptoms will come out differently. They start mild and later severe if not attended to.

• You first notice a white or yellow spot beneath your nail. Later, the whole nail part becomes white or yellow. The entire nail may also turn white, nail, black or green.
• The nail may thicken and become hard to trim.
• See a dermatologist if your finger starts to curl up or down. Check whether your nail becomes loose on the nail bed.
• Brittle and crumbled nails are symptoms of fungus.
• Fungal infection is evident with a bad smell.
• Misshapen nail

Fungal infection has no pain at first. Consequently, many people ignore it. If untreated, it may cause severe pain, and you may end up losing your fingernail.

How to Cure Fingernail Fungus Fast

There are many ways to cure fingernail fungus. Other than using natural supplements that may take up to five or six months before healing, check out these faster methods.

Oral antifungal. Medical practitioners may prescribe pills that eliminate fungus throughout your body. This practice takes between two to three months before restorative healing on your fingernail. Also read: Does Toenail fungus go away?

Topical antifungals. These medicines demand you rub them on your nails. Use topical antifungals before your nail’s condition becomes worse. These drugs cannot get deep enough to cure a more severe condition. For a faster treatment, combine the oral and topical treatment. 

Surgery. If no other method is working, the most effective treatment is surgery. Here, doctors remove the nail entirely. With time, a new nail grows. Take a closer check lest the new nail becomes infected. 

Laser or photodynamic therapy. Modern technology has seen different ways of treating fingernail fungus. Laser light to kill the fungus is a recent development. It is the fastest way to cure. 

Home Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus Fast

• Vicks VapoRub

This topical ointment has a positive clinical effect. Apply a small amount of the pill to the affected area. It contains active ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil, which facilitate the treatment. 

• Snakeroot Extract

This is an extract from the sunflower family. The study has shown its effectiveness in its prescription. 

• Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat fingernail fungus. Apply this ingredient to the affected area twice a day for faster treatment. The product may irritate and may have some allergic reactions, which increases the risk.

• Tea Tree Oil

Another name for the tea tree is melaleuca, an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities. NCCIH offers clinical research on tea tree oil, showing its practical impact on fingernail fungus. Some patients prefer mixing tea tree oil and oregano oil for faster results.

• Ozonized Oils

Another home remedy for the treatment of fingernail fungus is ozonated oils. These are olive and sunflower oils, which are injected with ozone gas. Research published by National Center for Biotechnology for Information in 2011 showed that oils exposed to ozone in low concentration for a short time could inactivate organisms like yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Rub these oils on the affected area twice a day. 

• Vinegar

Vinegar treats fingernail fungus at home. It features anecdotal evidence, which requires you to soak the affected hand in warm water with vinegar for up to 20 minutes daily. 

• Garlic

Garlic is an everyday spice served in today’s dishes. Ulster Medical Society published a 2009 review that found antifungal and antimicrobial properties in garlic. 

For fast home treatment, chop and crush garlic cloves on the affected area for at least 30 minutes daily. To avoid the smelly garlic, use it inside out through the garlic capsules. Take the pill as the manufacturer prescribes. [Read: How To Know If A Toenail Fungal is Dying]

Take the right diet

You can treat fingernail fungus by observing the proper diet. Diet and health have apparent lines. The healthier the food you eat, the more robust your body is in fighting disease. Eat the right nutrients at all times. These include; 

• Probiotic-rich yogurt
• Take enough protein that supports nail regrowth
• Take iron to avoid brittle nails
• More fatty acids are better
• Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D

Final Thoughts

The decision to take home remedies or prescription drugs is up to you. If your nail is not in good condition, it would be preferable you visit a medical practitioner. Reinfection of fingernail fungus is common, so do not stop using the medication once you notice a positive change. Another lab test would help determine whether you are fully healed. 

Medical Discalimer: The information provided here On Geeks Health website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Reliance on any information in this response is solely at your own risk.