Causes

• Nail fungal infections are usually caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes, although yeasts and molds can also be a cause of nail fungus. These microscopic organisms can invade your skin through tiny cuts, or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed, and cause problems when nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture.
  
  

Treatments and Medications

• A doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These medications are effective in helping a new nail to grow free of infection, slowly replacing infected portions of your nail. Always consult a doctor before taking these (or any) prescription oral medications, as antifungal drugs can cause side effects from skin rashes to liver damage.
  
  Your doctor may also suggest these nail fungus treatments:
  
  Antifungal lacquer, an antifungal nail polish that is painted onto your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days the layers of polish are cleaned with alcohol and the routine is started again. Daily use of this treatment for about one year has been shown to be effective in clearing some fungal infections of the nail.
  
  Topical medications, such as over-the-counter lotions containing urea to help speed up absorption. Topical medications are usually used in conjunction with oral medications, as they don't usually provide a cure alone.
  
  A last resort is often surgery. If you have an extremely severe infection, it may require removal of the infected nail. A new nail will grow in its place, although this may take some time.
  
  

Natural Remedies

• Use tea tree oil as a natural antiseptic and fungicide. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to toenails daily and rub in thoroughly.
  
  Soak your toes in a powerful antiseptic such as Listerine mouthwash.
  
  Combine equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar in a basin. Soak toenails for at least fifteen to twenty minutes, drying them thoroughly when done. Then absorb all moisture around toes with a hair dryer on a warm setting.
  
  Always wear cotton socks to give feet proper ventilation.