How to Treat Nail Fungus Externally
Treating nail fungus externally is a safe option for pregnant mothers and people who cannot take oral nail fungus medications due to allergies or potential drug interactions with other medications they are currently taking. Some oral medications, such as Lamisil, can cause birth defects, especially if you take them in the first trimester. Oral medications can also cause heart and liver problems, so talk to your doctor about treating nail fungus externally if you have conditions that affect these organs. External nail fungus treatments include topical medications and home remedies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Antifungal cream
- Lotion with urea
- Antifungal lacquer
- Vinegar
- Plastic tub or bowl
- Vicks VapoRub
Instructions
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Purchase a topical antifungal medication. Antifungal medications work best with lotions that contain urea to help your skin absorb the medication.
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Talk to your doctor about a prescription antifungal lacquer. These lacquers contain a drug called ciclopirox to help clear the fungal infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, daily use of these lacquers for one year has been shown to help clear some nail infections.
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Soak your feet in vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes per day to help clear your nail fungus. Use one part vinegar to two parts water in a plastic tub or bowl when soaking. While not scientifically proven to work on nail fungus infections, vinegar can help kill certain bacteria.
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Rub Vicks VapoRub into your nails one to three times per day to help clear fungal infections. Use a pea-sized amount of the ointment per nail and rub it into the surrounding skin as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Vinegar may dry out your hands your feet. Apply lotion after soaking your nails or cut back your soaks to once or twice per week instead of every day.
Always check with your doctor before using any topical medication or home remedy to treat nail fungus.
