If your nail is swollen, inflamed, thick, yellow or crumbling, then you probably have nail fungus. Onychomycosis also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that occurs on your fingernails or toenails. If you are in the habit of exposing your feet or fingernails to moist conditions, then you are likely to end up having nail fungus. Sometimes, you can get infected when you come in contact with people who have nail fungus. Nail fungus is not very painful. It is important that you are aware of the causes, symptoms and the treatment for curing nail fungus.

Signs of nail fungus
Nail fungus can affect the entire nail, parts of the nail and sometimes, more than one nail too. There are three main symptoms that you should be aware of. They are as follows:

• Subungual hyperkeratosis: In this type of fungus, you will see scaling under your nail.
• Distal Onychomycosis: This fungus involves the crumbling of the tip of your nail or the corners of your nail.
• Lateral Onychomycosis: This refers to white streaks and milky spots that could appear at across the nail.
• Proximal Onychomycosis: Yellow spots appear at the bottom of the nail.

Symptoms of nail fungus

Some of the symptoms of nail fungus are as follows:

• The white area on the fingernail or toenail flakes and causes vents on the surface of the nail.
• The affected nail might lift off from the nail bed or hang loosely.
• Sometimes, you might find a foul odor from the infected nail.
• The nail might crumble and become brittle.
• When the nail fungus has reached its peak, the infected nail will eventually fall off.

Top 5 nail fungus cures that you can try at home:

Try these home remedies to cure nail fungus. The best part about these top 5 nail fungus cures is that they are inexpensive and are easily available.

Apple cider vinegar
Mildly acidic, apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and fungi and helps prevent nail fungus from spreading. Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This will help with killing the bacteria and fungi and soothe the infected area too. Soak your infected fingernails or toenails in an apple cider vinegar solution for about thirty minutes. Do this twice every day to see positive results. You can also mix a little rice flour with the apple cider vinegar and use it as an antifungal exfoliating scrub. Apply this paste on the nail that is affected, and gently scrub the nail. This will also help remove dead skin cells. This is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures.

Mouthwash
Mouthwash kills germs and bacteria in the mouth and removes bad odor. This means it can help kill microbial and fungal infections that you have contracted. Made with fungus and bacteria-killing compounds, mouthwashes also have alcohol. It acts as an excellent antiseptic, keeping away fungi and other harmful bacteria. So, make sure you use this solution even after you have cured the nail fungus. This will help prevent further instances of fungal infections. Soak the infected fingernail or toenail in a mouthwash solution about four times every day for an impressive result. This is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures.

Garlic
Garlic has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. When you apply a paste of garlic to the infected areas, garlic’s antifungal properties will help clean the fungus. You can also take garlic capsules. Make a paste with a few garlic pods, and apply this to the infected nail. You can tie a clean cotton cloth around this if you want to hold the paste in place. This is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures.

Baking soda
Baking soda is a great ingredient in treating infections. It is an inexpensive and easily available ingredient that is found in almost every kitchen. This is the reason why it is included among one of the top 5 nail fungus cures available. Baking soda also helps neutralize foot odor. The alkaline nature of baking soda can help prevent the infection from spreading. Take one tablespoon of baking soda and add a few drops of water to this. Gently scrub the affected area with this paste.

Vicks VapoRub
This topical ointment is not just great for cold and cough; it can also help cure nail fungus. Filled with active ingredients like eucalyptus oil and camphor, it works great for treating nail fungus. This is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures.

Causes of nail fungus

While a fungal infection is the primary cause of nail fungus, there are a few other causal factors of nail fungus that you should be aware of:

• A weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable to contract a fungal infection.
• If you have an abnormal pH level, you are more prone to nail fungus as this becomes a breeding ground for fungus.
• Sometimes, contact with another person who has nail fungus can be a factor as well.
• If you are in the habit of getting manicures and pedicures done at a local salon, then make sure you ask them to disinfect their tools for good hygiene.
• Diseases like diabetes can cause nail fungus as well.
• Swimming in a public swimming pool is another cause of nail fungus. The chances of this taking place are especially high if the swimming pool isn’t cleaned often.