Non-Prescription Treatments
Certain therapies that you could obtain without a prescription from a doctor could be effective.
The most common remedies are over-the-counter. Your local drug store stocks antifungal creams as well as lotions that you can use without prescription. They're not too expensive but they're usually not enough to eliminate the fungal infection. Sometimes an infection treated this way can be able to heal for a time and then return. If this occurs, you'll have to find a different method.
Salve containing menthol. A few studies have shown that a salve containing menthol (like Vicks ' VapoRub) can help eliminate the fungal infection. A small amount can be applied to the nail daily.
Snakeroot extract. Snakeroot is a natural antifungal that comes from the sunflower family. For some it performs and can be used as an antifungal cream.
Tea tree oil. Because it's a natural antiseptic, apply this oil to the nail you are suffering from at least twice per day. Do not use tea tree oil through the mouth as it could cause harm. However, it's not known what the efficacy of this treatment is.
Vinegar or Listerine. Soaking the affected nail(s) in Listerine or vinegar for five minutes every day to dry the nail(s) affected.
Prescription Medicines
If you're fungal infection does not disappear at home, visit dermatologist (a skin, nail, and hair specialist) or a podiatrist in Perth (a specialist in foot care.) They can gently scrape under your nail to rid it of of the fungus or refer it to a laboratory for a diagnosis. They may also prescribe stronger medications.
Topical medications. If you have an infection that is mild the doctor may prescribe you an antifungal cream to apply it or rub the solution into your nails or nail lacquer that paints on the nail's surface. It's best to cut your nail, and then soak the area. This will help the medication to target the deeper layers of the fungal infection. (It may also reduce the pain by reducing pressure on the nail.)
