Toenail fungus usually first shows up as a yellow or whitish spot below the tip of the toenail. The fungus that is usually responsible is one known as dermatophytes. Mold or yeast can also grow under the nail causing similar symptoms. If you want to get rid of toenail fungus to make it more healthy, you should act quickly once you see the initial symptoms.
In addition to the spot on the nail tip, symptoms can include thickening, brittleness, ragged tips, shape distortion and dullness. If the condition worsens, the nail can separate from the nail bed. This will allow further growth of infection and painful pressure.
Debris under your toenail can cause it to darken. You may notice a bad odor coming from the toenail. The toes can start to tingle and may become quite painful. It's important to begin treatment since the fungus does not go away by itself. Your health care professional can prescribe anti-fungal medication.
To get rid of toenail fungus you may want to consider trying home remedies which are not yet tested with clinical trials, but have shown promise in anecdotal evidence. You can soak your feet in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts of warm water. Soaking time once daily should be fifteen to twenty minutes. You should then rinse well and pat your feet dry.
Whether you choose to use natural or chemical means to improve your symptoms, it's important to act quickly. Keep your shoes and feet dry and clean to avoid a breeding ground for fungus. Sunlight and fresh air are the enemies of mold and fungus.