Medications

• According to the Mayo Clinic, your physician may give you oral medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole. Oral medications allow for a new nail to form without an infection. Medications may be taken for up to three months, but it can take up to four months for the infection to be eliminated completely. It is also possible for an infection to return if the toenail is exposed to a moist environment, since fungi thrive on environments that are warm and moist. It is essential to keep your toes as dry as possible during the course of your treatment, and after treatment.
  
  

Antifungal Lacquer

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a nail lacquer known as Penlac can work for mild to moderate nail infections. It is only available through a prescription. The lacquer is painted onto the infected nail and surrounding skin. It is applied once a day for one week. After the week, the lacquer needs to be removed with alcohol. Applications are continued until the fungus is fully eradicated.
  
  

Surgery

• If your infection is particularly bad and causes you severe pain, your physician may remove the infected nail. Eventually, a new nail will grow back. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take up to one full year for a new nail to grow back. Your physician may also use nail lacquer to treat the surrounding skin of the affected area after the nail has been removed to lessen the chance of a recurring infection.
  
  

Home Remedies

• While there is no direct evidential link to the effectiveness of these treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic, using vinegar or Vicks VapoRub may help for nail fungus. It is recommended that you consult with your physician to see if these treatments may be beneficial to you. It is believed that soaking your feet in a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes can kill the growth of some types of bacteria. It is essential to fully dry your feet after treatments, which should only be done once a day. Rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the affected nail may also help.
  
  

Prevention

• By practicing good hygiene, you can keep a toenail infection at bay. After treating an infected nail, always wash your hands, since the fungus can spread easily. After showering, dry your feet completely, even between toes. Always wear shoes in locker rooms and when you go to public pools. Try not to pick at the skin around the infected area, because this can allow bacteria to get under the skin and cause infections. Use an antifungal spray (such as Lamisil) on your feet, and even use it in your shoes. Wear synthetic socks instead of cotton or wool socks. Synthetic materials have a tendency to wick away moisture, which will keep your feet drier.