As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” So always observe proper hygiene. Wash your feet thoroughly including your nails.
It’s best to avoid pedicure because you never know if the tools are sterilized. If it was used to someone who had an infection, it can be transferred to you especially if you were wounded in the process.
Home remedies that work
There are several home remedies that may help with treating yellow toenails. You can:
- mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply onto the infected nail
- soak the infected nail in hot water with baking soda
- apply vinegar to the infected nail
- soak the infected nail in hot water with hydrogen peroxide
When to see your doctor?
A severe case of nail fungus can be too painful to handle. If you have medical conditions such as diabetes, it can lead to a more serious complication.You should visit your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- discoloration (dark or white streaks, or other changes in nail color) unless if it’s due to aging
- changes in toenail shape (curling, clubbing, or spooning) unless if it’s due to aging
- changes in toenail thickness (thickening or thinning) unless if it’s due to aging
- toenails become brittle
- toenails are pitted
- bleeding around toenails
- swelling or redness around toenails
- pain around toenails
- a toenail separating from the skin
