Nail fungus occurs when infections form under the nail beds as a result of yeasts or molds that are formed by microscopic organisms.  These organisms can be found in warm moist environments, such as swimming pools, bathes and showers, or when getting manicures and pedicures. 

There are several over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments available.  Dermatologists routinely prescribe medications such as Lamisil, Diflucan and Sporanox for the treatment of nail fungus.  These medications contain antifungal agents, taken in tablet form--one pill every day for six to twelve weeks. A longer treatment period is recommended for toenail fungal infections, which take longer to clear up.

Antifungal medications can cause minor side effects, such as skin rashes.  They can also have more adverse side effects, such as liver damage, so it is very important that you follow up with your doctor while taking these medicines.  Antifungal medications are not recommended for people who have preexisting liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, and alcoholism, or in combination with a host of other drugs including acetaminophen, oral contraceptives and estrogen.

There are other nail fungus treatments that doctor's recommend.  One such treatment is a prescription nail polish called Penlac.  You paint it on the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day.  After a week, you clean the area with alcohol, and begin the weekly cycle again.  While effective on some people, researchers have not been overwhelmed with its success for treating nail fungus. 

There are topical medications on the market, but they have not been proven successful in the treatment of nail fungus.  However, due to the risks of side effects and the heigh cost of prescription drugs for the treatment of nail fungus, many people may still opt for more traditional cures for nail fungus infection. 

One natural treatment remedy involves soaking the nail daily in vinegar, dilute chlorine, or commercial products like hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash. Some remedies are painted or pasted on, such as antifungal mud, Vicks VapoRub?, or alternative remedies made from plant extracts and essential oils. Many of these home remedies take as long as it takes for the nail to grow out completely, and success depends on  your commitment level of sticking with the treatment until results are achieved.

Whether you opt for a natural remedy or prescription medication for nail fungus treatment, you can increase your odds of success by adopting good hand and foot-care practices. Keep your nails clean and neatly trimmed, and if a nail becomes infected, regularly clip of file away any parts of the nail that are flaky or loose. Keep your feet clean and dry, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes. Some fungi that infect nails can spread to the surrounding skin.  While remedies using vinegar or bleach are attractively cheap, you may obtain faster and more effective results with an alternative product. Essential plant oils, especially tea tree oil show considerable promise and are backed up by at least preliminary scientific data.

If you think you have a nail fungus infection, consult your doctor before starting any form of treatment, and never use prescription medication that has been prescribed for someone else. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose a fungal nail infection.