Nail fungus is a pretty horrible condition, as unpleasant as it is awkward to treat properly. The very nature of nail fungus infections is such that the only really effective way is to detect and treat it in the early stages of its development, before it becomes too entrenched and developed, and thus by extension more difficult to treat.

In its fully contracted stages of development, nail fungus can take up to a year in a worst case scenario to be properly cured, and the frustrating thing is, it requires attention and sooner rather than later. Nail fungus is not an issue that can simply be ignored, burying your head in the sand will not make the infection go away, or subside...instead it will simply become steadily more painful.

Nail fungus can affect both toe nails as well as finger nails, but toe nails are the most affected, and also the most severely affected. In the most severe cases, the infected nail(s) can become so weak that they fall off and make the surrounding area all the more sensitive and awkward to walk upon.

So how do you know if you actually have a fungus infection? Well, be on the lookout for any discolouration on your nail, so any unsightly yellow or white spots are a clear sign, and these are usually a pelude of what is to come, as the nails thicken and become brittle and crumble off. All of this may or may not be followed by a nasty odour from the infected area.

Another major reason as to why it is imperative that you deal with nail fungus as quickly as possible is that it is highly contagious, meaning that it can and will spread to other toes and digits very easily. There is medication available for fungus infections, however these pose a number of concerns. Such medication tends to be rather costly, but even worse they have a number of side effects which cause damage and strain on vital organs such as kidneys heart and liver.

? Vinegar and warm water soak, apparently vinegar derived from apple cider is especially effective in stopping bacteria dead in its tracks, and retarding its growth.

? Listerine ? when applied in its pure form is renowned for its antiseptic effects.

? Tea tree oil - soak a cotton ball and dab on infected areas.

? Olive leaf extract - is a highly effective antifungal treatment and will soothe the skin as well as clearing the infection.

You can see there are various natural and home remedies to try. There are also various topical treatments available. It would be a good idea to look into and even try some of the self-care treatments in order to avoid the problematic prescription medicines available.

Be wary of so called ?quick cures? that offer remarkably quick results for the treatment/cure of nail fungus, regardless of how much lotions, medication and or creams you use, you will have to be patient, and wait at least several months for the infection to clear.