Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is acquired. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.

To prevent foot/toe fungus, put clean shoes in plastic bags and put bags in freezer for 72 hours, this will kill any fungus in shoes. Wash socks in bleach or at least dry socks on clothesline in sun to kill fungus. Let shoes air in sunshine, when possible. Alternate shoes daily, if fungus flairs up, change socks at lunch after wiping toes with baby wipe dampened with tea tree oil. Change shoes and socks if you get your feet wet. Also, Vinegar has been used traditionally to ward off nail fungus.

Tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant sold at health food stores, works well for nail fungus. Paint the oil on affected nails twice a day for at least two months. The nail has to grow out for the fungus to be eradicated, so you may not see results for a year as the toenail grows slow. An alternative remedy is grapefruit seed extract used the same way as tea tree oil – twice a day for at least two months. Eating 1-2 cloves of raw garlic a day may also be helpful over time as garlic has significant anti-fungal properties.

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