Toenail fungus can make your nails appear yellowish, brownish, or blackish. And it seems to be a natural urge to hide the discoloration of toenails by applying a coat of nail polish. However, while applying nail polish may help conceal the discoloration caused by fungi on the toenails, it may not be a very good idea to do so. Nail polish, being acrylic in nature, seals the moisture inside the nails and therefore encourages more fungal growth. The trapped moisture also allows the fungi to live and propagate underneath, making your toenails thicker and more discolored. Consequently, any treatment that is applied on thicker toenails does not get absorbed properly and therefore making it more difficult to cure. Instead of applying nail polish to hide your toenails, it is better to go for proper treatment and regular cleaning of your toenails. Wash your toenails thoroughly and dry them well so that you do not allow moisture to settle in your toenails. Also, wear cotton socks only, as they can absorb the moisture that is produced by sweating in the feet. Do not wear socks if they appear damp; dry them up before you wear them. Keep your nails properly trimmed and clean the edges of your toenails so that the fungi do not get to settle on your toenails.
There are a number of home remedies available for treating toenail fungus. Clean your toenails with warm soapy water and wipe them clean with alcohol afterwards. You can also use vinegar to treat toenail fungus. Mix one part vinegar and two part water and soak your feet in it for about 15-20 minutes. You can also apply drops of vinegar directly on your toenails. Tea tree oil is another readily available remedy for toenail fungus. Tea tree oil, being a natural antiseptic and fungicide, helps fight fungus growth on your toenails. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly on the toenails several times every day. You can also soak a cotton ball in a mixture of tea tree oil and lavender oil and swab it over the toenails. Another home remedy for toenail fungus can be prepared by mixing 2 drops of oregano essential oil with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the toenails. Onion juice is also considered helpful for fighting fungal growth in the toenails. Apply squeezed onion juice directly on toenails or rub slices of onion on the affected area.
answered by M W