The word onychomycosis simply refers to fungal infection of the nail: "onycho" is Greek for "claw" and mycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of any kind. Though this term may be unfamiliar to most people, the infection, unfortunately, is far from uncommon. In North America, as many as 13% of people may suffer from fungal nail infections, with the incidence increasing with age.

Early signs of onychomycosis include a yellowish or brownish discoloration of the nail, often starting near the tip of the toe or the fingertip and progressing back toward the cuticle. In some cases a white spot appears and grows gradually larger. The nail may appear to be separating from the nailbed and it usually becomes distorted and crumbly. Onychomycosis remedies tend to work better when started early in the course of the infection. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional, then begin treatment.

Onychomycosis treatment may require topical application of an antifungal agent or a prescription for an oral medication. Curing the infection tends to take months or years, depending on severity, thus it is better to start in the early stages. Prescription medications for nail fungus infections are relatively new and are still quite costly and plagued with side effects but, because this type of infection has been around since ancient times, there are many home onychomycosis remedies that people swear by. Most of these involve soaking the affected nail in a solution (dilute bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide etc.).

A third category of onychomycosis remedies have sprung up in response to the high cost and side effects of the prescription drugs - natural or homeopathic products that mostly incorporate essential oils of certain plants or herbal extracts. Though many of these products have not been scientifically tested as antifungals, a few common ingredients are backed up by scientific evidence, the most promising of which is tea tree oil. When selecting a natural product for onychomycosis treatment, one that contains tea tree oil is a good choice.

Regardless of whether you choose to use a prescription medication, a natural remedy, or a home onychomycosis treatment, it's a good idea to have a physician confirm that you have a fungal nail infection. Though more uncommon, other conditions can have similar symptoms and should be treated differently.