Nail fungus—when fungus forms beneath the nail—is not pretty, and it's not fun. It starts out as a small discoloration under the tip of the nail. As it progresses, the entire nail becomes discolored and may start to crumble along the edges. If caught early enough, nail fungus can successfully be treated at home with nothing more than baking soda and water.
Wash your hands with hand soap and warm water, and pat them dry with a clean towel.
In a small dish, mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon room-temperature water to form a paste.
Using a cotton swab, cover the entire nail with the paste. Do your best to get it beneath and along the sides of the nail. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Rinse the paste off and pat the nail dry.
Repeat two times per day until the nail returns to its normal color and thickness. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Do not worry if the nail falls off—this is normal when treating nail fungus.