Toenail fungus is a condition in which the fingernails and toenails are infected with fungus. Nail fungus results from the growth of dermatophytes underneath the skin which are tiny microorganisms. Nail affected by fungal infection is known as onychomycosis. In such condition, the area around the nail becomes red that cause irritation, inflammation and pain.
It is a communicable disease that can be transferred from an infected person to a healthy person. This fungal infection can spread over the surrounding parts of the infected area that can cause discoloration; yellow or white spots on the infected parts. These are caused by fungus that survives in moist and warm environment. Factors affecting these fungal infections include blood circulation problems, injury, weakened immune system, genetic problems, perspiration in the feet and hands etc.
Top Natural Cures for Toenail Fungus
Apple Cider Vinegar
Make a solution containing 50 percent vinegar with 50 percent water. Use this solution as a foot bath which is helpful in treating the infections in the fingernails and toenails caused by fungus. A mixture of cold bath and hot bath is recommended. Soak feet in the solution for at least thirteen minutes.
Repeat the remedy for three times in a day. The acidic nature of the vinegar is beneficial in reducing itchiness and maintaining pH balance. Apple cider vinegar is also useful in reducing pain and inflammation. It can be used in combination with hydrogen peroxide that would help in killing bacteria and virus. Vinegar can be directly applied over the foot for two times in a day. Apply it on the base of the nails. Two drops of vinegar is sufficient in curing the toenail fungus and is helpful in improving the conditions. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like olive oil, tea tree oil, primrose oil, castor oil, oregano oil etc. can be applied over the infected area. These oils have antiseptic properties that make them effective in healing the fungal infections. Tea tree oil can be used by mixing it with vitamin E oil. Rubbing this mixture for two times in a day is effective. Keep this mixture in a small bottle for future use. The oil has antibacterial properties that are beneficial in healing the infections caused by fungus. It can also be blended with lavender oil and can be applied over the infected area using cotton balls.
Oregano oil can be used by mixing it with olive oil. Add two drops of oregano oil in one teaspoon of olive oil. Applying this mixture is helpful in the treatment of toenail fungus. Use this remedy on a regular basis but it should not be used for more than three weeks. Oregano oil has antibacterial properties and almond oil can be used as carrier oil in it.
Lavender oil is effective in preventing infections and reducing skin irritation. The oil can be used by mixing it with tea tree oil. It is helpful in fighting against fungal infections. Apply the oil using a cotton ball for two to three times in a day. The mixture can be diluted with olive oil. It is helpful in reducing the irritation caused in the skin. Apply this remedy before sleeping and leave it as such during night.
Listerine
Wash the affected area with soap and water. Soak feet in the container containing Listerine for around thirty minutes. This is a good remedy and improvement can be seen in a few weeks. Listerine can also be mixed with hot water. It can be used by combining it with apple cider vinegar. Listerine can also be used as a mouthwash. Lemon can be used in combination with Listerine that has acidic effect and is helpful in the treatment of fungal infections.
Keep Nails Clean and Trimmed
Keep the nails clean as far as possible and trim them from time to time. Keeping the nails short would be useful in reducing the risks of further infection. Wash the nails properly with soap and water. Keep them clean and dry for better prevention.
Things To Wear
One should wear well-ventilated foot wears like sandals. Be barefooted while at home that would help in the healing process and prevents further infection. Foot wear can worsen the condition of fungal infection especially in case of sweating. One should also avoid wearing synthetic and cotton socks.
Baking Soda
Make an herbal remedy using baking soda that can be used as a rub. Take two to three teaspoons of baking soda and add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in it. Add this mixture in some amount of warm water. Make a paste by adding sufficient amount of liquid in it. Rubbing this mixture over the infected area would provide relief. Repeat this remedy for two times in a day.
Garlic
Garlic can be used for the treatment of toenail fungus. Crush some garlic cloves and apply them directly over the infected area. Another way of using garlic is to keep some cloves of garlic in a pair of socks and sleep by wearing them as such in the night.
Vapor Rub
Using vapor rub is a useful way of treating toenail infections. Rubbing it over the infected area would provide relief. It can be used for several times in a day. Using it regularly would be beneficial.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Make a mixture by adding equal proportion of water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. The mixture is helpful in the treatment of toenail fungus. Soak the feet in this solution for twenty minutes and dry afterwards.
Lime Juice
First soak the cotton ball in lime juice and apply over the infected area. Use concentrated lime juice and rub it. It is a natural remedy for the treatment of toenail fungus. Onion is also useful in treating fungal infections. Peel onion and slice it into pieces. Rubbing these onion pieces over the infected area would be useful for treating fungal infections. Another remedy is to make a paste by mixing turmeric powder and water. Apply this over the infected nails and leave it dry. It is one of the natural remedies for these kinds of infections.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
