Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Having issues with fungal toenails? We've got you covered,
though! No more suffering! Here are some home remedies for you to try. They
have passed tests and been confirmed. Use these methods to treat your nail
fungus and observe the results. These treatments are incredibly simple to
apply. The treatment you require is either something you already have or is
very simple to get.
Onychomycosis or, in
much simpler terms, nail fungal infection, is a condition affecting the
fingernail as well as the toenail. An
infection inside the nail starts with a white or yellow patch under the nail,
and as it spreads, it causes the toenail to grow thick, discolored and crumbled
on the edges. It makes up to 50% of nail abnormalities. They are of four kinds:
Proximal subungual onychomycosis: Caused due to nail fold,
where fungal infection penetrates the newly formed nail plate.
White superficial onychomycosis (WSO): Tends to create a
chalky white appearance or “white island” on nails.
Distal subungual onychomycosis: It invades the nail bed and
underside of the nail plate.
Candidal onychomycosis:
Causes due to frequent immersion in water where a genus called “Candida”
invades the nail plate
Signs and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Depending upon the various classifications of fungal
infections, the signs and manifestations that are seen in the toenail fungus
are:
Thick toenails;
Crumbled and distorted nail edges;
Pain in the toes;
Dull or yellow toe nails;
Slight foul odour;
Infected nail separates from the nail bed;
Development of fungus-free skin lesions, called Dermatophytids;
Rashes or itching.
What Causes Nail Fungus Infections
Nail fungal infections are caused by tiny microscopic
organisms, called fungi. Fungi do not require sunlight to survive. Generally, a
cluster of fungi, called dermatophytes, are responsible for the fungal
infection of the toenail. On the other
hand, some yeasts and molds are also the reason for these infections. Besides
this, the other causes are:
Weak blood circulation;
Humid or soggy work environment;
Tight or ill-fitted footwear;
Intense perspiration;
Genetic or heredity;
Weak immune system;
Wearing socks and shoes too much that prevents feet from
exposure to air;
Walking barefoot in damp public places, like swimming pools
and gyms;
Early damage or infection to the skin or nail.
Toenail fungus can happen to anyone; however, there are
various specific categories, which are more prone to toenail fungal infection,
like people suffering from AIDS and diabetes.
Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be treated at home by simply using
natural ingredients, available in your kitchen.
1. Tea Tree Oil Against Toenail Fungus
Tea tree oil is considered to be an excellent antiseptic,
and it works great on fungicide infections. Take pure tea tree oil and add a
few drops of olive or thyme oil to it. Apply it to the affected area with the
help of a cotton ball and keep it for ten minutes. Eventually, gently rub the
nail with a soft toothbrush. This remedy will work affirmatively if the
infection is not too old.
2. Use Baking Soda to Treat Nail Fungus at Home
To cure toenail fungus, blend a half cup of baking soda with
a one-fourth cup of peroxide, half cup of Epsom salt, and four cups of hot
water. After making this mixture, add a one-fourth cup of white vinegar to it.
Soak the affected toe first into vinegar for a few minutes and then, apply this
paste to the affected nail. Wrap it with a bandage or tape. For about four
weeks, repeat the process in every ten hours. If this remedy is followed
properly, the toenail fungus will disappear quickly.
3. Orange Oil
To get rid of toenail fungus, orange oil is also a good
option. It can be applied with the help of a dropper between toes and on and
under toenails, daily. Let it sit for at least one hour. Orange oil can also be
used with an equal amount of any carrier oil.
Note: It is advisable to test some diluted orange oil on a
small part of the skin before applying it to the infected area as it can cause
allergic reactions and can have side effects.
4. White Vinegar Against Nail Fungus Infections
To kill toenail fungus, white vinegar is also a great
ingredient. For the treatment of toenail fungus, mix one part of white vinegar
with two parts of warm water and soak the infected foot in it for at least
10-15 minutes. After the soaking process, rinse the footwell to prevent fungus
from spreading further.
Note: In case of sensing any irritation, add more water to
the solution and repeat it every alternate day.
5. Cure Nail Fungus Infections with Garlic
Use garlic oil, mixed with an equal amount of white vinegar,
to cure toenail fungus, naturally. Apply it to the affected area and cover the
toe with an elastic bandage. This mixture slows down the activities of the
fungus because of the anti-fungal properties of allicin, present in garlic. In
case, garlic oil is not available, you can mix some olive oil with crushed
garlic. Eating a clove of garlic on a daily basis also helps a lot.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
To kill the fungus, affecting the toenail, mix equal parts
of apple cider vinegar and water to make a solution, which is an effective foot
soak for toenail fungus. If followed properly, the remedy will show its result
in a few weeks.
Alternatively, an anti-fungal scrub can also be prepared by
making a paste of grounded rice flour and a few spoons of apple cider vinegar.
Use this paste directly onto the affected area and gently scrub it. This will
also remove the dead skin cells.
7. Use Lavender Oil to Treat Nail Fungus at Home
Because of several volatile compounds and antiseptic
properties, lavender oil also acts as an effective natural home treatment for
toenail fungus. Apply it with the help of a cotton ball beneath the top edge of
the infected toenail and nearby area. Wear a pair of thick woolen socks after
applying them to let them work more effectively.
8. Use Listerine Mouth Wash to Treat Nail Fungus Infection
Listerine mouth act as a powerful anti-bacterial agent. Make
a solution of Listerine mouth wash, some vinegar, and undiluted lemon juice.
Soak your foot into it for 10-15 minutes. This is also a fantastic toenail
fungus home treatment.
9. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has strong anti-bacterial, antiseptic,
anti-viral, anti-parasitical, anti-fungal, and analgesic properties. That is
why; oregano oil can also be used to get rid of toenail fungus. Mix oregano oil
with a teaspoon of pure olive oil and apply this mixture to the affected area
with the help of a cotton ball. Follow this remedy daily in order to get
positive results within a few weeks.
10. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice helps in stopping the spread
of bacterial and fungal infections in the toenail. Apply fresh lemon juice
directly onto the toenail for ten minutes and rinse it with warm water. Repeat
this daily for one month.
Lemon juice can also be mixed with olive oil. Use it to
massage the affected area.
11. Use Vicks VapoRub to Treat Toenail Fungus Infection
To treat toenail fungus with the help of Vicks VapoRub,
first of all, wash the foot thoroughly and cut and trim the nail. When the foot
dries completely, cover the toenail with Vicks vapoRub. Once done, cover it
with a bandage or gauze. Wear socks after doing so. Repeat the process daily to
see effective results. Depending upon the fungal infection, it will take ten to
six weeks to recover.
12. Vitamin E Oil
Gently rub Vitamin E oil to get rid of toenail fungus.
13. Onion
Peel an onion and cut it into slices. Rub a slice on the
infected toenail. It is a natural treatment for toenail fungus.
14. Use Turmeric Powder to Treat Toenail Fungus at Home
Add some water to prepare a turmeric paste. Apply it to the
affected nail. Allow it to dry. Then, wash it off. It is also a good natural
cure for toenail fungus.
15. Cure Nail Fungus Infections with Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic food that helps in fixing the problem
of toenail fungus fast.
16. Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with an equal amount of
water. Dip the infected toenail in this solution for at least 18-20 minutes.
This remedy will help in the quick healing of toenail fungus.
17. Use Rubbing Alcohol to Treat Toenail Fungus Infection
Dip infected toenail in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes.
Then, dry your feet thoroughly.
Homeopathic Remedies for Toenail Fungus Infections
There are a few homeopathic remedies that are helpful in the
problem of toenail fungus.
1. Zetaclear: It works effectively against nail fungus and
promotes healthy nails. It contains
natural oils and eliminates the fungi, encouraging the growth of the nails.
2. Fungisil: This solution effectively fights the fungus
infection and heals the area. It is a veritable homeopathic preference for nail
fungus treatment.
3. Nail – RX: This herbal treatment works effectively for
killing bacteria and the organisms that are responsible for the infection.
4. FUNG-B-GONE: It contains vinegar, which stops the fungus
growth and eliminates it.
Preventive Measures for Toenail Fungus Infections
Keep your nails clean, dry, and short.
Don’t share your socks and shoes.
After touching infected nails, wash your hands properly.
Make sure that the tools, you are using for the purpose of
pedicure or manicure, are sterilized.
Wear sandals or shoes in public pools and places.
Don’t bite the nails.
Make use of anti-fungal powders or sprays.
Instead of trimming your nails with your fingers, use a
clean nail clipper.
Change your socks daily.
Avoid wearing too-tight shoes.
Source: https://homeremedyshop.com/17-home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus
Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition,
procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication,
over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.