Toenail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis or Paranoychia is an infection caused due to tiny organisms. Most and warm fingernails are the places of origin for fungi making the nails brittle, thick leading to its discoloration. Toenail fungus does not cause pain initially but starts aching later. Fungal infections can occur both in toenails and finger nails. Onychomycosis are quite harmful and should not be neglected at the initial stage.
Little toe and the big toe are more vulnerable to fungus infection and tend to get affected mostly. Toenail infections are contagious and at times it is hereditary too. Try the home remedies for toenail fungus as they are beneficial and help you lot at the initial stage but may necessitate medical help if neglected.
Causes Of Toenail Fungus
– Damp conditions especially in public places like swimming pools, public gyms etc.
– Wearing tight footwear
– Abnormality in the PH level of skin
– Reduced level of immunity
– Moisture content in feet after exercise or bathing
– Poor hygienic condition of feet
– Vulnerability to fungus
Following Are The Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus
– Affected toenails become thick
– Brown or yellow discoloration of toenails
– Nail starts to fall
– Smelly debris starts accumulating under the affected nails
– Spots appear at the sides of the nails
– Toenails become easily breakable
– Nails become hard to touch
– Nails get indistinct in shapes
– Lack of shine or luster in nails
– Color of nails become dark in nature due to the accumulation of debris under it
– Foul smell occurs in the nails
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
Vinegar
Combine 1 part vinegar with 2 parts warm water. Soak your finger or toe affected with fungus in that water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Clean well and pat dry your feet after the remedy. Studies have revealed that vinegar helps to restrain the growth of microorganisms.
It’s a very effective toenail fungus home remedy. This remedy works best when natural apple cider vinegar is used instead of any ordinary vinegar. Just fill up a bucket with equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. Infuse your feet for fifteen to twenty minutes in that bucket. Dry your feet thoroughly.
Olive Oil And Oregano
Combine one teaspoon olive oil with two drops oregano oil. Rub this combination regularly on affected areas. Follow the remedy for 3 weeks. Oregano oil is very effective in fungal infections due to its antiseptic, antiparasitical, antibacterial, analgesic antifungal and antiviral properties.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil works wonder in the treatment of toenail fungus naturally. Soak cotton ball in tea tree oil and stroke the toenail gently. Practice this home remedy 2 times daily. You can do this once in morning and then before bed.
Mouthwash
Mouthwashes act as a good home remedy for toenail fungus. Fill up a bucket with mouthwash and saturate your toes for 20 minutes. Mouthwashes contain medicinal properties which help to control the growth of fungus.
Tea Tree Oil And Lavender Oil
Mix equal amount of Tea tree oil and lavender oil. With the help of a cotton ball apply the mixture on the affected toenails. Do this remedy for two to three times a day. This is an effective home remedy for toenail fungus.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol also has medicinal properties that aids in treating toenail fungus. Take a bucket full of rubbing alcohol and immerse your feet for twenty minutes. Practice this remedy daily or every alternative day. This remedy will take time but will show visible results.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide plays a pivotal role in healing toes affected with fungus. Fill a tub with equal amount of Hydrogen Peroxide and water. Immerse your feet in the tub for fifteen minutes. Dry your toenails completely.
Water And Turmeric Powder
Prepare a paste by combining water and turmeric powder. Apply the paste on affected toenails. Let the paste dry and then rinse off. Dry your toenails and feet completely
Onion
Cut an onion into slices. Now rub the onion slices on affected toenails for some time. Onion helps to treat fungal infections. Doing this remedy continuously for a period may help to lessen the infection.
Lime Juice
Saturate a piece of cotton ball in lime juice (concentrated). Now rub your affected toenails with the cotton ball.
Tips For Toenail Fungus
It is recommended that you swab your feet every time after visiting a public place. Moist and Warm areas like swimming pools, spas, locker rooms and showers are the breeding ground of fungus. Preventive measures are the best treatment for toenail fungus as remedies takes some time to show the best results.
Also Read
How To Cure Toenail Fungus
How To Treat Nail Fungus Naturally
Toenail Fungus Treatment
How To Treat Toenail Fungus
Wear Shocks Made Of Cotton
Cotton shocks absorb moisture that occurs from sweating in your feet. Our feet get sweaty and moist due to perspiration after wearing closed footwear for prolonged time. If wearing open footwear is not possible then at least wear shocks made of cotton, as cotton helps to absorb moisture.
Avoid Sharing Linen With Fungus Affected People
Do not share wash cloths, towels, shoes or any personal items with people already infected with this disease. Be careful with your personal hygiene as negligence may expose you to fungal infections.
Restrict The Usage Of Nail Polish
Avoid nail polish during the infection and it’s better to keep the toenails short and trimmed properly. A straight line trimming is recommended with smooth edges.
Keep Your Feet Dry
You should not wear damp shocks. Keep feet dry and wear fresh shocks.
Diet To Be Followed
Diet is always significant for curing any infection or disease. People infected with toenail fungus need more probiotics in diet which means the inclusion of good bacteria. This helps the body to eliminate the fungus. Kefir and yoghurt are rich in probiotics. Avoid taking refined carbohydrates such as dairy products and sugar. Extract of olive leaf acts as an ‘anti-fungal agent’ internally.
Your diet should be healthy and balanced. Toenail fungus does not have any recommended diet and therefore there is no dietary cure to toenail fungus but it can surely aid in its ailment. Also the home remedies may not offer an instant cure to the infection but they do work in the long run and safer to use.
Caution: Please use Home 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.