Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis is very common problem faced equally by both men and women. Toenail fungus symptoms include inflammation, swelling, extreme pain, yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail. Some of the main causes of toenail fungus are wearing synthetic socks, abnormal PH levels of the skin, low immunity system, continuous exposure to moist environment, sweaty shoes, poor hygiene and diabetes.
If toenail fungus is not taken care of within time it can cause cracking, splitting, and even complete loss of the toenail. Well, the good news is that toenail fungus is curable and that too without spending money on medical bills. There are various natural remedies that can cure the infection in a month or two.
Here are top 10 ways to get rid of Toenail Fungus.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has got antiseptic as well as fungicide properties that help a lot in the treatment of toenail fungus. This oil is also used to treat other kinds of skin infections. If suffering from toenail fungus, take pure tea tree oil and with the help of a cotton ball rub the oil on the affected toe and nail for ten minutes and then use a toothbrush to gently scrub the affected nail. Before applying the oil on the skin, you must dilute it by mixing it with equal amount of olive oil or thyme oil. This remedy will give positive results if the infection is not too old.
Baking Soda
Baking soda that is easily available at home can also be used to cure toenail fungus. For this treatment you will need half cup of baking soda, four cups of hot water, one fourth cup of peroxide and half cup of Epsom salts. Mix all the ingredients properly and then add one fourth cup of white vinegar to it. Now soak the affected toe in vinegar for a few minutes and then with the help of a cotton ball apply this mixture on the nail and cover it up properly with a tape in place. Repeat the process in every ten hours for about four weeks. If this remedy is followed regularly, the fungus on your toe nail will disappear quickly.
Orange Oil
Another way to deal with toenail fungus is to use pure orange oil. All types of orange oil have antifungal properties and thus it can be used on infected toenails. With the help of a dropper apply orange oil daily between toes, on and under toe nails and allow it to sit for at least one hour. You can also dilute the orange oil with equal amount of any kind of carrier oil, such as grape seed oil. As orange oil can cause allergic reactions and can have side effects, it is advisable to test some diluted orange oil on a small spot of skin before applying it to the infected skin area.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the best ingredients that can be used in the treatment of toenail fungus. For treating toenail fungus mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of warm water. Now soak the affected toe in this solution for about ten to fifteen minutes daily until the fungus is gone. In case of skin irritation add more water to the solution and repeat the process every alternate day. It is very essential to dry the affected area well after rinsing, otherwise the fungus may spread.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which has antifungal properties and thus it can be used to deal with toenail fungus. For fast treatment use garlic oil mixed with equal amount of white vinegar. Apply this mixture on and around the infected toenail and cover the treated toe with an elastic bandage. This mixture can slow down the activity of the fungus within a few hours. In case garlic oil is not available, you can make your own by crushing two garlic cloves and adding two tablespoon of olive oil. Leave this mixture to sit for 24 hours. Even eating one clove of garlic daily can help a lot.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is mild acidic in nature and thus it can prevent toenail fungus from spreading. At the same time apple cider vinegar also fights germs and kills bacteria. For this remedy mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to make a solution. Now soak your toe daily for half an hour in this solution. When done, dry your toenail thoroughly. If this remedy is followed daily for a few weeks, you can notice improvement very quickly. Another option is make an anti-fungal exfoliating scrub by mixing coarsely ground rice flour with a few spoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply this paste over the affected nail and gently scrub the area. This remedy will help to get rid of dead skin cells and will keep your skin soft.
Listerine Mouth Wash
Listerine mouth wash that kills bacteria and germs in the mouth can also be used to treat toenail fungus. This is because this mouth wash has got several compounds and alcohol which act as a strong antiseptic to keep away harmful bacteria and fungus. Just fill a small tub with Listerine mouth wash, some vinegar and undiluted lemon juice. Now soak your feet in this solution for ten to fifteen minutes daily and then scrub the infected toe gently. Repeat this remedy daily until the old nail grows out and new nail replaces it.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has got several volatile compounds and antiseptic properties that can fight any kind of infection and prevent skin irritation. Take equal amount of lavender oil and tea tree oil and mix it properly and warm it slightly. Now with the help of a cotton ball dab this solution under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area two to three times a day. It is recommended to apply this solution on the affected toenails before going to sleep. Put on a pair of thick woolen socks after applying it in order to increase the effectiveness of this remedy.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has got antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-parasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties. This is why oregano oil can also be used to get rid of toenail fungus. Take two drops of oregano oil and mix it with one teaspoon of pure olive oil. Now apply this mixture on the affected area with the help of a dropper or cotton ball at least once in a day. Follow this remedy daily for three weeks in order to get positive results.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has got both antiseptic as well as antifungal properties. The citric acid present in lemon juice will help in stoping the toenail fungus from spreading. Take fresh lemon juice and apply it directly to the infected toenail and leave it for ten minutes before rinsing the area with warm water. This treatment should be repeated daily for one month or more until you notice positive results. Another option is to mix equal amounts of lemon juice and olive oil and use this mixture to massage the infected area. The olive oil will help to soften your skin while the lemon juice will help to control the fungal infection.
To conclude, the above mentioned traditional remedies used to get rid of toenail infection and their results depend a lot on the proper use and application of natural ingredients. At least these remedies must be tried for at least a month or two to notice positive results.
