Overview
Fungal infection on the toenail (also known as Onychomycosis) is commonly found in people in their 50’s or 60’s. As we age, most organs in our body tend to lose their functioning capabilities. The same goes for our nails. It tends to get brittle and dry as we get older. However, it is also possible that toenail fungus can affect anyone at any age.
Fungal infections are also caused due to the overgrowth of fungus on the nail. Fungi are naturally present in our bodies. But they tend to cause infections when they flourish because of the warm and moist environment. Regularly confining your toes to shoes can make your toes more warm and moist. One nail that is infected by fungus is capable of spreading and affecting the other nails as well. Another cause of fungal infection can be the tools used in salons for manicure and pedicure. If the tools are not properly sanitized and are used from person to person, then they can possibly spread fungal infections. Some other reasons that are responsible for causing nail fungus are: having diabetics, diseases that cause poor circulation, lower immune system, nail injury or a skin injury around the nail, swimming in a public pool and regularly applying fake nails.
Some of the most common signs of toenail fungus are a warped nail that lifts off from the nail bed, a foul smell from the infected nail, a brittle or thickened nail and discoloration of nails. The toenail fungus, if not given appropriate care and treatment, is very hard to remove. There are several medicines available in the market that can help you treat your toenail fungus. But, in case you do not want to go for prescription medicines (that have side effects) and want to try something natural and safe, you have several options in that as well.
The Fungus Eliminator by Pure Health Research claims to be a safe option in treating fungal infections without any side effects. Fungus Eliminator is a supplement made of 100% natural ingredients that are scientifically proven and ensures to give the best results. It is available at a very affordable rate and works by flushing away the existing infections from within the bloodstream. It also works internally by boosting the immune system and thus eliminating the fungal infection from its roots.
You can also cure the toenail infection using some of the ingredients that are always available in our kitchen. You can always prepare the solution using ingredients that are safe and natural and you do not have to consult any physician before using. Also, you won’t have to spend a fortune buying the ingredients required. Let us now go through some of the natural solutions that are available easily and can be used to treat toenail fungus within the comforts of one’s own home.
Home Remedies
- Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most common ingredients that is found in our kitchens. Vinegar is used to prepare a lot of dishes and baking as well. Both the white and apple cider vinegar are useful in the treatment of toenail fungus.
The acetic acid content in Vinegar makes it an inhospitable environment for many microorganisms. The antibacterial and antifungal property of Vinegar makes it a suitable remedy for treating toenail fungus. The pH of the skin is balanced by using Vinegar. It prevents the bacteria from spreading along with completely eliminating the fungi. You can either use vinegar to prevent the fungus from spreading and to kill the existing fungus and cure the infection.
It is important to note that you have to dilute the vinegar as it can harm your skin if you use Vinegar in concentrated amounts.
What You Need:
- Vinegar (White / Apple Cider Vinegar)
- Warm water
How To Use:
Take a bowl big enough to immerse your foot. Mix one part of vinegar and two parts of warm water. Soak the affected foot in the mixture. Wait up to 20 minutes before removing your foot. Dry your foot properly after removing it from the solution. Repeat this process every day until you get your desired results.
How Often:
Daily (until the toenail fungus reduces or gets better).
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is available easily. It is commonly used for a variety of skin problems and is very effective due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties (1). It is very helpful in keeping our nails, hair, and skin healthy.
What You Need:
- TeaTree Oil
- Cotton Bud
How To Use:
The first step is to clean your affected nails with clean water and pat it dry. Pour some tea tree oil on the cotton bud and apply it directly on to the nail. Let the tea tree oil soak in the nails and skin. Leave it for approximately 10 mins. Take an old brush and scrub the affected nail gently for a few minutes. Pat the nails dry after scrubbing to avoid excess moistness.
How Often:
Repeat daily (until the toenail fungus gets better),
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. It has been commonly used for several health benefits for a very long time. It not only reduces inflammation but is also very safe to use and effective. Turmeric can either be taken internally or applied based on the wound.
What You Need:
- Turmeric powder
- Coconut oil / Water
How To Use:
Take one tablespoon of turmeric and another tablespoon of coconut oil or water (according to your preference). Mix the ingredients into a paste form. Apply the paste on the affected areas. Perform this two to three times a day based on the severity of your nail infection.
How Often:
Daily (until the toenail infection subsides).
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is commonly used for baking. Because of its leaving properties and alkaline nature, it is used for a wide variety of purposes. It is a multipurpose ingredient that provides many health benefits besides cooking. Baking soda helps in balancing the acidic levels of akin and to exfoliate the dead skin. This commonly found ingredient in our kitchen is a great solution for treating nail fungus.
What You Need:
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
How To Use:
Take 2 tablespoons of Baking soda. Take enough water and mix with the Baking Soda to make a paste. Do not add too much water into the mixture. Apply the paste onto the affected nails and leave the paste for 10 minutes. Rinse off the paste from the nails and remember to pat it dry before you proceed for your work.
How Often:
Daily (until you get relief from the toenail infection).
- Vicks Vapor Rub
Vicks Vapor Rub is a known vaporizing ointment used for treating cough and other common flu symptoms. The active ingredients in this ointment make it an amazing solution for toenail problems. Camphor and Eucalyptus oil in Vicks Vapor rub makes it prevent the growth of fungi and to destroy the presence of fungus on the nail (2).
What You Need:
- Vicks Vapor rub
How To Use:
Take a small amount of Vicks Vapor rub and apply it on the affected area. You can apply the Vicks vapor rub once in a day or two to three times depending upon the severity of the toenail infection.
How Often:
Daily (until the toenail infection subsides).
- Tulsi Juice
Tulsi or Holy Basil is commonly used for treating ailments like Asthma, congestion, coughs, colds, flu, sore throat, etc. Tulsi along with lemon juice helps to fight the fungus and keep the nails beautiful.
What You Need:
- Tulsi Leaves
- Lime juice
How To Use:
Take a few tulsi leaves and grind it well into liquid form. Add a few drops of lemon juice into the tulsi juice and mix it well. Apply the juice mixture on the toe with the fungal infection.
How Often:
Everyday morning and evening (until recovery).
- Lemon Juice
Lemon, as you all know, contains both antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The citric acid in lemon makes it an excellent solution to ward off the fungal growth.
What You Need:
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
How To Use:
There are two methods that you can follow to treat toenail infection.
First being, directly applying the lemon juice on the nail with infection. After 30 minutes of leaving in the juice, you can rinse it off using warm water.
The second method includes the use of olive oil. Take lemon juice and olive oil in the 1:1 ratio. Mix both the ingredients well. Apply this mixture on the toenails and massage it well. You can leave the solution for several hours after applying it or leave it overnight. The combination of olive oil and lemon juice will help to fight the fungal infection away and also leaves your skin soft and supple.
How Often:
Twice in a week.
Conclusion
Above were a few of the home remedies that you can try to heal your toenail infection. But it is always better to prevent these infections rather than waiting for it to happen and then take a step. As already mentioned, toenail infection can happen to anyone at any age. So follow some of the steps below and keep your toenails safe and healthy.
- Always wash cleanly and dry your feet properly before wearing socks or shoes. Also, wash and dry your feet after getting home.
- Don’t clip your toenails too close to the skin below and also don’t grow your toenails longer than the tip of the toe. The chances of hitting the toe to objects are more and that might hurt your toe as well as change the shape of the nail.
- Wear shoes that correctly fit you. Too tight or loose shoes might damage your nails.
- Wear shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Change socks regularly. If your feet tend to get damp regularly, then change the socks from time to time.
- It is recommended to spray any antifungal product on the shoes to avoid fungus on your toenails from flourishing.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as around swimming pools.
- When you go for salon services such as manicure or pedicure, always ask them to sanitize the pedicure tools before using them.
Also, don’t forget to consult your physician if the condition of the toenail infection is getting worse.