How can you treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis) using home remedies?

Toenail fungus can be very frustrating and people who have this go through a lot of unwanted issues, like:

• Their nail breaks easily
• The nails look yellow and the shape looks odd
• Becomes thicker and sometimes they experience pain
• The fungus can spread to the skin around the nail

Studies say men are more prone to have this than women, especially older people. If you have diabetes, a weak immune system, or smoke, then your chances increase as well.

Another factor is genetics, if any of your parents have toenail fungus then you may get it too.

We all know prevention is better than cure, so here are some precautions you should take:

• Regularly clean your toes with soap and dry them with a towel
• Don’t grow big nails. Cut the nails and try to keep the length shorter than the toe length.
• Make sure you are using clean tools (files, nail cutters etc.)

Here are some of the possible remedies you can try to cure your toenail fungus:

1. Vicks VapoRub

It is an ointment which we all use usually to suppress cold and cough but in a study published in journal of the American Board Of Family Medicine in 2011 that Vicks VapoRub can be beneficial for treating toenail fungus. It has key ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil helps to fight against the fungus. You can directly apply vicks to the infected area once or twice in a day

2.Garlic Garlic

has antimicrobial and antifungal properties which makes it a great remedy for toenail fungus infection. You can apply smashed garlic on the affected area and leave it for 30 mins for best results. But use it sparingly as it can give you burning sensation. You can also take capsules which contains garlic but for that you need to consult your doctor as they are not good for people with high BP and other health related problems

3. Baking soda

Baking soda soaks the moisture that causes fungus growth and also have the capabilities to reduce the fungus growth. You can sprinkle the baking soda on the affected area or inside you shoe like a foot powder or make a paste using minimal water and apply to the affected area leave it for 10-15 mins and wash it off with lukewarm water make sure to dry your foot thoroughly.

4. Oregano oil

Oregano oil contains thymol which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it help to treat the fungal infection in your finger nails or toenails. You can directly apply oregano oil to the affected area using cotton ball. Some people mix oregano oil with tree oil you should avoid doing that as mixing both makes them potent and can cause sever allergy and irritation. 4. Ozonized oils Ozonized oils are nothing but simple olive oil or sunflower oil in which those gases are infused which are present in Ozone. There are several studies which says Ozonized oils are great for treating nail fungus infection. It kills bacteria and stimulates your skin cell to heal faster.

5. Vinegar

The acidic nature of Vinegar makes it antifungal which balances the Ph of the skin and prevents the fungus to spread it also kills the bacteria. Mix two parts vinegar with one part of warm water and soak your feet for 20 – 30 mins daily.

6.Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein which has antifungal , antibacterial and immune boosting abilities. You can make an ointment with olive leaf and can directly apply to the affected areas or you can also take capsules containing the extract but before taking capsules consult your doctor.

ALSO READ: Hydrogen Peroxide for Toenail Fungus

7. Hydrogen peroxide

It acts has antifungal, antiseptic, oxidizer and even can be used as a bleaching agent You can directly apply it to your nails and affected areas or you can use 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide with equal amount of water or vinegar and soak your feet for 20-30 mins daily.

8. Mouthwash/ Listerine

Mouthwash kills bacteria and germs in your mouth then why not use it to kill bacteria on your feet. Most of the mouthwash contains ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Mix equal amount of vinegar and mouthwash and soak your feet for 30 mins twice a day and and gently scrub the area

9. Snakeroot extract

It comes from a plant of sunflower’s family which have natural antifungal properties. There are studies which shows it works well then some of the prescribed oral antifungal medicine like ciclopirox.

10. Cornmeal

Cornmeal has antifungal properties which kills the infectious fungus. You can use it as paste or feet soak.For paste mix cornmeal in a pan with warm water leave it for an hour to cool down the paste ten you can apply to your feet. Or you can add an inch of cornmeal and water in a shallow container leave it for an hour to mix and then soak your feet by adding some warm water for 30 mins

If you condition is very critical you should consult your doctor, in some condition they suggest oral antifungal drugs , medicated nail polish or medicated nail cream in some serious case the doctor suggest surgery to remove the nail…