Nail fungus can be diagnosed with either yellow or white spots around the nails of the toes or fingers. If one does not get undertake timely treatment for the spots around the fingernails or toenails, then the nails could become discolored, thick, or might start breaking around the edges. As long as they do not cause any kind of severe pain, one can easily treat toenail fungus at home.
Fungi usually thrive in warm and moist environments. It does not need sunlight to grow or spread. Therefore, people who sweat a lot or those who swim a lot have more chances of being affected by toenail fungus. A dermatophyte is one of the types of fungi that can cause nail fungus. Molds and yeast can also be a prominent cause for this condition. This type of fungi affects the toenails more than the fingernails; therefore, in most cases, one suffers from a toenail infection. There are a number of home remedies for toenail fungus that one can try out before the condition gets worse or before the nails become discolored or start to smell.
10 effective toenail fungus remedies
One may not have to visit a doctor if they notice the symptoms of toenail fungus in the earlier stages. However, it can be really bothersome if one does not get rid of it. Fortunately, one can make the most of a number of natural cures for toenail fungus. Some of the popular remedies have been listed as follows:
Baking soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is known for its antifungal properties. There are different kinds of fungal species and any of them can cause toenail fungus. Baking soda can be a good option as one a toenail fungus remedy. Using water and baking soda, one can make a smooth paste and apply it on the affected area. One would need to leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then wash it off. One can also soak their feet in a tub of water by mixing baking soda in it.
VapoRub
Eucalyptus oil and camphor found in VapoRub are among the best toenail fungus remedies as they have antifungal properties. A study was conducted on around 83 people to see if VapoRub really works and they were asked to apply it to the affected area with the help of cotton. Almost 20 percent of the participants were able to get rid of the infection completely. At least once a day, one can apply a small quantity of VapoRub to the affected nails and let it dry for sometime before washing or wearing socks.
Apple cider vinegar
One of the best toenail fungus remedies available in the kitchen is apple cider vinegar. One can take a part of apple cider vinegar and one part of Epsom salt. One would then have to add these 2 ingredients to 6 parts of hot water. Allow the hot water turn lukewarm and then soak the feet in it. Do this twice a day and soak for at least 30 minutes.
Tea tree oil
Another good and common remedy for toenail infection is tea tree oil. One would need to apply a few drops of this oil to the toenails and that will help them get rid of the infection.
White vinegar and mouthwash
Vinegar is acidic in nature and the popular mouth freshener brand, Listerine®, has antifungal properties, making it perfect for fungal infections and one of the best toenail fungus remedies. One can take them in equal quantities and mix them well. One can then soak their toenails in that mixture for at least one hour daily.
Olive leaf extracts
Oleuropein present in olive leaf extracts can boost one’s immunity immensely. So, one can apply the olive salve from the leaves on the affect ted area or can buy this in the form of capsules as well.
Coconut oil
Just like tea tree oil, coconut oil also has antifungal properties and hence one can apply a few drops of the oil to the affected nails of the toes and in between the fingers as well.
Cornmeal
Organic cornmeal is the host for a type of fungus that is totally harmless to human beings, but it is deadly to Candida which is the cause of a number of infections. One can add cornmeal to water and let it sit for one hour. After this, one can soak their feet in the water for at least half an hour and see the results.
Snakeroot extracts
One very effective toenail fungus remedy is using snakeroot extract. One can apply the snakeroot extract directly on the nails of the toe.
Oregano oil
Thymol present in oregano oil has antifungal properties. One would need to apply a few drops of this oil on the toenails to see effective results. In order to get rid of toenail infections, one would need to apply it at least twice a day.
These toenail fungus remedies are very effective and will show good results in a short time. If they do not work or if one is suffering from severe pain, then one should consult a doctor immediately.
