In today’s world of long, shiny, and attractive acrylic nails, you don’t want to be left behind with ugly-looking nails. You can be more doomed if you are suffering from nail fungus problems. They can be unhygienic, unhealthy and make your nails appear disgusting. In several cases, they can lead to various medical complications too. Therefore, it is important to have healthy fungus-free nails at all times. To cure your nail fungus, read on in this article on how to treat it properly at home.
Toenail fungus is a rather common infection of the toenails. It is contagious, therefore it can often start in one toenail and spread to several others. Medical treatment generally involves the use of prescription-strength antifungal medications. Even being effective, some people experience uncomfortable side effects, ranging from upset stomach to other skin issues.
As an outcome, some people might choose home remedies to treat toenail fungus.
Home Remedies for Nail Fungus
Below mentioned are some of the more popular home remedies known to treat toenail fungus efficiently.
1. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub consists of antifungal ingredients such as camphor and eucalyptus oil. A study has stated that almost 83 percent of people who used a cotton swab to apply small amounts of Vicks to their affected nail at least once a day reported improvement, and almost 20 percent got rid of the infection entirely. You can use this method too to cure toenail fungus.
Simply use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of Vicks to your affected nail once a day. For best results, apply the solution when in your free time so that it has time to dry before putting on socks or shoes.
2. Listerine And White Vinegar
The combination of Listerine’s antifungal ingredients, which are thymol and menthol, and vinegar’s acidity generates an inhospitable environment for fungi. This treatment is effective for green nails. However, if you have true toenail fungus, it’s less likely to work, though. Simply try to combine the two in equal portions and soak your toes in the solution, ideally for 45 to 60 minutes daily.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used for many years to combat various skin conditions, especially fungal infections. Research shows that the oil can help stop and kill fungal infections by breaking down the outer layer of fungal cells and interfering with the way they work. However, this may not work in all cases but for some people, it might. Dab a few drops of tea tree oil on your affected toenails twice a day.
4. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is said to get rid of fungus-infected nails quickly. Due to its antifungal properties, cornmeal has long been used as a way to remove black-spot fungal disease from roses according to various researches performed. Simply pour some cornmeal into a shallow pan, mix it with water hot enough to dissolve it into a paste, let it cool, and then soak your feet in it for an hour per week.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil consists of thymol, a natural compound with antifungal properties. Researchers have found that thymol can reduce the presence of fungus by nearly 90 percent. To do this simply put a few drops of oil on your affected nails twice daily.
Oregano Oil6. Topical Medications
There are various prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nail fungus. Some over-the-counter treatments contain antifungal agents like tolnaftate and clotrimazole that are usually used to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections, and can also be used for the temporary improvement—but cannot necessarily be a permanent fix.
These are easy to use as each comes with specific instructions, but you can generally apply the medication directly to your nail. This method can help keep new fungus out while your nail grows.
7. Antifungal Pills
If topical treatment does not work on your fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe one of the following antifungal pills:
- Fluconazole
- Griseofulvin
- Itraconazole
- Terbinafine
Antifungal pills can work faster than medicine applied to the nails, but you can still expect a few months of consistent use, as per your doctor’s instructions. Follow these methods to treat your fungi-infected nail areas using home remedies. Take proper care of your nails and maintain proper hygiene. If there is a serious situation immediately visit your doctor for the infection.
Also Read: Yellow Nails: 5 Causes & Treatment
