Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

What causes nail fungus? What are the symptoms? Here are several home remedies for nail fungus.

One of the first signs of fingernail fungus, toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nails. If untreated, the fungus will infect deeper into the nail, it will thickened becomes discolored and will split and crumble.

Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. Your feet are normally inside your shoes where the environment is dark and moist. Fungi grow and breed in this type of condition.

The causes of nail fungus infection are fungi, mold or yeast. They got to your nails through any skin cut on your finger or toe or the gap between your nail and the nail bed when your nails were exposed to the fungi. It could have been from the public swimming pool, shower or any other public places that were warm and moist. Using a nail file that is infected with fungi can also cause it.

It is best that you treat the fungus infection before it spread. When it gets real bad, you may have to remove the nail or undergo a laser treatment. Here are several home remedies for nail fungus.

Which one of them will work for you will depend on the type of nail fungus you are having. As mentioned earlier, your nail fungus could be due to fungi, yeast or mold. And how soon the home remedies for nail fungus will take effect and heal will depend on the severity of your infection.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil produces an antiseptic effect and has anti fungal, anti viral, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is one of the best home remedies for nail fungus. To use it as a nail fungal treatment, apply a few drops on your nails every day. The tea tree oil will wash away the fungus and bacteria and clean your nails.

White vinegar

Your next option is using white vinegar. Acetic acid in vinegar has bacterial activity and is able to destroy bacteria. After you've washed and dried your nails, soak them in a bowl of vinegar mixed with equal amount of water for about half an hour a day.

Once you are done, wipe them dry. Dip a cotton pad or gauze into plain white vinegar. Put the cotton on your nail and use tape or band aid to fasten it. Leave it overnight. Repeat it until you see improvement.

Some people use Epsom salt for a foot bath instead of using vinegar. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which doesn't have any anti fungal effect. It is better to use Epsom salt for skin problems like acne and blackheads and also to relieve itching and lesions caused by shingles or genital herpes

Use oil of oregano

Oil of oregano contains carvacrol which has anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti parasitic and anti viral properties. Use a q tip and apply the tea tree oil on your cleaned and dried nails.

Many people use Listerine as a nail fungus remedy. The mouth wash contains menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptol which could be responsible for the positive effect. Vicks vaporub ointment is another favorite nail fungus treatment. The ingredients include castor oil, liniment and vermifuge. Castor oil is known to have many benefits and healing effects. Hydrogen peroxide may work because it is a disinfectant. You can give any of these home remedies for nail fungus a try.

Even after getting rid of your nail fungus, it may recur. So you need to also think of preventing the nail infection. And if you've never had it before, then it's best to avoid it from happening.

1. Fungi likes moist environment so always keep your feet dry. Keep your nails clean, short and dry too. Make sure the nail clipper and file that you are using are also clean and sterilized.
   
   
   
2. Change your socks daily and apply anti fungal spray in your covered shoes. If you can avoid covered shoes, wear open sandals or open toe shoes.
   
   
   
3. Wash your hand and fingers after you've used or touched any medication. Another option is to wear a pair of glove. If one of your fingernails is infected, you have to take extra care not to spread the infection.
   
   
   
4. When you are at public places especially when it is moist or wet, don't go barefoot.
   
   
   
5. Don't use a nail polish if you have a nail infection. If you treat your nails done at a nail salon, insist that the kit used is clean.

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