Nail fungus are tiny organisms that infect one’s fingernails as well as toenails. The fungus develops below the nails. It is often difficult to be cured on account of the fungus being under the nails. The fungus tends to thrive in places that are warm, dark as well as moist. Those who wear shoes in warmer climate tend to suffer from this health condition. This fungus is harmful as it tends to grow on the keratin that actually makes up the surface of the toenail. The big toenail as well as the finger toe nail are the ones that get affected by the fungus. The infection disfigures the nails as well as discolors it. It is contagious and is also at times hereditary.
Home Remedies to Treat Toenails
Some of the top toenail fungus remedies are:
- Fill a basin with warm water as well as vinegar in equal proportions. Soak the toenails for about 20 minutes. One must wipe the toenails and toes with the help of dry towel and then later with super absorbent paper. One must do this twice daily the symptoms disappear. This is one of the best toenail fungus home treatment options.
- One can make use of rubbing alcohol. For about 20 minutes one can soak the toenails twice daily once in the morning hours as well later at night. Then dry the toenails with super absorbent paper.
- Listerine – This mouthwash is found in the homes of every person. Soak the toenails in Listerine. The antiseptic gets rid of the fungus.
- Vicks vaporub – The effect of this is a bit controversial; as some feel that it reduces the fungus, but does not eliminate it completely.
- One can also soak the toenails in hydrogen peroxide for about 20 minutes.
- One can soak the nails in apple cider vinegar twice day.
- One can apply Vitamin E oil to the affected nails twice in a day.
- Tree tea oil is also very beneficial. One must rub the affected nails with few drops of tree tea oil.
- Lavender along with tree tea oil can be applied. One can prepare a mixture of equal amounts and apply the content with the help of cotton swabs.
- Blend about 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a teaspoonful of olive oil. Apply the content on the affected areas for about three weeks.
- One can wear cotton socks, in order for the moisture to get absorbed which is caused due to sweating.
- One must keep the feet dry. Avoid damp areas.
- Do not share one’s linen with those who are affected by the fungus.
- Ensure that the nails are well trimmed and avoid nail polish.
Causes for toenail fungus
Some of the primary toenail causes are:
- A break that appears in toenail which could mean that the fungus could enter the crevice.
- Wearing the same shoes without allowing them to dry.
- Cutting toenails extremely close to the shoes. Incase the feet are damp then fungus can develop.
- Heredity.
- Contact with others who are affected by it.
- Exposure to damp areas.
- Lacking in personal hygiene.
- Wearing shoes as well as socks for a very long time.
- Decreased immunity.
- Not drying one’s feet properly.
Symptoms of toenails fungus
These are the top toenails fungus symptoms:
- Toenails are flaky.
- Chipping of the toenails.
- Toenails become yellow, black or have brown tinge spots.
- On account of one wearing shoes, the toenails tend to become thick and are painful.
- The skin under the toenail is painful on account of the fungus.
- The nail gets disfigured.
- Debris that is foul smelling may get under ones’ toenail.
- Toe nails get crumbled and eventually may fall off.
One must take good care of one’s nails. Healthy nails make you look good.