Toenail fungus is referred to as a common type of infection that happens in toenails. As this infection is contagious in nature, one infected toe nail can spread to another toe nail easily and quickly. Market is full of prescription-strength antifungal medicines that claims to provide instant relief from infection. However, none of them tells you the ugly truth of chemical ingredients that are used for preparing these medicines.
After using it for some time, you will start to see its side effects. Due to this reason, people turn to natural remedies to get rid of toenail fungus. We have compiled a list of time-tested home remedies to get infection free and healthy toe nails safely.
What is Toenail fungus?
Toe nail fungus is a fungal infection that happens in the toenail. Some of the most visible symptoms are a brown, yellow or white, discoloration of one or multiple toenails. Your nails can also start to become thick or crack on its own. This infection can spread and infect other toe nails of the person.
Traditional prescription-based oral antifungal medicines such as terbinafine, and fluconazole are often impactful, but causes acute side effects that ranges from dizziness, and upset stomach to strict skin issues, and jaundice.
Home remedies to cure Toenail Fungus
Home remedies are seen to be the effective, and safe ways to treat toenail fungus. So, if you suffer from this type of infection, then you need to use these home remedies to treat it.
1. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil, and camphor that effectively treats toenail fungus. It is a topical ointment that you should apply on the infected toe-nail once a day.
2. Garlic
Another important and commonly found antimicrobial, and antifungal agent in our kitchen is Garlic. There are various ways in which you can treat your toenail fungus with garlic. One of these methods is by applying a freshly prepared paste of garlic cloves on the impacted region.
Let the paste stay on the area for thirty minutes. For best results, you need to perform this procedure daily. If you do not like the smell of garlic, then you can even consume garlic capsules. It is important to take capsules within the recommended dosage instructions as stated by the manufacturer.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that possess remarkable antiseptic, and antifungal abilities. This makes it a trusted and an effective treatment for toenail fungus. Take a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it directly to the infected toenail to eliminate infection.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is another important treatment that soaks moisture that is responsible for causing fungus in toenail. Regular application of baking soda on the impacted area is effective in arresting fungal growth to a considerable extent.
5. Mouthwash
Just like vinegar, mentholated mouthwash is another effective way for the treatment of toenail fungus. It possesses remarkable antifungal properties. Take some amount of it in a clean and empty bowl and soak your toenails in it. Gradually you will notice, that the fungus in your toenail will subside.
6. Oregano oil
Oregano oil has thymol in it that shows exemplary antibacterial, and antifungal properties. To effectively cure toenail fungus, you need to take a few drops of oregano oil on a cotton swab and apply it on the affected toenail two times a day.
7. Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective ingredient for the treatment of toenail fungus. To use it, all you need to do is to dilute 1 part of vinegar in 2 parts of water. Soak your infected toenail in this solution for thirty minutes.
8. Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract contains an active substance named “oleuropein,” in it. This ingredient shows antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and antifungal properties that helps in eliminating toenail fungus naturally. Olive leaf extract is available in both capsule, and topical ointment form. While you use the oral form of this method, it is important that you keep yourself adequately hydrated.
Changing Your Diet May Also Help
A healthy diet is critical in fighting off fungal infection. Some of the dietary changes that you need to bring in your diet are:
- probiotic-rich yogurt
- good amount of protein to assist in regrowth of nails
- adequate iron to prevent brittleness in nails
- right amounts of foods with essential fatty acids
- low fat dairy foods to obtain proper amounts of rich in vitamin D, and calcium
Conclusion
Home remedies are safe, and more effective than over counter medications to treat mild-to-moderate severity of toenail fungus. As these remedies are natural, it may take a few weeks to completely eliminate infection from the toenail.
As reinfection is possible, ensure that your toe nails remains clean, well-trimmed, and dry after they become free from infection. If you do not find any positive results from these natural remedies, then consult with your doctor for appropriate course of action.
Thanks for sharing this article with us here…I’ve got the best and effective remedy for the infection
Most welcome.. Glad it helped you. ???
Thank you for your useful information.
Most welcome