Home Remedies for Toe nail fungus

Fungal infections are common on both fingernails and toenails. Toenail fungus also known as onychomycosis is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungus are harmful because as they grow they feed on the keratin that makes up the surface of the toe nail. The two fingers that are more likely to be affected are the big toe finger and the little toe finger. Toe nail fungus causes disfiguration and discoloration of the nails. It is a contagious disease and some times it may be hereditary.

Symptoms for Toenail fungus

Toe Nail Color Changes, Others

Symptoms of toenail fungus are quite obvious. The affected nail will get yellow or brown in colour. It may become so thick and overgrown that it may be painful to wear shoes. Foul-smelling debris may get accumulated under the nail. The nail may crumble and eventually fall off. Sneaks or spots can be seen down the side of the nails of the affected person.

Causes for Toe nail fungus

Toenail fungus caused due to damp areas, contact with others affected

You may get affected by the toenail fungus in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools. Toe nail fungus can spread from one toe to another or to other body parts. Athletes and people who give trauma to their toe by wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery are at great risk of toe nail fungus. Other reasons may be abnormal pH level of the skin, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and decreased immunity.

Causes for Toe nail fungus

You may get affected by the toenail fungus in damp areas such as public gyms, shower stalls or swimming pools. Toe nail fungus can spread from one toe to another or to other body parts. Athletes and people who give trauma to their toe by wear tight-fitting shoes or tight hosiery are at great risk of toe nail fungus. Other reasons may be abnormal pH level of the skin, not drying off the feet thoroughly after bathing or exercise, and decreased immunity.

Remedies for Toenail fungus

Toe nail fungus remedy using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Using Listerine mouthwash

Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.

Curing toe nail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 - 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes

Tea tree oil and Lavender oil

Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation

Using Oregano and Olive oil

Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties

AHA creams

Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams on to your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus

Diet for Toe nail fungus

Diet for Toe nail fungus

Diet plays a very vital role in curing any ailment. People suffering from toe nail fungus should include more probiotics – good bacteria, in their diet. This will help your body to get rid of the fungus. Yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics. Reduce intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar. Olive leaf extract is an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.

Suggestion for Toenail fungus

Wash your feet after visiting public places like swimming pools

The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.

Wear cotton socks

Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating

Dry your feet

If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.

Do not share linen with affected people

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease

Trim nails and avoid nailpolish

Keep your nails cut short, and don't use nail polish. Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.