Toenail fungus also called onychomycosis is a common infection faced by many people today. The fungus thrives well in damp, warm and dark places like the toenails. The symptoms of an infection by toenail fungus include yellowing or discolouration of the toe, swelling, thickening, cracking, peeling, inflammation and reddening of the nail bed.
Toenail fungal infections are usually not painful which may cause many people to assume getting treatment. This may eventually lead to complete loss of the nail. Check out these 8 home remedies to learn how to get rid of toenail fungus fast and naturally.
Contents
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Naturally – Eight Remedies
1. Tea Tree Oil
According to DrAxe, tea tree oil has been in use for long and is very popular because of the multi-functions of the oil. Tea tree oil is known to have anti fungal properties and also has other properties which make it useful for use in many ways. It can be used to treat acne, Eczema, to clean, whiten teeth, heal cuts, treat hair among many other purposes.
How to use
It can be used in three main ways. Using a cotton swab, apply the oil directly on the affected area and let it rest until it is absorbed into the skin. You may also scrub a mixture of the tea tree oil, olive oil, and baking soda into the toe. Finally, you can soak your feet in a mixture of the tea tree oil and water. Add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil in a water containing some water and soak your feet in there for about 30 minutes.
2. Vinegar Paste
The paste is made by mixing vinegar with flour until you form a smooth paste. Vinegar is slightly acidic and therefore it is able to change distort the environment for the thriving of toenail fungus.
It is known to destroy the fungus down at its roots.
How to use
Apply the vinegar paste on the affected area twice daily. Cover the toe with a plastic film and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known to engulf the toenail fungus in its fatty acid cells. The cells eventually just destroy the fungus since it is segregated from its favorable environment.
How to use
Apply the coconut oil directly onto the infected toe. Ensure that you clean your hands to avoid spreading the fungus to other parts of the body. If you have gloves you can use them to apply the coconut oil on the infected toe. Use coconut oil twice daily for good results.
4. Orange Oil
Orange oil is known to have anti fungal properties. Since it is slightly acidic, ensure that you do not use on sensitive skin since it can cause some irritation. If your skin is sensitive you can dilute the orange oil by mixing it with olive oil.
How to use
Apply some drops of the orange oil on the infected toe and let it be absorbed into the skin. Use the orange oil twice daily for good results.
5. Garlic
Garlic contains two known active ingredients ajoene and allicin. Allicin gives garlic its antimicrobial properties while ajoene gives the garlic antifungal properties.
How to use
You should use garlic when it is crushed so that you get the active ingredients out. Place the crushed garlic on the infected toe and run it up and down. Leave the garlic on the toe so that the skin can absorb the juices.
You may also mix crushed garlic with essential oils like olive oils and coconut oil and then apply the mixture directly on the infected toe. Let the mixture stay and be absorbed into the body. After about 30 minutes you can wash and dry the feet.
Use garlic twice daily for good results. Use it until the symptoms of the infection completely disappear.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a citrus acid. The acid alters the PH of the toe making the environment inhabitable for the toenail fungus. Other citrus fruits may also be used to control toenail fungus. The acid in the juice is what destroys the fungus and limits its spread to other parts of the foot.
How to use
Squeeze the lemon juice from the lemon and put it in a clean container. Then apply the juice directly on the affected region. Let it sit there for about 30 minutes so that it is properly absorbed into the skin. After this, you can clean the feet and wipe them dry.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil known for its ability to boost blood circulation which helps to increase the immune system in the body. The feet do not get a lot of circulation due to the inhibition caused by the shoes and socks and all the pressure exerted on the feet as we work. It is, therefore, important to increase the blood circulation down there so that immunity can be boosted. Lavender oils are also good moisturizers and have antiviral properties.
How to use
Mix lavender oil with Epsom salt and water and soak your feet in the mixture for about 20 minutes. You can also apply drops of lavender oil directly on the infected toe. Let the drops be absorbed into the skin.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda has antifungal properties when made into a paste using hydrogen peroxide. The paste should be used regularly throughout out the day and even throughout the whole day if possible. When applied on the infected toe, it is possible to see the formation of bubbles, which indicates that the paste is working, therefore, do not fret.
How to use
Apply the paste directly on the infected toe. Ensure that the paste gets into contact with the infected areas including the nail bed. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes. It can be covered with a plastic film but this is not a must. After 30 minutes remove the paste because it will not work longer than 30 minutes duration.
Use the paste at least three times every day for good results. When you see positive results you may reduce the frequency.
I recommend you try out these toenail fungus remedies because the are easy to do, affordable and effective in treating toenail fungus. Did you find this article on “How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus” helpful? Do not forget to share with others.
