If you notice that your toenails are looking a little strange (discoloring, breaking or splitting), this could be a sign of nail fungus. Although nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails, it is much more common in toenails. It’s not pretty, but there are simple and effective home remedies for nail fungus that will help your nails get back to normal. From pastes to foot soaks to straight treatments with products you probably already have in your closet, try these products to get your nails back in top shape!
What is nail fungus?
Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails and become more common with age. Onychomycosis usually starts as a white or yellow spot on the tip of the nail or toenail, and as the infection progresses, it can lead to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling around the edges of the nail. It can also affect multiple nails. Many toenail fungi are contagious. An infected person can pass the fungus to another person through direct contact, and you can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.
8 signs and symptoms of nail fungus
You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails:
- Thickened
- Color from white to tan.
- Brittle, crumbly or torn
- Warped shape
- Dark color due to dirt under the nails.
- A slightly unpleasant smell
- Cracks or fractures in one or more places
- The nail is separated from the nail bed (leave space between the nail and the underlying skin).
What causes nail fungus?
Fungal nail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi (yeasts or molds) that live in the environment. Small cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin can let these bacteria into the nail and cause an infection. Fungi thrive in warm and humid environments, so these environments can lead to overcrowding. If you have been in contact with someone who has a fungal infection or have come into contact with a contaminated surface, you can also get infected this way. If you go to a nail salon for a manicure or pedicure, make sure the staff disinfects the tools. Tools such as nail clippers and sanding boards can spread fungal infection if not disinfected.
7 home remedies for nail fungus
- Black tea
Pure black tea contains tannic acid, which dries the feet, kills bacteria and helps close the pores of the feet, reducing sweating. Boil 8 cups of water and add 5-6 black tea bags. Allow the tea to cool and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes to cure toenail and toenail fungus. You can use this foot bath daily. - Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can kill the fungus growing on the nails. You can apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the infected toes or nails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. You can also use hydrogen peroxide in foot baths. Mix â…› cup of hydrogen peroxide with 4 cups of cool water and soak your feet for 10-20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water and pat dry. - Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antifungal properties, which makes it useful if you’re dealing with toenail fungus. Its acetic acid component also helps whiten discolored toenails and can prevent it from spreading to other toes. Mix 2 parts vinegar to 1 part warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes daily. You can also use a 1:1 ratio if you want a more effective foot bath. Try adding essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender if the scent is too strong. - Essential oils
Speaking of essential oils, many of them have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help get rid of nail fungus. This includes:
Eucalyptus oil
lavender oil
cinnamon oil
Tea tree oil
clove oil
Jasmine oil
lemongrass oil
Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil before applying to your skin. You can also add 2 or 3 drops of essential oils to the foot bath or according to your choice.
- Baking soda
Baking soda is another remedy for nail fungus. It can help absorb moisture that can cause nail fungus, and because it has fungistatic properties, it can’t kill the fungus, but it can prevent it from growing.
You can sprinkle baking soda on dry feet and put on clean socks so that the baking soda absorbs moisture and its healing properties prevent gr.
from roses, so it is believed that it has an antifungal effect. Make a dough by mixing cornmeal with water hot enough to dissolve the paste. Leave for an hour and then use a shallow pan to soak your feet in the paste for an hour. Do this once a week for a month to see results.
If you suffer from the dreaded toenail fungus, use these home remedies to banish the fungus.