Toenail fungus and nail fungus - how to treat it?

healthy feet after fungal treatment

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common problem.

Symptoms of the disease are as follows: inflammation, swelling, yellowness, thickening or collapse of the nail.As a rule, if the infection does not spread, the fungus is not accompanied by pain.

Fungi have the ability to grow in certain conditions:

  • With unbalanced skin pH;
  • Weakness of the immune system;
  • Constant exposure to moist environments, including sweaty shoes and socks;
  • Poor hygiene;
  • Diabetes mellitus.

Why is toenail fungus dangerous if left untreated?

If left untreated, the fungus can cause the nail to split and disappear completely.

Toenail fungus is dangerous because:

  • nails are gradually damaged and split;
  • pathogenic bacteria can spread to the skin of the feet and hands;
  • this is an infectious disease that your loved ones can have;
  • Nails can disappear completely.

How to get rid of toenail fungus quickly: folk remedies

But don't despair - nail fungus can be cured at home using simple remedies.

The course of treatment with home remedies is 1-2 months.The easiest way to get rid of fungus is at your fingertips.

Folk remedies to treat this disease quickly can help you get rid of toenail fungus.

But if the disease has reached a painful level and has spread further, you need to see a doctor immediately.

Toenail fungus - how to treat it?

Folk remedies for treating toenail fungus are diverse.It can be treated with apple cider vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil and other folk remedies.All these methods also work well in treating nail fungus.

If you are faced with an urgent question - how to cure nail fungus at home quickly?Then use the method given below.

Apple cider vinegar

It is an acidic substance, so it can prevent the development of fungus on the toes and hands.It also kills fungal and bacterial spores.

  1. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio.You should dip your toes or hands in this solution for 30 minutes, and do this every day.
  2. After the procedure, dry your nails.
  3. After 2-3 weeks you will see a significant improvement.

Another way to prepare a solution to combat this disease.

  1. Make an exfoliating scrub from rice flour, crushed grits (you can use an apricot kernel scrub), and a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
  2. Apply the paste on the affected nail and the area around the nail.
  3. It is recommended to carry out such a procedure several times a week.
  4. Apple cider vinegar can soften the skin and remove dead skin cells from the epidermis.

Tea tree oil

It is characterized by antimicrobial and fungicidal properties, which help in the treatment of onychomycosis.This medicine is also used in the treatment of other infectious skin diseases.

  1. Mix a few drops of tea tree essence with 1 tsp.coconut oil.
  2. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected nail.
  3. Allow the product to soak into the nail and skin for ten minutes, then use a brush to gently scrub the affected nail.
  4. Do the procedure two or three times a day until the healthy appearance of the nail plate is restored.

Baking soda

Baking soda is an affordable product in every kitchen.It is also useful for treating toenail and toenail fungus.In addition, baking soda also helps neutralize unpleasant foot odor.

  1. Mix half a cup of baking soda, a quarter cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and a half cup of salt.
  2. Dissolve the mixture in four cups of hot water.
  3. Mix all the ingredients and then add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to it.
  4. Soak the affected toenails in the resulting solution for 10 minutes.
  5. Then rinse your feet with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
  6. After a few weeks of such procedures (2 times a day), the condition of the nails will improve significantly.

White vinegar

White vinegar is considered one of the best ingredients for treating fungus because it eliminates the infection and restores the skin's pH balance.

White vinegar is a naturally brewed vinegar of 5-7% white grade.

  1. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water.
  2. Soak the damaged toenail in this solution for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Rinse and dry.
  4. Repeat the procedure twice a day until the fungus disappears.

Note:if signs of irritation appear on the skin, add more water to the solution and repeat the manipulation every day, not every other day.

Oil of oregano

oregano oil for athlete's foot

Oregano oil (oregano) has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties.

This makes oregano oil effective in treating nail fungus.

  1. Mix two drops of oregano essence with one teaspoon of olive oil.
  2. Apply this mixture to the affected area of the nail plate.
  3. Leave the solution for 30 minutes.
  4. Then rinse and dry your feet well.
  5. Repeat the procedure once or twice a day for three weeks to see positive results.

Dessert

A liquid rinse destroys bacteria in the mouth.It is also effective in treating nail fungus.This product contains several useful compounds, as well as alcohol, which acts as a strong antiseptic against harmful microbes.

  1. Take a small bowl and fill it with mouthwash or a combination of equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar.
  2. Soak the affected feet and hands in this solution for 10 to 30 minutes (be careful not to cause burns) and then clean the infected toenails.
  3. Rinse under water and dry thoroughly.
  4. Repeat the manipulation once or twice a day until the infection disappears.

Garlic

Thanks to allicin, a bactericidal and fungicidal compound, garlic is able to overcome fungi.You can use garlic oil to treat nail fungus.

  1. Mix garlic oil with an equal amount of white vinegar.
  2. Apply the resulting composition around the infected nail and on the nail plate, then cover the treated finger with a bandage.
  3. Leave it for a few hours before removing the bandage.
  4. Repeat daily until the infection clears.

If you don't have garlic oil at home, you can make your own at home: 2 tbsp.l.Pour olive oil into a hot pan and fry two chopped garlic cloves.

Lemon juice

lemon for toenail fungus

Fresh lemon juice has antiseptic and antifungal properties.Lemon juice stops the spread of nail fungus.

  1. Apply fresh lemon juice on the infected nail.
  2. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

Another way to prepare a medicinal mixture is to mix lemon juice with olive oil (proportion 1:1).

Use this mixture to massage the infected area.Leave it for 2 or 3 hours, then rinse your feet.Olive oil will make your skin silky smooth, while lemon juice will help stop fungal infections.

Use any of these remedies several times a day for a month or longer until you see positive results.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil contains strong volatile compounds that have antiseptic properties: they help fight any external infection and prevent skin irritation.

  1. Mix five drops of lavender oil and tea tree essence.
  2. Use a cotton pad to apply this treatment under the upper edge of the toenail and the affected periungual area.
  3. Leave the oil on for ten minutes, then rinse and dry with a clean towel.
  4. Repeat two or three times a day.

The effectiveness of this home remedy largely depends on proper preparation and use.Use this treatment for at least a month or two to see noticeable results.With patience and persistence, you can treat the infection in the affected nail and prevent further complications.