Toenail fungus and nail fungus - how to treat them?

healthy feet after fungus treatment

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

Symptoms of the disease include inflammation, swelling, yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail.As a rule, if the infection does not spread, the fungus is not accompanied by pain.

The fungus has the ability to grow under certain conditions:

  • With unbalanced skin pH;
  • Weakened immune system;
  • Continuous exposure to a humid environment, 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 crack and lose itself completely.

Foot fungus is dangerous because:

  • the nail gradually breaks and splits;
  • pathogenic bacteria can spread to the skin of the feet and hands;
  • it is a contagious disease that your loved ones can contract;
  • The nail may be completely lost.

How to quickly get rid of toenail fungus: folk remedies

But don't despair: nail fungus can be cured at home with simple remedies.

The duration of treatment with home remedies is 1-2 months.The most convenient ways to get rid of fungus are at your fingertips.

Folk remedies for treating this disease can quickly help you get rid of toenail fungus.

But if the disease has reached a painful stage and has spread further, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Toenail fungus: how to treat it?

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

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

Apple cider vinegar

It is an acidic substance that can prevent the development of fungus on the toes and hands.It also kills fungal spores and bacteria.

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

Another way to prepare a solution to fight disease.

  1. Prepare an exfoliating scrub from rice flour, crushed coarse substance (you can use apricot kernel scrub) and a few spoons of apple cider vinegar.
  2. Apply the paste to the affected nail and the area around the nail.
  3. It is recommended to perform these procedures several times a week.
  4. Apple cider vinegar can soften the skin and remove dead skin cells.

Tea tree oil

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

  1. Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 tsp.coconut oil.
  2. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected nail.
  3. Allow the product to penetrate the nail and skin for ten minutes, then use the brush to gently scrub the affected nail.
  4. Perform 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 will also be useful for treating toenail and fingernail fungus.Additionally, baking soda also helps neutralize unpleasant foot odors.

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

White vinegar

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

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

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

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

Oregano oil

oregano oil for foot fungus

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

This makes oregano oil effective in treating nail fungus.

  1. Mix two drops of oregano essential oil with a teaspoon of olive oil.
  2. Apply this mixture to the affected areas 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 daily for three weeks to see positive results.

Mouthwash

Rinse liquid destroys bacteria in the mouth.It is also effective in the treatment of nail fungus.The product contains several useful compounds, as well as alcohol, which act as a powerful 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 foot and hand in this solution for 10 to 30 minutes (be careful not to cause a burning sensation), then clean the infected nail.
  3. Rinse it under water and dry it thoroughly.
  4. Repeat the manipulations once or twice a day until the infection disappears.

Garlic

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

  1. Mix the garlic oil with the same 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 on for a few hours before removing the dressing.
  4. Repeat daily until the infection clears up.

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

Lemon juice

lemon for foot fungus

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

  1. Apply fresh lemon juice to 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 (proportions 1:1).

Use this mixture to massage the infected area.Leave it on 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 one of these remedies several times a day for a month or more until you notice positive results.

Lavender oil

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

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

The effectiveness of these home remedies largely depends on their proper preparation and application.Use these treatments for at least one or two months to see significant results.With patience and persistence, you can treat the infection in the affected nail and prevent further complications.