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

Fungi have the ability to develop under certain conditions:

  • With unbalanced pH of the skin;
  • Weakening of the immune system;
  • Constant exposure to a wet 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 split and be lost completely.

Toenail fungus is dangerous because:

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

How to get rid of toenail fungus quickly: folk remedies

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

The course of treatment with home remedies is 1-2 months.The most convenient ways to get rid of fungus can be found at your fingertips.

Folk remedies for the treatment of this disease can help you get rid of nail fungus quickly.

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

Nail fungus - how to treat it?

Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus are different.It can be treated with apple cider vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil and other folk remedies.All of these methods also work 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, so it 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 and do this every day.
  2. After the procedure, dry your nails.
  3. After 2-3 weeks you will notice noticeable improvements.

Another way to prepare a solution to fight the disease.

  1. Make an exfoliating scrub from rice flour, a coarse granular substance (you can use scrub with apricot kernels) 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 carry out such procedures 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 helps in the treatment of onychomycosis.This drug is also used in the treatment of other infectious skin diseases.

  1. Mix a few drops of essential 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 the brush to gently clean 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 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 half a 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 nail with 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 produced vinegar from the white range of 5-7%.

  1. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water.
  2. Apply this solution to the damaged toenail 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 manipulations every other day, not every day.

Oregano oil

oregano oil for athlete's foot

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 one 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 a day for three weeks to see positive results.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash destroys bacteria in the mouth.It is also effective in treating nail fungus.The product contains several beneficial ingredients, as well as alcohol, which act 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 foot and hand in this solution for 10 to 30 minutes (be careful not to cause a burning sensation), then clean the infected toenail.
  3. Rinse under water and dry 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 cope with fungi.You can use garlic oil to treat nail fungus.

  1. Mix 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 bandage.
  4. Repeat daily until the infection clears.

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

Lemon juice

lemon for athlete's foot

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

  1. Apply fresh lemon juice to the infected nail.
  2. Leave it 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 and then rinse your feet.Olive oil will make your skin silky, while lemon juice will help stop fungal infections.

Use any of these remedies several times a day for a month or longer until you notice 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 essential oil.
  2. Use cotton to apply this treatment under the upper edge of the affected toenail 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 a month or two to see significant results.With patience and persistence, you can treat the infection in the affected nail and prevent further complications.