Nail fungus is certainly a hideous thing, it can not only leave you unable to wear those sandals you love so much but you might also experience inflammation, pain, and swelling of the toe, as well as yellowing, thickening, and crumbling of the nail itself.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis can happen to you for having an abnormal pH of the skin, a compromised immune system, poor foot hygiene, or weak circulation such as that caused by diabetes.
You could visit your dermatologist or, follow the simple and natural remedies we bring for you below!
#1 Cornmeal
Believe it or not, cornmeal it’s surprisingly effective against nail fungus. This is how it works, instead of eating it — you’re going to put it right on your toes. Follow the steps:
-Add one part cornmeal to two parts warm water in a foot bath.
-Soak your feet for about half hour.
-Repeat every other day for one month.
#2 Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus. Follow the steps:
-To use, paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
#3 Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, which fight off the bacteria or fungus that cause the infection, helping prevent recurrence. It is hands down one of the best remedies for toenail fungus. It can be used topically, internally, or both. Follow the steps:
-Mix one part ACV and one part Epsom salts with six parts hot water.
-Let the water cool so that it is still warm to the touch, but not so hot as to be damaging to your skin.
-Soak feet up to twice daily for at least thirty minutes to kill fungus.
-Mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with eight ounces of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten the beverage.
#4 Listerine
If you have Listerine at home, it’s a done deal. Listerine contains ingredients such as menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Follow the steps:
-Soak the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
#5 Vicks VapoRub
This ointment has been the secret weapon that moms use to treat a bad cough. However, its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. Follow the steps:
-Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
#6 Garlic
Though this remedy might not be as popular for the particular odor of garlic, you should know garlics have antifungal and antimicrobial capabilities. Follow the steps:
-Place chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily.
-A less smelly solution would be taking garlic capsules.
#7 Coconut Oil
We all know coconut oil has numerous benefits, including destroying toenail fungus. The caprylic acid present in coconut oil can penetrate the tough cell wall of candida and other fungi. Follow the steps:
– Simply apply a thin layer of coconut oil to infected areas and allow it to soak in for at least 15 minutes.
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