I never listened to my mother when she asked me to dry my feet before wearing socks. Guess what happened next?
Well, it resulted in toenail fungus. There may be different causes of nail fungus, such as diabetes. But you need to take care of your feet because poor hygiene can worsen your nail condition.
You will get different treatment options for the nail fungus infection, including laser treatment, over-the-counter medicine, prescription drugs, and surgical procedure to remove the nail. But these options are recommended for those with severe cases.
Let’s get into detail about what it is and natural ways to cure mild toenail fungus.
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What is Toenail Fungus?
It is also known as onychomycosis, a condition of common nail fungal infection. Different types of fungus can enter your nail through small cracks. The most common signs of toenails involve turning the color of the nail into white, yellow, or brown. It often results in a cracked nail.
You may adopt prescription drugs or home remedies for toenail fungus, but there will be no instant results. It will take time until your nail grows again.
Toenail Fungus Treatment at Home
When I had toenail fungus, it affected the overall appearance of my foot. Well, it was a mild fungal nail infection.
That’s why, my dermatologists shared some of the simple yet effective home remedies to treat toenail fungus, such as:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Oils always stay on top of my list when it comes to treating my skin conditions. Tea tree oil is popular to treat many skin problems. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties.
According to my experience, tea tree oil is an effective treatment for your toenail fungus.
When you use tea tree oil consistently, it shows results over time. You cannot get rid of toenail fungus overnight.
You can apply the tea tree oil directly to your nail fungus. Consult with your doctor if the toenail fungus is severe.
2. Olive Leaf Extract
Oleuropein is an active substance that is found in the olive leaf. Researchers claim that olive leaf extract contains different beneficial properties. When you apply it directly to your nail fungus, it will give positive results and improve the infection. But it takes time to get your nail healing process.
3. Vinegar
Some studies provide evidence that vinegar impacts toenail fungus infection. You can get the benefit of its antifungal properties by making its solution. There are no side effects to using this method. You can soak your feet in vinegar-mixed water for at least 20 minutes.
4. Garlic
When we talk about antifungal and antimicrobial properties, garlic always stands on this list. Use chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area of your nail for thirty minutes daily.
You can also try garlic supplements as they cause less smell.
5. Ozonized Oils
Olive oil and sunflower oils are injected with ozone gas and categorized as ozonated oils.
A study revealed that ozone exposure even for a short duration can inactive the organisms, including bacteria and fungi.
Some researchers focus more on the positive effects of sunflower oil on toenail fungus than on using any prescription medication.
6. Clip Toenails
Clipping your toenails reduces the pressure on the toe. If you are applying solutions to treat toenail fungus and it does not show any improvement, check your nail length.
Trimming your toenail makes it possible for the treatment to go inside and give more effective results.
7. Clean your Socks and Shoes Regularly
Many people do not care if they repeat the sock pair. If you have toenail fungus, the very first step to take is to stop its growth.
Changing your sock daily can cut down the growth of fungus on your nail. When you wear a sock, the fungus or bacteria can stick to the fabric. You should wash your sock pair every time you change.
Adding some baking soda with vinegar into the water can help to get rid of fungus or bacteria from your sock pair.
8. Black Tea
Black tea has the ability to kill bacteria and reduce sweating by shrinking the pores of your foot. It contains tannic acid that dries out your feet. It is one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus.
Boil water and add black tea bags. It will dissolve all the essential acids from the tea bags.
When the water cools down, soak your feet for at least thirty minutes. You can follow this remedy daily for better results.
9. Diet
Dr. Annum Shahzadi, a top Dermatologist in Lahore with 8 years of experience, says some of the foods support the growth of the fungus. It is important to learn about the diet that can inactive the growth and let the treatment works better for your toenail fungus. Here are some practices you need to follow:
- Cook your food in coconut oil
- Do not consume too much sugar
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Take probiotics supplements
- Limit intake of carbohydrate
10. Hydrogen Peroxide
Studies say that hydrogen peroxide kills organisms like fungi. You can use a clean cloth or cotton swab to apply the hydrogen peroxide. For a foot soak, you can add hydrogen peroxide to the water. You can soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes.
11. Exercise
Experts strongly recommend exercising regularly. Because physical movement stimulates blood circulation and improves the healing process. Healthy blood circulation releases natural vitamins and helps to get rid of toxins in your body. When you exercise, make sure to pat your feet dry after sweating.
12. Give Your Feet a Break
Wearing shoes and socks all day increases the risk of toenail fungus. Poor hygiene may promote the growth of the fungus.
Dermatologists suggest avoiding wearing socks while going to bed if you have a toenail fungus infection. You can also wash your feet with antibacterial soaps to kill the bacteria.
Harmful Tips for Nail Fungus
Bleach can cause severe side effects if you use it on your nail. You should also avoid extremely hot water as it can burn your skin. Always choose lukewarm water to soak your feet. If you are going to remove the nail, do not ever try it yourself. It is better to get help from a dermatologist.
The Bottom Line!
Toenail fungus can result in foot ulcers if you are a diabetic. Additionally, people with weak immune systems should avoid home remedies for toenail fungus. You should consult with our best dermatologists if the toenail fungus is severe.
