Try one of these 10 home remedies for toenail fungus
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of your toenails.
The most obvious symptom is a white, brown, or yellow discoloration of one or more of the toenails. It can spread and cause nails to thicken or break.
Usually, whether it is summer time or not, a toenail fungus is not what you want to see when you look at your feet. Fortunately, there are many treatments that you can try.
Oral prescription antifungals such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan) are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus.
These treatments are often effective, but they can cause serious side effects ranging from upset stomach and dizziness to serious skin problems and jaundice.
1. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although they are designed to eliminate coughs, their active ingredients, eucalyptus oil and camphor, can help treat toenail fungus.
A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus.
To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
2. Ageratin extract
Ageratin extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family.
A 2008 study showed that the remedy is just as effective against toenail fungus as cyclopirox, a prescription antifungal drug.
For the study, ageratin extract was applied to the affected area every three days for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. You can find ageratin extract online.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antiseptic and antifungal properties.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some smaller clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.
To use it, apply tea tree oil directly to the affected nail twice a day with a cotton swab. You can find the therapeutic grade of tea tree oil here.
4. Oil of oregano
Oregano oil contains thymol. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil directly to the affected nail twice a day with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil at the same time.
Both products are strong and can cause irritation or allergic reaction. Combining them can increase this risk. You can also find oregano oil online.
5. Olive leaf extract
An active substance in olive leaf extract, oleuropein, is considered to contain antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating properties.
You can apply the olive leaf ointment directly to the nail fungus or ingest it as a capsule.
According to this article, taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice a day is more effective than olive leaf ointment in treating toenail fungus. Drink enough water during this treatment. Find olive leaf extract capsules and oil online.
6. Ozonated oil
Ozonated oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil are "injected" with ozone gas.
According to a 2011 study, being exposed to ozone in low concentrations for a short period can inactivate many organisms such as fungus, yeast, and bacteria.
Another study found that ozonated sunflower oil was more effective at treating toenail fungus than the prescription topical antifungal, ketoconazole (Xolegel).
To treat toenail fungus with ozonated oil, apply the oil to the affected toenail twice a day.
7. Vinegar
There is only anecdotal evidence to support vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. Still, it can be tried as it is a reasonably safe home remedy.
To use it, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar with two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes every day.
8. Listerine
Listerine contains ingredients such as menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Perhaps that is why it is a traditional home remedy for toenail fungus.
Supporters of the treatment recommend immersing the affected foot in an amber container of Listerine for 30 minutes a day.
9. Garlic
A 2009 article determined that garlic had some antifungal and antimicrobial capabilities.
You can treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing minced or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes a day.
It may be better, and less odorous, to treat the fungus from the inside out by taking garlic capsules. Take them as directed by the manufacturer.
10. Change in your diet
The link between diet and health is clear. The healthier the foods you eat, the more likely your body is to counteract conditions like toenail fungus.
Give your body the nutrients it needs by eating:
- probiotic-rich yogurt
- enough protein to support new nail growth
- enough iron to avoid brittle nails
- a diet rich in essential fatty acids
- foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as low-fat dairy products
When to visit a doctor
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it can cause serious complications for some people.
If you have diabetes, toenail fungus can cause ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis on the legs.
If you have diabetes or a weak immune system, you shouldn't use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor to determine the proper procedure for you to follow.
In conclusion
Home remedies can be more effective than prescription drugs in treating mild or moderate toenail fungus.
Although home remedies usually have fewer side effects, there is little scientific evidence that they work.
Many factors are important when treating toenail fungus, such as the penetrability of the nail, the severity of the infection, and your overall health.
Home remedies may take longer to clear toenail fungus than prescription topical medications or oral systemic antifungals. You may not see results for several months. It is common for them to become re-infected.
Once the infection clears, keep your nails dry, clean, and well-trimmed.
Severe cases of toenail fungus can cause pain and irreversible damage to the toenails. If you try home remedies to treat the infection and they don't work or cause side effects, see your doctor.
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