Nail fungus, how can we fix them?

 Nail fungus, how can we fix them?

What is nail fungus?

It is also called onychomycosis . It is the fungal infection of the nails.

They occur more often in adults and adolescents. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. Within the toenails, the first toe is usually the most affected and can later spread to the others.

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There are other special forms, such as paronychia. This starts in the crease around the nail. It appears swollen, red and painful, and may exude. Then it spreads to the rest of the nail.

What they owe?

The causative fungi thrive in humid areas - swimming pools, gyms or showers are ideal places to facilitate these infections. There is also a greater risk if there are previous injuries to the nail, if the nails are cut with utensils used by other people or if closed shoes are worn. It is usually associated with other skin diseases. They can also occur at the same time as a yeast infection of the foot or  athlete's foot .

What symptoms will you notice?

It is rare that it causes discomfort. The most common symptoms are changes in the appearance of the nails : brittleness, discoloration, whitish or yellowish stripes, thickening, lifting, breaking, crumbling of the nail edges or debris trapped under the nail.

What types are there?

• Distal subungual : It is the most common type in the big toe. The free edge of the nail becomes yellowish and thickened. The surface becomes rougher and can become fragmented.
• Proximal subungual : The root of the nail is damaged first. Yellowish or whitish areas are seen moving towards the free end. He's a weird guy.
• Superficial white : It begins with small white dots on the nail, which later coalesce and form larger areas.
• Melanonychia : This means "pigmented nail" or "brown nail". It is very rare.
• Onychodystrophy : There is a total deformation of the nail, which becomes very thickened, curved, and falls apart easily. It is, in many cases, the final phase of the infection.

How do pediatricians know that it is nail fungus?

Fortunately, it is easy to diagnose. It can be done with the naked eye. Sometimes it may be necessary to scrape the nail and look under a microscope or send samples to the lab for culture (can take up to three weeks).

How can it be treated?

Using over-the -counter creams and ointments is generally not helpful in treating this infection.

If the root is not affected, antifungal agents in the form of lacquers and nail polish can be used initially for 6-12 months.

The pediatrician will indicate, if necessary, the specific treatment ( antifungal or antifungal ) by mouth. This is best given with meals, as it is better absorbed. The treatment is long (2-3 months for the toenails or a little less for the fingernails).

Laser treatments can be helpful. In some cases, the doctor may decide to remove the nail.

Keep in mind that these are difficult infections to treat. The drugs kill the fungus in about half of the patients. Even if the treatment goes well, the fungus can reappear. Nail fungus is cured by growing new, uninfected nails. After effective treatment, it can take up to a year for a new nail to grow.

Can they be prevented?

Yes. So take note of the main measures to follow:

• Take good hygiene . Shower after playing sports and try to keep your feet clean and dry. Take them out very well.
• Wear flip flops in changing rooms, public showers, and swimming pools.
• Wear  well-ventilated shoes regularly.
• Take proper care of your nails.
• Wash and dry your hands very well after being in contact with someone with fungus.
• Don't share fingernail and toenail clippers with anyone.

When should I see the pediatrician?

Whenever you suspect a yeast infection. Also if the infection persists despite treatment or if you have a red, painful or pus-draining area on your foot.

Additional Information:

• Nail fungus(link is external)  From the Dermapixel blog : Outreach blog of the prestigious dermatologist Rosa Taberner, who can provide you with more interesting information to expand your knowledge.
• Onychomycosis(link is external) From the website of the Dermatology Service of the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona.

Home remedies for nail fungus

 Home remedies for nail fungus

Have you been with toenail fungus for a long time and there is no way to end it? Have you tried different products that do nothing more than damage your nails and your skin, but they can't get rid of your fungus ? Many people suffer from fungus in the hands and / or feet and some even take years to get rid of them. In this OneHowTo article we explain different home remedies for nail fungus .

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Apple cider vinegar against nail fungus
Pour a cup of apple or cider vinegar into a bowl filled with warm water. Dip your nails affected by fungus in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. When this time passes, dry your nails well with a towel or paper. If your skin becomes irritated, do not do this every day (every three or four days) or put less amount of apple cider vinegar. If he is not irritated, you can do this every day.

You can also choose to eliminate nail fungus by mixing vinegar with other ingredients full of antibacterial properties that will improve your condition: lemon, garlic and rosemary. For this we will need:

• 1 glass of apple cider vinegar
• 2 lemons
• 2 glasses of water
• 1 branch of rosemary
• 3 garlic cloves

You should prepare this mixture by taking all the ingredients to a saucepan and boiling them for 10 minutes. Once ready, you should let it cool slightly and then moisten a cotton ball with this mixture to apply it to the nails that are infected with the fungus.

You should repeat this process daily until you see that the fungus has completely disappeared. In oneHOWTO we tell you how to use apple cider vinegar for mushrooms .

Home remedies for nail fungus - Apple cider vinegar against nail fungus
Olive oil and oregano oil to eliminate nail fungus
Another of the best home remedies for nail fungus is olive oil mixed with oregano, two oils with properties that will help you regenerate cells and eliminate the fungus that is affecting the health of your nails. In addition, they will be able to give you the hydration that this area of ​​your body needs again. To prepare this remedy you will need the following:

• 3 drops of oregano essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

To do this, you must mix both oils in the same container until you get a homogeneous mixture. Then, you just have to apply this mixture to your nails every night before sleeping so that they absorb its properties throughout the night. In a period of 10 or 15 days you will see how your nails are healthy and in perfect condition.

Lemon against nail fungus
Lemon is known for its antibacterial capabilities, also helping to effectively combat the formation of fungus, which is why it is a very effective home remedy to cure nail fungus . You just have to make a juice with a couple of lemons and put your nails inside for 10 minutes. If you repeat this procedure daily for two or three weeks, you will see how, in addition, your nails are lighter and look much healthier.

Keep in mind that the citric acid contained in lemon acts as a natural antibiotic that eliminates any infection that can damage the health of your nails, for this reason, it is an ideal remedy to keep them in perfect condition. We also recommend that you do this method at night because the acid can cause stains, especially if it comes into contact with the sun.

Garlic against nail fungus
Place four or five cloves of garlic in a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. When it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and wait for the water to be warm. Then soak your feet or hands in fungal nails for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a week, you will see how thanks to the properties of garlic , among which its antifungal power stands out, your nails look healthy again.

Remember that garlic is an ingredient that acts as an antimicrobial and an antibiotic and, therefore, ensures that any fungus or external infection can be eradicated very effectively. In addition to the remedy that we have given you, another way to take full advantage of the benefits of garlic for nail fungus is to crush the garlic and mix it with olive oil, you will get a paste that you can apply on the nails for 30 minutes each day.


Castor oil to eliminate nail fungus
To take advantage of the multiple properties of castor oil, we are going to make a preparation that will help us eliminate nail fungus and restore the health of this area of ​​our body. To do this, we will wet a cotton pad in said oil and apply it to the affected nail, every night, before going to sleep.

Afterwards, we will place the cotton on top of the nail and immobilize it with a tape to allow its benefits to penetrate throughout the night and that, thus, the treatment is most effective while you sleep. In the morning, you just have to remove the cotton and clean the foot, dry it well and with a swab from the ears, apply a light layer of the same oil and let it dry before putting on your shoes.

You can apply light layers of castor oil throughout the day so that you can speed up the healing and elimination of the fungus.

In this other oneHOWTO article we will show you different beauty tricks with castor oil .


Yogurt to treat fungus
Other of the best home remedies for nail fungus is natural yogurt , a food full of probiotics, live bacteria that can reduce the proliferation of fungi and achieve an improvement in the health of your feet almost immediately.

To take advantage of these benefits, you will simply have to use natural yogurt and apply it on the affected nails. Let it dry for about 30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water to clean it completely. Above all, take care that they are very dry so that moisture does not accumulate on the nails and, therefore, new fungi cannot appear.

The tea tree, ideal for eliminating fungi
Tea tree oil is also an ideal home remedy for nail fungus as it has an antiseptic action that will eliminate any infection on your skin, such as fungus. To take advantage of its properties, we recommend that you buy this natural oil in a health food or specialized store and then apply it twice a day to the affected nail.

We recommend that you opt for an oil that is as pure as possible , if it can be 100%, so that its action is as effective as possible. In a period of 1 month, approximately, you will see a great improvement in your feet and the fungi will gradually subside.

How to prevent nail fungus
In addition to knowing these home remedies, it is also convenient to put into practice a series of simple tips that can help you prevent nail fungus and have healthier hands and / or feet.

Next, we are going to give you a series of tips so that you can avoid the appearance of new nail fungus :

• Comfortable shoes: it is essential that you choose to use a type of footwear that is comfortable for the foot, that is, that does not tighten the nail or toe area too much. In addition, we recommend that the material is not synthetic so that your feet can easily perspire.
• Avoid dampness: fungi appear in humid environments and, therefore, it is important that you dry your feet well after showering and that, when you come to the gym or to play sports, you quickly change your socks and shoes to avoid them spend a long time in an environment with humidity.
• Maximum hygiene in public places : spaces such as swimming pools, shared bathrooms, changing rooms, etc., are areas where fungi abound and their contagion because, as we have said, they have humidity and can produce these fungi. We must always wear flip flops correctly so that we do not touch the ground directly with our feet and never share them with anyone.
• 100% cotton socks: to prevent moisture from accumulating on the foot, it is highly recommended to wear cotton socks as this material absorbs moisture and thus prevents the appearance of fungus.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

What is the best home remedy for toenail fungus?

 What is the best home remedy for toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is a common infection. It is contagious, so it can start on one nail and spread to the others.

Medical treatment generally involves the use of prescription antifungal medications. Although it is effective, some people have unpleasant side effects, ranging from an upset stomach to other skin problems.

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This is why some people prefer home remedies to treat toenail fungus. Here we explain some of the most popular home methods for treating toenail fungus.

Sodium bicarbonate
There are several popular home remedies that can help treat toenail fungus.
Baking soda absorbs moisture that can cause toenail fungus. In a small study, researchers looked at the effect of baking soda on common fungi that cause infections, such as toenail fungus.

Investigations found that sodium bicarbonate prevented fungal growth in 79% of the tested specimens. In another 17%, baking soda reduced fungal growth, although it did not eradicate it.

How to use it
Baking soda can be put inside socks and shoes to absorb moisture.

You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this several times a day until the fungus is gone.

Menthol topical ointment
Mentholated topical ointments can help treat toenail fungus.

Doctors often recommend this type of ointment to help treat cough and cold symptoms. The same active ingredients in menthol ointments - menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor - have other properties that can be effective in treating toenail fungus.

A small study looked at the use of one of these ointments to treat toenail fungus. All 18 participants said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of using the ointment to treat toenail fungus. However, the menthol topical ointment cured only 5 participants at the end of the study, which lasted 48 weeks.

More research is needed to show that a menthol ointment is an effective option for treating toenail fungus.

How to use it
Apply menthol ointment directly to the affected nail. Do this about once a day for several weeks or until the nail visibly improves.

Vinegar
Vinegar is a common household product used in cooking and in some household cleaning solutions. Although there is no clinical evidence so far, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that vinegar is an effective tool for treating toenail fungus.

How to use it
Those who want to try vinegar as a treatment can apply it directly to the affected nails by immersing the feet in a bowl of warm water mixed with vinegar. A mixture of two parts of water and one of vinegar should be used.

Mouthwash
As with vinegar, there is no direct scientific evidence to support the use of mouthwash to treat toenail fungus. However, some studies suggest that many types of mouthwash have antifungal properties.

One study reports that 7 commercial types of mouthwash showed antifungal activity in laboratory tests.

How to use it
Try dipping your toenails in a small bowl of mouthwash.

Garlic
Commonly used to season food, garlic can also help treat toenail fungus. Although limited, there is some evidence to support this claim.

One study found that garlic extract showed strong antifungal properties against fungi that cause infections in laboratory samples. Another study also provided promising results for garlic oil against certain strains of fungi, again in laboratory samples.

How to use it
Many people use minced garlic cloves to help treat toenail fungus. To use garlic, mince a clove and apply it to the affected nails and for about 30 minutes.

Be careful when using garlic to treat toenail fungus, as raw garlic can sometimes cause a chemical burn on the skin.

Ageratin extract
Snake root is not as well known in the United States, but it is a traditional treatment for fungal infections in Mexico. Snake root, also called Ageratina , is part of the sunflower family and is known for its antifungal properties.

A review of laboratory values ​​observed that specific compounds in snake root exhibited antifungal properties against strains of fungi that can cause athlete's foot.

Another recent but small study found no significant difference in results for treating vaginal yeast infections with ageratin extract compared to a common antifungal medication.

How to use it
People interested in ageratin extract can buy it in specialty stores or online. The extract can be applied to the affected toenails two or three times a week. Treatment typically takes about 3 months.

Essential oil blends
Applying essential oils with antifungal properties to affected nails can help.
Mixtures of certain essential oils can have an antifungal effect when applied to fungi.

These mixes include:

• lavender oil
• petitgrain oil
• sage oil
• ylang oil
• jasmine oil

One study suggests that mixtures of these oils have an antifungal and antimicrobial effect in laboratory samples. However, effectiveness depends on the oil blend and the amount of the chemicals linalool and linalyl acetate they contain.

How to use them
People interested in trying an essential oil blend can purchase them online or at a health food store. Mix the oil with a base oil before applying the mixture to the affected nails.

Ozonated oil
Ozonated oils are oils infused with ozone gas. Some oils that are available in ozonated form include sunflower oil and olive oil.

According to a study, ozonated oils show similar positive effects to the drug called terbinafine cream in treating a type of fungus. In this study, the researchers used rabbits to test the effectiveness of the treatment.

Another study of 400 people investigated how ozonated oils affect yeast infections. In this 2011 study, researchers used ozonated sunflower oil to treat toenail fungus.

Their results indicated that ozonated oils cured more than 90.5% of all infections with only 2.8% recidivism rate after 1 year. The researchers concluded that ozonated sunflower oil works better than ketoconazole cream, which is an antifungal drug.

How to use them
To use ozonated oils, apply the oil to the affected nails twice a day for three months.

Lifestyle and home remedies a fungal nail infection

 Lifestyle and home remedies a fungal nail infection

You can often cure a fungal nail infection at home:

• Try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments. There are several products available. If you see white marks on the surface of your nails, file them, soak them in water, dry them, and apply the prescribed cream or lotion.
• Trim and refine your nails. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails. Also, if you do this before applying an antifungal, the medication can reach deeper layers of the nail.
• Before trimming nails or using a file to refine thick nails, soften them with creams that contain urea. If you have a disease that causes poor blood flow to your feet and you cannot trim your nails, visit a health professional frequently to have your nails trimmed.

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Preparation for the consultation
You will likely start by consulting your GP or general practitioner. In some cases, when you call for a consultation, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or a specialist in foot disorders (podiatrist).

To make the most of your time with the doctor, it is a good idea to go to your appointment prepared.

What can you do

• Make a list of symptoms, even those that don't seem to be related to nail fungus.
• Write down your most important personal information, including what is causing you the most stress or any recent changes in your life.
• Make a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
• Make a list of questions for the doctor.

In the case of nail fungus, your questions might be:

• What could be causing my symptoms or my illness?
• What are other possible causes of my symptoms or my illness?
• What tests do I need to have?
• What would be the best steps to take?
• What are the alternatives to the main approach that you suggest?
• I have other health problems. What is the best way to control them together?
• What are the alternatives to the main approach that you suggest?

Do you have brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? Do you recommend any website about nail fungus?

Nail fungus

 Nail fungus

Diagnosis
The doctor will examine your nails. They may take clippings from your nails or scrape off some debris from under the nail and send the sample to the lab to identify the type of fungus causing the infection.

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Some diseases, such as psoriasis, can be very similar to a fungal infection of the nail. Microorganisms like yeast and bacteria can also infect the nails. Learning about the cause of the infection helps determine the best treatment.

Treatment
Nail fungus infections can be difficult to treat. See your doctor if self-care strategies and over-the-counter products haven't helped. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of fungus causing it. It may take months before you see results. Also, even if nail disease improves, recurrent infections are common.

Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that you can take by mouth or apply to the nail. In some situations, it is helpful to combine oral and topical antifungal treatments.

Oral antifungal medications. These medications are often the first option, since they clear the infection more quickly than topical medications. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new infection-free nail to grow, slowly replacing the infected part.

This type of medicine is usually taken for 6 to 12 weeks. But you won't see the final result of the treatment until the nail has completely finished growing back. It can take four months or longer to clear an infection. Success rates for treatment with these drugs appear to be lower in adults over 65 years of age.

Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects ranging from skin rash to liver damage. In some cases, you may need blood tests to check how you are doing while taking these types of medications. Doctors may not recommend them for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure, or for people taking certain medications.

Nail polish with medications. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called "ciclopirox" (Penlac). It is used to paint infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you remove the overlapping layers with rubbing alcohol and begin the applications again. You may need to wear this type of nail polish every day for about a year.
Medicated nail cream. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, which you should rub over the infected nails after soaking them. These creams may work best if you refine your nails first. This helps the medicine penetrate the hard surface of the nail and reach the fungus underneath.

To refine your nails, you can apply an over-the-counter lotion that contains urea. The doctor may also sharpen the surface of the nail (debridement) with a file or other tool.

Surgery
Your doctor may suggest temporary removal of the nail so that the antifungal medicine can be applied directly to the infection under the nail.

Some nail fungal infections do not respond to medications. Your doctor may suggest permanent removal of the nail if the infection is severe or extremely painful.

How to cure toenail fungus

 How to cure toenail fungus

The invasion of nail fungus is known as onychomycosis , a condition that causes the appearance of yellow spots and an unpleasant appearance of these. It is more common for this to occur on the toenails , although fungus can also appear on the hands. It should be noted that treatment for fungal infections takes time and must be supervised by a doctor. In this OneHowTo article, we explain more about how to cure toenail fungus.

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Steps to follow:
1
First of all, it should be noted that if we believe we have toenail fungus, we must go to a dermatologist or specialist doctor to examine us and determine exactly what the appropriate diagnosis is. When the nails suffer from this condition, they experience changes in their appearance, color and texture, which are alert and you must know how to identify them in order to start treatment as soon as possible. The main symptoms of nail fungus are the following:

• Yellowish color, yellowish spots on the edges or appearance of yellowish stripes in the first days.
• Thickening of the nails.
• Brittle and breakage-prone nails.
• Dismantling of the nail and unpleasant odor in advanced stages.

2
The best to cure toenail fungus is a topical treatment , applied externally and locally on the nail surface, which can be combined with an oral antifungal treatment , which serves to cure the infection completely and make that the nail recovers its original state as soon as possible.

3
It should be noted that the duration of treatments to cure toenail fungus are long, as a general rule. They usually last a minimum of 2 or 3 months to be effective and -in most cases- longer, so patience will be essential. It is also important that you follow your doctor's instructions at all times regarding the dose and duration of oral treatment, on the contrary, the fungal infection will not be permanently cured.

4
The treatments topics are a great help to accelerate the healing nail fungus, and is fighting this problem from the base, creating an unfavorable environment for proliferation and protecting future nail infections. You can buy them in pharmacies and they are available in various formats, such as a spray or a kind of nail polish. You will have to apply it following the instructions on the container so that the affected nail can regenerate and, above all, wait for the solution to dry before putting on socks or putting on your shoes.

5
In those cases of greater severity and in which a good treatment has not been carried out prematurely, it may be necessary to remove the nail to be able to cure the fungus completely. This will be a decision that a specialist doctor will always make once they have carefully reviewed the state of the affected nail and your health in particular.

6
Although it is not a proven solution, it is possible to use some natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar , lemon, olive and oregano oil, garlic, castor oil to combat nail fungus and notice an improvement more quickly. If you want to know how you should apply each of them, see the article Home remedies for nail fungus .

Try one of these 10 home remedies for toenail fungus

 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.

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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.

How to polish silver, here are 6 super effective natural remedies

 How to polish silver, here are 6 super effective natural remedies

How many of you have silver items in the house? To preserve its luminous appearance, silver needs continuous care, as the percentage of sulfur present in it tends to blacken when it comes into contact with the air. Here are some eco-friendly remedies to polish your silverware.

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Each of us has silver objects in our home , cutlery, plates, glasses, frames to illuminate and embellish the table and the surrounding environment in an elegant and refined way. But in order to preserve its luminous appearance, silver needs continuous care, as in contact with the air the percentage of sulfur present in it tends to oxidize and blacken . Silver is a metallic chemical elementoften used to make jewelry and silverware. Unfortunately, its composition means that it is easily subject to aesthetically unpleasant streaks.

The dark patina on the silver surface is caused by oxidation in contact with the air (the phenomenon is due to the fact that metallic silver reacts with the sulfur compounds normally present in the air, forming a thin silver sulphide patina black color). Although Eastern peoples, like the Japanese, love the refinement of tarnished silver, we Westerners prefer the dazzling splendor of cleanliness. Without spending money on specific products and especially chemicals, which are therefore not exactly healthy, you can use natural remediesof grandmother respecting yourself, your wallet and the environment. Here are some tips for polishing silver.

Lemon juice
Cleaning silverware with lemon juice is one of the most effective remedies. Just mix it with a little baking soda and rub the solution obtained on the object to be cleaned, using a soft cloth.

Bicarbonate and water
Always with bicarbonate , but this time mixed with hot water , you can create an excellent 100% natural detergent in which to immerse the blackened or oxidized silverware. Leave to soak for about an hour and then dry with a cloth.

Potato cooking water
Add the water in which you boiled the potatoes to a little white wine vinegar , in order to create an excellent natural degreaser , in which to immerse the silver to be removed.

Coarse salt
Pour inside a covered container of aluminum foil  of coarse salt and dell ' hot water , and soak the stained silverware. Let it act and then dry with a cloth, the silver will be as good as new.

Vinegar
L ' of white wine vinegar is a great ally for the cleaning of the house. To polish the blackened silver, just mix it with water and rub the solution obtained with a soft, dry cloth.  

Toothpaste
It may seem strange, but it is not, because the toothpaste has a high degreasing power . To clean the silver you just need to spread a little product on the surface to be treated, let it act for a few minutes and remove with a clean cloth.

How to clean silver jewelry?

 How to clean silver jewelry?

Discover the 4 foolproof remedies to clean and stain silver quickly and easily. Polishing silver jewelry is a very simple thing to do but not everyone is aware of it. In fact, the polishing and cleaning of silver objects can be done naturally.

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Why does silver turn black?
Silver is a ductile and reflective material and we all know, if we have purchased a silver accessory at least once, that after time it starts to become dark and not very shiny. To prevent this from happening or even better to repair such damage there are various methods.

As a premise I tell you that the idea according to which water deteriorates silver is absolutely not true!

Yes, they are false myths from which we can free ourselves, indeed these myths teach us that if the bijoux in contact with water after a while it should lose its original color and above all stain the skin, this jewel is not made of silver at all!

It is a material containing a small amount of silver or a similar alloy.

In short, all those jewels that turn black are certainly not made of silver.

So as a first tip: Be wary of all those who want to sell you silver jewelry at a low price, evaluate well before making a wrong purchase ..

But back to us ... How to clean silver?
So, let's get started. I list 4 effective methods and for each method everything you need.

1st Method: Water, a toothbrush, a pair of gloves, a tube of toothpaste and a soft kitchen cloth.

First of all, it must be said that toothpaste is an abrasive substance and therefore allows to eliminate all the oxidation formed on the silver.

Just take the object in question with gloves, put some toothpaste on the toothbrush and start scrubbing with care and delicacy. Once you have finished removing the limescale, rinse carefully with running water and dry with a kitchen towel.

* Attention * at the end throw away the toothbrush, please!

2nd Method: Bicarbonate, hot water and a soft kitchen cloth.

In a bowl pour hot water, previously heated, for each liter of water add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix. At this point, immerse the silver object inside the bowl and keep it immersed for a couple of minutes, then take the kitchen cloth and rub it carefully to remove the oxidation.

* NB if the procedure seems difficult and the limestone does not go away, don't give up! Proceed with the dive again and so on *

3rd Method: Lemon, cotton cloth and toothbrush.

Squeeze some lemon juice on your jewel and with a soft cloth rub gently, if your jewel is not smooth but has interstices you just need a toothbrush and always rub gently in order to clean completely and make it shine. silver.

This Operation must be repeated several times to have an effective result. .

4 Method: Coarse salt and water
A method that polishes your silver and undoubtedly this we will explain to you. Line a glass container with aluminum foil and fill it halfway with coarse salt. Dip your silver objects inside and pour some boiling water. Wait about an hour and the result is guaranteed.
Silver jewels are delicate, but you just need to know a couple of tricks to polish jewels easily and with a few elements that you will surely find at home!

7 ingenious ways to clean silver items

 7 ingenious ways to clean silver items

Does your silver jewelry or cutlery look tarnished, blackened, oxidized? Time and wear blacken silver jewelry, as well as cutlery and other objects made of this material. Fortunately, there is a way to make them shine again, just a few tricks and ingredients are enough: first of all we advise you to have a soft cloth , preferably chamois, and an equally soft toothbrush ; these will facilitate the cleaning of interstices or any stones. There are many specific products on the market for cleaning and polishing silver, but, as often happens, these products can be expensive and harmful to the environment . For this reason it is always better to rely onnatural products found in the home . Here are our favorite methods:

Silver Polish and Cleaner Products

1. The lemon
In addition to being an excellent remedy against bad odors and the ideal ally for cleaning the oven , lemon can be used to clean your silver jewelry, or cutlery. Take the lemon juice and pour it directly on the objects to be cleaned, and then rub it with a cotton cloth. For the interstices, soak a toothbrush in lemon juice and gently rub into the hard-to-reach corners: gradually you will see a green color appear, this is the oxidized part that is disappearing. When you are satisfied with the result, rinse under running water and dry with a clean dry cloth .

2. White vinegar
This perfect natural remedy for cleaning windows can also be used for cleaning jewelry and other silver items. This method requires slightly longer times: you can add two teaspoons of vinegar in a container with hot water, immerse the objects you need to clean in it and leave it to act for at least half an hour. Alternatively, you can pour the vinegar directly on a cloth and use it to polish the silver. As always, the toothbrush can be useful for crevices and corners.

3. The beer
Beer, like cola, can be very effective for cleaning silver items that are oxidized. Fill a bowl (or rather, a mug!) With beer and again, leave your silverware to rest overnight. The next morning, rinse everything well, if you don't want to have cutlery that leaves a taste of beer in your mouth. Tiziana also uses beer to give some tone to wooden furniture or to give plants to drink ... here are all the other tips for cleaning with beer !

4. The toothpaste
The toothpaste can be used, as well as for cleaning the teeth, even for some small household measures, including the cleaning of silverware and jewelry . You have to sprinkle the toothpaste all over the affected surface, to do this you can use a cloth or a toothbrush or even your finger to make sure that it completely covers the silver object. Rub gently and you will see the black / green caused by oxidation slowly disappear .

5. Cigarette ash or wood
Strange as it may sound, ash can really be the solution to your oxidized silverware problem. Before starting with the operation, sift the ash to remove small fragments of wood or other material, depending on the origin of the ash. Add some water to obtain a rather soft mixture and use it to rub the affected objects. Alternatively, a cotton swab is also good, to which in addition to the solution with the ash you can add a little lemon juice. At the end, rinse and dry carefully.

6. Playing the little chemist: salt
For the most persistent stains , salt comes in handy once again , and this time we will use a real chemical reaction to clean the silver! First you have to take a container and cover it with aluminum foil. Put water to boil and then sprinkle the inside of the container with coarse salt (a teaspoon for each liter of water), place the objects you want to clean and then fill the container with boiling water: dissolving the salt will trigger the so-called electrolysis phenomenon . The oxide (the black you see on the cutlery) is eliminated thanks to the reaction of the aluminum with the saline solution.

7. Sodium bicarbonate
Obviously, among all these remedies, our dear baking soda could not be missing ! You can use it as in the previous method instead of salt, or create a fairly consistent dough to use for scrubbing your cutlery and your jewelry , using a soft cloth or a toothbrush. 'hours and at the end rinse thoroughly.

And you? How do you clean your jewelry and silver items? If we've forgotten any foolproof remedies, share them with us in the comments below!

How to clean silver: tips and products

 How to clean silver: tips and products

Why clean silver

In our home, there are often precious silver objects such as cutlery, trays and other furnishings. Over time, however, the silverware can blacken and require cleaning.

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But why does silver turn black ?

The main cause of this phenomenon is undoubtedly oxidation , caused by the contact of the surfaces with oxygen or sulfur.

Oxidation occurs gradually over time and, when it is still in its initial state, it can give a certain vintage charm to silverware but, once it has reached a rather advanced stage, it makes any object lose its beauty, even the most beautiful and elegant. value.

For this, it is necessary to carry out regular cleaning of the silver and proper prevention of oxidation.



Clean silver: how to prevent oxidation

As mentioned, the blackening of silver is caused by contact with substances that cause oxidation, such as oxygen and sulfur.

To preserve the beauty and splendor of silver, it is first recommended to store it in well-sheltered places.

It is therefore recommended to keep all the silver objects that we do not often use inside special boxes well closed or inside protective bags , also made of fabric, to be placed in the drawers.

If, on the other hand, it is a question of silver objects that we want to exhibit, as in the case of knick-knacks, it will be sufficient to place them in glass cabinets to protect them at best.

Avoid the use of plastic bags that would favor the blackening of the surfaces.


The plaster trick

to favor a good conservation of the silverware it is possible to resort to the trick of colored chalks. The gypsum , in fact, placed inside the container in which you put the silver, it will absorb all the moisture preventing the oxidation. In any case, to prevent the blackening of the silver , it will be necessary to keep it away from water and any source of humidity. For this reason, it is recommended that you never store silver in places in the house near the sink or bathtub and never store it in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. For the same reason, even after using water to clean oxidized silver , it will be necessary to dry all objects properly.











Clean silver with natural remedies

On the market there are specific products for polishing silver but to obtain excellent results in complete safety it is also possible to resort to completely natural DIY remedies.

Among the most popular natural solutions to clean blackened silver we certainly find sodium bicarbonate , very effective both on lighter oxidations and on rather advanced ones.

To clean small silver objects, it is recommended to dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, using a simple toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently remove the encrustations on the surface.

As an alternative to this method, to clean silver with bicarbonate , especially for large objects such as trays, it is possible to wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of water and a pinch of baking soda.

Also in this case, after cleaning, it is advisable to dry thoroughly.


Clean the silver with salt, lemon and baking soda

To restore cutlery or small silver ornaments to their original splendor, it is instead possible to take a fairly large pot, cover its bottom with a sheet of aluminum foil and fill it with plenty of hot water in which to dissolve a spoonful of salt and bicarbonate and then immerse it. the silverware for a few minutes.

Afterwards, rinse well and finally dry carefully.
Alternatively, you can dissolve two teaspoons of baking soda in a little lemon juice , in order to obtain a creamy mixture to be applied on encrustations and blackening and then rinsed.


Clean the silver with white vinegar

Among the natural remedies to polish oxidized black silver , white vinegar is undoubtedly one of the most effective.

To clean silver with vinegar , the procedure to follow is very easy: just immerse the objects to be cleaned in a solution consisting of water and a tablespoon of vinegar for a few minutes and then rub and dry with a soft cloth.


Clean the silver with toothpaste

It may seem strange, but the common toothpaste for brushing teeth is a great ally for cleaning silver.

The procedure for cleaning blackened silver is quite simple: it is in fact sufficient to gently rub a small amount of toothpaste on the dark spots on the silver surface using a toothbrush or a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

How to clean silver with baking soda

 How to clean silver with baking soda

How to clean silver with baking soda : all the instructions for  polishing silver  using a solution based on baking soda.


Many of the detergents for polishing silver that are on the market are based on  sodium bicarbonate , some are marketed under the name of "foams" others are presented as "polishing milk", or as an  active spray .

Silver Polish and Cleaner Products

The only drawback is that these products are often very expensive and certainly not ecological; for these reasons we invite you to look for sustainable alternatives such as the use of  sodium bicarbonate.

Sodium bicarbonate
The  sodium bicarbonate  includes a large number of  properties so as to be useful with the housework, cleaning the bathroom, such as limescale, to clean the silver or to neutralize odor of cat litter.

The  sodium bicarbonate  is a chemical salt which can react either as acid or as a base (alkali). Its molecular formula is NaHCO3 and, in reality, the name  sodium bicarbonate  is incorrect: its correct nomenclature sees names such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or monosodium carbonate. Its properties and uses are mainly related to its ability to  neutralize the pH  of a substance whether it is excessively alkaline or excessively acidic.

How to clean silver with baking soda
The silver cleaning  should be performed regularly, many of the products on the market are too aggressive and instead of polish can get to damage our silverware. Polishing silverware is one of the cult  phases  of spring cleaning, so here's how to proceed to  clean silver with  simple but effective  baking soda .

What does it take to clean silver with baking soda ?

• A container large enough to house the silver object to be polished.
• A sheet of aluminum foil large enough to line the container.
• A few tablespoons of baking soda .
• Waterfall.

How to polish silver with bicarbonate and aluminum:

• Take a large enough container and line it with aluminum foil.
• Fill the container with hot water.
• Dissolve a few tablespoons of baking soda and cooking salt in water, one tablespoon per liter of water will suffice. One tablespoon equals about 25 grams.
• Immerse your silver object in the freshly prepared aqueous solution.
• Let the baking soda work for about an hour.
• After 60 minutes, remove the silver from the water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Why is it necessary to line the container with aluminum?

• The answer is simple, without aluminum foil the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate suspended in aqueous solution would be only partial.
• This natural method of polishing silver is effective thanks to the reaction that occurs between aluminum and silver salts. While the aluminum reacts forming salts, the blackened silver present on the surface of the object to be treated is reconverted into metallic silver.

This just described is not the only method for cleaning and polishing silver. If this natural remedy is not enough, you can polish the silver using one of the many polish offered on the market. With the growing popularity of organic cleansing products, there is no shortage of biodegradable silver cleaners, capable of acting in a gentle and safe way. For a complete overview of costs and available products, I refer you to  the Amazon silver cleaners page .

How to clean silver: 7 ideas to do it naturally

 How to clean silver: 7 ideas to do it naturally

What anger when that unbearable black patina forms on the silver objects in your home. Cutlery , bracelets , necklaces , frames : nothing is spared by the passage of time. All it takes is a little good will, however, and your silverware will shine again. Here are some useful tips based on the use of natural products .

Silver Polish and Cleaner Products

1. How to clean silver with salt and aluminum
Line a glass container with aluminum , throw a handful of coarse salt inside and fill it with the silver objects to be cleaned . Add boiling water and wait an hour: dry with a cloth, the silver will be as good as new.

2. With lemon juice
On each object to be polished pour lemon juice and two teaspoons of baking soda , then rub with a cloth or a cotton rag: the green of oxidation will fade to the touch.

3. With beer
Fill a mug with beer and let the silver items inside stand overnight . In the morning rinse thoroughly: they will be shiny again.

4. With the cooking water of the potatoes
In a bowl, pour l ' in cqua baking potatoes and a tablespoon of white vinegar . Immerse the silver objects , leave them to soak for an hour, then rinse and dry.

5. How to clean silver with baking soda
In a saucepan, boil some water adding 50 grams of bicarbonate to each liter. Once cooled, dip the silver items into it. Rinse and dry with a cloth.

6. How to clean silver with ash
Sift the ash left in the fireplace and add water until you get a soft dough. With this, scrub the blackened objects with a cloth or cotton swab moistened with lemon.

7. With toothpaste
Cover the item to be removed with toothpaste and rub with a cloth. Rinse carefully and dry.