Tuesday, October 12, 2021

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.


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.

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.

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.


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.



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.


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.


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!