Onychomycosis or toenail fungus is an infection that causes the nail to become swollen, thickened or inflamed. Toenail fungus is caused by exposing the feet to continuous moisture, poor hygiene, a weak immune system or diseases that alter the skin’s pH levels.
There are many ways of managing toenail fungus while at home. These top 10 home remedies have antifungal, antiseptic or antibacterial properties which can help in getting rid of toenail fungus.
Garlic
Garlic has compounds known as allicina and ajoene that will kill toenail fungus. Chew 2 cloves of garlic daily or mix garlic oil with white vinegar and apply. Cover with a bandage for a few hours. Remove and rinse off.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix equal measures of water and apple cider vinegar and soak your toenails in the mixture for 30 minutes then dry them. Do this daily for a 1 or 2months to make pH of your skin hostile to fungi.
Another way is to mix a few spoons of apple cider vinegar with rice flour to form a paste. Scrub it on the affected area a few times a week to remove dead skin cells.
Orange Oil
Cover the affected toenail and surrounding toes with Orange oil for 30 minutes then rinse off. Repeat the process two times daily. You may dilute it with grape seed oil to prevent allergic reactions.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil fights infections and thwarts skin irritation. It can be mixed with tea tree oil and then applied on the toes 2 or 3 times a day until the infection dissappears.
Listerine mouth wash
Combine it with white vinegar in equal measures. Soak your foot for 30 minutes then scrub, rinse and dry. Use on daily basis until he infection clears.
Baking soda
Combine half a cup of Baking soda with a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide, half cup of Epsom salt, four cups of water and a quarter cup of vinegar respectively. Soak your feet for a few minutes, rinse in clean water and dry.
Oil of Oregano
Mix it with olive oil and apply the mixture on the affected toenail twice a day. Leave for half an hour then rinse and dry.
White vinegar
It can be used after it is mixed with warm water only. Soak the toes for 15 minutes, rinse and dry. Do this every day until the fungus fades.
Tea tree oil
Add a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil to tea tree oil and mix well. Using cotton apply it on the infected toe.
Wait 10 minutes then scrub with a soft brush. Repeat up to three times a day until the nail heals.
Lemon Juice
Massage fresh lemon juice directly on the toenail fungus. Rinse with warm after 30 minutes. You may add olive oil to the lemon juice to soften the skin around the fungal infection on the toenail.
Any of these natural remedies will be effective if they are used consistently and properly for at least a month. In case of an adverse reaction with one you can stop it and use another.
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