by Melanie Gray
Home remedies for toenail fungus can provide the same optimum results as conventional medicines. You can use any of the following home remedies in treating toenail fungal infection. These home remedies are effective and safe for most individuals.
Home Remedy #1 – Vinegar
Claims of its effectiveness in treating toenail fungus are largely anecdotal, and it generally works by altering the acidity of the skin. The pathogen that causes nail fungal infection thrives under alkaline condition.
Vinegar increases the acidity of the skin and this makes its unfavorable for fungal growth and proliferation. In addition to this, vinegar also has antibacterial properties. These are the reasons why it is considered as an ideal home remedy for toenail fungus.
The infected toenail is immersed in a solution made of equal parts of water and vinegar for about half an hour up to three times daily. You may alter the concentration of the solution or reduce the regularity of the immersion in case inflammation sets in. You may also apply vinegar directly on the infected toenail using a cotton swab.
Home Remedy #2 – Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the more popular anti-fungal and antibacterial home remedies. It can be used to treat toenail fungus.
In a research that was published in the Journal of Family Practice in June of 1994, it was reported that Tea Tree oil manifested a high level of efficacy when used to treat toenail fungus. In fact, the results obtained approximated that of the effect of clotrimazole, which is a prescription medication for fungal infection.
There are other scientific studies which demonstrated the capacity of Tea Tree oil in alleviating the irritation that is associated with the fungal infection. It is usually applied directly on the affected toenail with the use of a cotton ball.
Home Remedy #3 – Bleach Soak
There are also claims that bleach is also a highly effective and safe home remedy for toenail fungus. The bleach soak makes use of 1 tbsp of bleach or sodium hypochlorite mixed with a gallon of lukewarm water. Before you soak the affected toenail in the solution, you must trim or file the nail down to ensure that the bleach reaches the fungus.
It is highly recommended that the infected toenail is soaked for at least 30 minutes on a daily basis. You can break the immersion into 2 or 3 sessions to fit your daily regimen. The bleach soak is considered to be the mildest way of using sodium hypochlorite and will not likely cause any skin irritation. However, this home remedy may take longer time to completely get rid of the fungal infection.
Bleach is a caustic compound and can seriously irritate the mucous membrane, skin and the eyes. You must always make use of the diluted solution when treating toenail fungus with bleach. In addition to this, you have to observe the precautionary measures to prevent it from getting into contact with the mucous membrane and the eyes.
Home Remedy #4 – Witch Hazel
The hemostatic and astringent properties of witch hazel make it a viable treatment option for toenail fungus. It works by acting directly on the pathogenic microorganism that causes infection of the toenail.
A cotton ball is soaked with witch hazel and applied directly to the afflicted toenail at least twice a week.
Home Remedy #5 – Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is a popular essential oil for the treatment of nail fungus. This oil extract from oregano herb can be purchased at health food outlets or drugstores.
The oil extract is applied on the infected toenail by saturating a clean toothbrush with sufficient amount of oregano oil and brushing the toenail affected by fungal infection, particularly the underside of the toenail.
Home Remedy #6 – Grapefruit Seed
This home remedy for toenail fungus consists of juice extract from grapefruit seed mixed in water. The extract is normally available in specialty health food outlets or drugstores.
This home remedy is made by mixing 100 drops of the juice extract in two ounces of water and applied directly on the afflicted toenail 2 to 3 times daily using a cotton ball soaked with the mixture.
Home Remedy #7 – Vicks Vaporub
This is easily one of the most oft-repeated home remedies for toenail fungus and is known for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
This mentholated gel paste is made from eucalyptus and oil camphor and is primarily used as a nasal decongestant. This ointment has since become a popular home remedy for other ailments, including toenail fungus.
These seven home remedies are cheap. You can apply them to treat your toenail fungus naturally even if you are on a tight budget.
(Melanie Gray is a well informed and experienced writer on nail fungus, causes, symptoms and treatment options. She has contributed significantly to a popular site that provides well researched information onhow to cure toenail fungus fast at home here. You may learn more on nail fungus treatments there.)
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