Home Remedies
If you have ever been the victim of toenail fungus, you know the discomfort and inconvenience associated with this malady. While it may go without saying, it’s important to catch the progression of toenail fungus in the early stages so that it may be treated appropriately - and aggressively. The longer a toenail fungus is allowed to progress, the more painful the symptoms and the more difficult to treat the fungus becomes. While consulting a family physician or podiatrist may be indicated in treating later stages of nail fungus, there are some home remedies that may provide success in the early stages of fungal infections and they include taking advantage of natural antiseptics that can act as fungicides. Here are our top seven home remedies for toenail fungus, in no particular order:
1. Diet
As with most maladies, the spread of fungal infection can be directly impacted by diet. It is recommended that those who have a history of toenail fungus limit sugars and eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates. It has been shown that a healthy, probiotic rich diet - through natural foods and supplements - can go a long way towards not only healing existing fungal infections but preventing future infections.
2. Vinegar Soak
Vinegar has been shown to have some success in thwarting the growth of certain fungal infections. It is recommended to soak the infected foot for approximately 20 minutes in a combination of warm water and vinegar and dry thoroughly.
3. Tea Tree Oil
A natural antiseptic, pure tea tree oil can be found in most stores and can be a potential treatment for toenail fungus. It is recommended that the infected area be cleaned and dried thoroughly twice a day, after which the tea tree oil should be applied with a cotton swab.
4. Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine is highly effective in killing bacteria and is used with significant success for oral care. Likewise, Listerine is effective in stopping the growth of fungi. It has been shown that cleaning or soaking the infected area several times a day can produce results.
5. Alpha Hydroxy Acid
An over-the-counter cream, Alpha Hydroxy Acid essentially exfoliates the top layer of skin, slowly removing the infected top layer and allowing healthy skin to emerge.
6. Iodine
Some with toenail fungus report success with using one to two drops of Iodine on the infected area twice a day for some time.
7. Vicks VapoRub
While there’s no established evidence to suggest that Vicks VapoRub has any effect on toenail fungus, some sufferers report significant improvement after twice daily applications.
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There are also a variety of sources that recommended using thyme and oregano oils as they naturally slow the spread of fungi. However, there are risks associated with using both and it is recommended that patients only do so under the care of a doctor.
Of the utmost importance is establishing the progression of the fungal infection. Home remedies may very well be able to stop the progression of the infection and treat it effectively in the early stages. For everyone else, a proper treatment will be required.
1. Diet
As with most maladies, the spread of fungal infection can be directly impacted by diet. It is recommended that those who have a history of toenail fungus limit sugars and eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates. It has been shown that a healthy, probiotic rich diet - through natural foods and supplements - can go a long way towards not only healing existing fungal infections but preventing future infections.
2. Vinegar Soak
Vinegar has been shown to have some success in thwarting the growth of certain fungal infections. It is recommended to soak the infected foot for approximately 20 minutes in a combination of warm water and vinegar and dry thoroughly.
3. Tea Tree Oil
A natural antiseptic, pure tea tree oil can be found in most stores and can be a potential treatment for toenail fungus. It is recommended that the infected area be cleaned and dried thoroughly twice a day, after which the tea tree oil should be applied with a cotton swab.
4. Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine is highly effective in killing bacteria and is used with significant success for oral care. Likewise, Listerine is effective in stopping the growth of fungi. It has been shown that cleaning or soaking the infected area several times a day can produce results.
5. Alpha Hydroxy Acid
An over-the-counter cream, Alpha Hydroxy Acid essentially exfoliates the top layer of skin, slowly removing the infected top layer and allowing healthy skin to emerge.
6. Iodine
Some with toenail fungus report success with using one to two drops of Iodine on the infected area twice a day for some time.
7. Vicks VapoRub
While there’s no established evidence to suggest that Vicks VapoRub has any effect on toenail fungus, some sufferers report significant improvement after twice daily applications.
-----
There are also a variety of sources that recommended using thyme and oregano oils as they naturally slow the spread of fungi. However, there are risks associated with using both and it is recommended that patients only do so under the care of a doctor.
Of the utmost importance is establishing the progression of the fungal infection. Home remedies may very well be able to stop the progression of the infection and treat it effectively in the early stages. For everyone else, a proper treatment will be required.
