Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a very common health problem. How common you ask? It effects between 6 and 8% of the U.S. population. Severity of the condition is quite different but one thing that definitely doesn't help is ignoring it and hoping it will go away. As with all fungal infections the quicker you get a jump on it the easier it is to control and the faster you can get free of it. Toenail fungus is different from athletes foot which affects the skin on the feet.

How Do You Know If You Have it?
All people are susceptible to this common fungus  called onychomycosis. But those who are often exposed to wet and warm conditions more commonly get it.  The fungus feeds on keratin in your nails. As you might expect it causes white or yellow spots on the nail. And if left untreated, can cause the nail to look disfigured and can be fairly painful. Other tell-tale signs are very brittle nails and a foul smell.

One should keep in mind that there is about a 15% reoccurrence rate so even if you think you have it licked you should continue with treatments  for some time even if you don't see any visible symptoms of it.

Common Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
Tea Tree Oil
Is commonly used to treat this fungus. It has natural antiseptic properties. Just put a couple drops on the infected areas and work it in. It's best to do this after a shower when nails become softer or more pliable. If the fungus has gotten under your toenail, do your best to work under the nail from the sides of the toe. It's best to do apply this before bed so the oil has some good undisturbed time to work on the fungus. (This goes with other remedies listed below too.)Continue treatment on a daily basis.

Apple Cider Vinegar
This wonderful home remedy for toenail fungus works well. Just fill up a warm foot bath.  Use roughly a 50/50 ratio. The good thing about foot baths is that the vinegar can get under the nail in no time. Make sure to dry your feet well before putting on your socks.  After all you don't want to create a hospitable environment for continued fungal growth.

OTC Creams
You can also buy many OTC fungal creams as well like Funigisil. They usually can clean up the problem within a week.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Foot baths with hydrogen peroxide are quite effective too. And cheap! You can use a 3% grade in a warm foot bath. Soak your feet 30 minutes or so daily.

Vicks
Many swear by it. Just smear it around the infected areas  The Vicks seals out moisture. Using a Q-tip try to get it around and under the nail and put on a clean cotton sock. Many say it helps quickly with nail discoloration as well.

Lastly, keep your toenails trimmed short and your feet as dry as you can until it clears up. Wear cotton socks as they absorb moisture well. You can also add more probiotics or helpful bacteria into your diet via. yogurt.

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