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Have you been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of toenail fungus? Perhaps you don't feel any pain, and the thick, yellow nails don't bother you. However, nail fungus does not heal on its own.
In fact, it could get worse if you don't get it treated. The infection could spread to other nails or even the rest of your body. It can make life really uncomfortable when not treated in time.
Toenail fungus infections are very common. Because of its contagious nature, it typically begins in one toenail and then spreads to the others. In this article, we will discuss all about toenail fungal infections and ways to get rid of toenail fungus.
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What are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Fungal toenail infections can happen to anyone. Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, affects a large percentage of the population. The most obvious sign is a change in the color of one or more toenails, which can be white, brown, or yellow. Because of its contagious nature, it can spread and eventually make nails thick and brittle.
Toenail fungal infections are often stubborn and resistant to treatment. There are medications that can help you get rid of toenail fungus, but these antifungal pills or creams are available only with a doctor's prescription. These medications work well, but they can have unwanted side effects, like stomach upsets or skin problems.
That's why some people look to natural remedies for toenail fungus, but home remedies are often ineffective. Even though they might keep mild cases in check, they won't do much to stop infections altogether. Nevertheless, we will look at some of the home remedies that are commonly used to get rid of toenail fungus.
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
Check out the following home remedies you can use to get rid of toenail fungus:
1) Vicks VapoRub
The ointment commonly known as Vicks VapoRub is a topical treatment used to relieve congested nose and throat. Its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help get rid of toenail fungus, despite the fact that it was developed to suppress coughing.
Toenail fungus can be treated with Vicks VapoRub, according to a 2011 study. Vicks VapoRub should be applied to the affected area several times per day.
2) Baking Soda
As it can help absorb moisture that can cause toenail fungus, proponents of baking soda may recommend it as a remedy.
It may also have fungistatic properties, which mean it does not kill fungi but does stunt their development. That's supported by a small, older study that found that baking soda inhibited the growth of fungi.
However, there's no clinical evidence that baking soda can treat fungal infections or that it even works as a remedy.
3) Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, is an essential oil that has antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help get rid of toenail fungus. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that tea tree oil has shown promise in a few preliminary clinical trials for the treatment of toenail fungus.
Twice a day, use a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil directly to the infected nail. Buy tea tree oil of therapeutic quality online.
Read about the top 5 benefits of tea tree oil here.
4) Olive Leaf Extract
Oleuropein, the active ingredient in olive leaf extract, has been studied for its possible effects as an antifungal, antibacterial, and immune-stimulant. Either olive leaf salve or olive leaf capsules can be used to get rid of toenail fungus.
It has been found that olive leaf capsules taken with meals twice daily are more effective than olive leaf salve in treating toenail fungus (a review published in 2012 confirmed this). Throughout your treatment, it's crucial that you stay hydrated.
5) Listerine Mouthwash
Antibacterial and antifungal properties are provided by the menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus in Listerine mouthwash. Maybe that's why it's such a common home remedy to get rid of toenail fungus.
Those in favour of the treatment advocate soaking the foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
6) Garlic
Garlic has some antifungal and antibacterial properties, according to a review conducted in 2009. Putting chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes a day can help get rid of toenail fungus.
Taking garlic capsules internally may be more effective and less offensive. Follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
Check out these best health benefits of garlic.
7) Oregano Oil
Oil extracted from oregano contains the aromatic compound thymol. A review published in 2016 found that thymol inhibits the growth of yeasts and bacteria.
Use a cotton swab to dab oregano oil onto the infected nail twice daily. Oregano oil and tea tree oil have been used in combination by some. Both items are highly concentrated and could trigger skin or respiratory reactions. The risk may rise if they are combined.
8) Vinegar
Vinegar may be effective in treating toenail fungus, but this claim is only supported by anecdotal evidence. Even so, it's not too risky of a home remedy to test out. Vinegar diluted in warm water (about 1 cup vinegar to 2 cups water) can be soaked into the foot for up to 20 minutes once daily.
When dealing with mild to moderate toenail fungus, it may be best to try home remedies before resorting to prescription drugs. Toenail fungus treatment is complicated by a number of variables, including the nail's permeability, the infection's severity, and the patient's general health.
It may be more difficult to get rid of toenail fungus with natural treatments than with prescription topical or oral systemic antifungals. For some, the wait may be months. It's common for people to get reinfected.
