Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Nail fungus, medically referred to as onychomycosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Though nail infection by fungus can occur in both fingernails and toenails, it is observed that majority of the reported cases are toenail infections. The main reason behind this is the moist and damp condition prevalent in the toenails, which serves as the ideal breeding place for fungi like dermatophytes and yeast. It is observed that about 12 - 15 percent of Americans suffer from toenail fungus infection.

Causes and Symptoms of Toenail fungus

More common in adults, toenail fungus is caused by both hereditary and environmental factors. Hence, quite often, toenail fungus runs in family members who are predisposed to the infections. Some of the risk factors for developing this are age, wearing tight shoes, lack of toenail hygiene, and frequent exposure of the toenails to water and damp conditions. As fungus infestation occurs, white and yellowish spots develop underneath the infected toenails. When the infection progresses, the affected toenail discolors and shows other symptoms like nail thickening and crumbling of the edges.

Similar to any other medical problem, early diagnosis and timely treatment is necessary to prevent further complications. In order to rule out other similar conditions like psoriasis, the doctor may examine debris from the infected toenails and other toenail fungus symptoms. If fungal infection is confirmed, prescribed topical and oral nail fungus medication should be taken.

Home Remedies to Cure Toenail Fungus

At times, toenail fungus is difficult to treat, particularly when the infection spreads deeper underneath the nails. Once infection takes place in any of the toenails, the fungus passes very fast to the adjacent nails. On a positive note, it responds positively to various toenail home remedies. However, it is to be borne in mind that home treatment should begin as soon as possible after toenail infections occur. Following are some of the effective home remedies, which you can practice at home:

Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the best proven toenail fungus home remedies is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. If you are using concentrated hydrogen peroxide, make sure you dilute it by adding equal amounts of warm water. Soak infected toenails in dilute hydrogen peroxide solution for about 20 minutes at least twice daily, until the fungus is treated completely. Do not forget to dry the toenails after every hydrogen peroxide soaking session.

Vinegar
Vinegar, a household acidic product, is used for treatment of toenail fungus. If available, make use of apple cider vinegar instead of the usual white vinegar for soaking the infected toenails. In a bucket, pour equal amounts of apple cider vinegar (or any vinegar), and water and soak your feet in this solution for 20 - 25 minutes. Dry the toenails thoroughly. Following this procedure twice daily will eradicate the toenail fungus.

Tea Tree Oil
Another potent toenail fungus home treatment is the application of concentrated tea tree oil to the affected toenails. As tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antiseptic properties, regular usage of this oil to the fungal infected area speeds up the healing process. For better results, mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and olive oil, and rub the mixture to the affected toenails.

Oregano and Olive Oil
Take two drops of oregano essential oil with one teaspoon of olive oil and mix them together. Apply this mixture to the fungal infected toenails for at least twice a day. The strong antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antiparasitical properties of oregano essential oil will cure toenail fungus within 2 - 3 weeks.

Vicks Vaporub
You can rub Vicks to the infected toenails so as to prevent further spreading of the fungus to the adjacent nails. Though Vicks does not eradicate the toenail fungus, many people have found improvement in the nail health after using it for several times a day.

Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash is also an effective home remedy for toenail fungus. You can soak infected toenails in this antiseptic solution for about 15 - 20 minutes twice daily. After soaking, towel dry toenails properly to avoid damp conditions. By doing so, the symptoms of toenail fungus can be overcome effectively.

Alcohol
Dip a cotton ball in alcohol and rub it on the infected toenails for three times a day. If possible, you can soak the infected nails in alcohol for about 20 minutes and dry your feet properly by using clean towels. Repeating this for two times daily will help in getting rid of the fungus within a few weeks time.

Turmeric
Turmeric (in pure form) is a natural antiseptic that helps in killing fungus. Make a paste of turmeric by adding a few drops of water. You can apply this turmeric paste to the infected toenails for two times a day. Keep it for 25 - 30 minutes and rinse of with warm water. Dry the nails and feet with towel and wipe properly using an absorbent paper.

Yogurt
The ingredients found in yogurt are helpful to treat toenail fungus. Rub some amount of yogurt in the infected toenails and also to the underside of the nails as much as you can. Leave it for 20 - 25 minutes and wash thoroughly. Towel dry the nails to avoid wet condition If discoloration of the toenails is observed, add few drops of concentrated lime juice in the yogurt and follow the same procedure.

Onion
Rubbing onion slices is also a potent toenail fungus home treatment. Peel onion and make slices; rub the affected toenails with these slices for about 10 minutes. Rinse with water and towel dry the nails after washing.

Along with these home remedies for toenail fungus, cleanliness and routine pedicures are a must. In fact, these home remedies work effectively only with proper hygiene. In case the symptoms worsen after following the above mentioned home remedies, it is advisable to consult a qualified physician.

Even after toenail fungus treatment, there are chances of recurrent infections, especially if proper nail care is not followed. In any case, prevention of toenail fungus is the best method to avoid future headache of recurrent infections. With healthy habits like wearing comfortable shoes, putting on sandals in public areas (swimming pools, showers), and avoiding sharing of socks, footwear and personal items are positive ways to prevent toenail fungus infections.