Many people suffer from fungal nail infection. This fungus belongs to the group of dermatophytes that infect the keratin of both humans and animals.
Nail fungus is not harmful. However, it causes the nails to change color and become deformed. When you see yellowish strips under the nail or white strips on the nail plate, it is due to fungus. Other signs of fungal nail infections are thickening, weakening, and breaking of the nails.
Severe cases of nail fungus can cause the fungal infection to spread to the surrounding skin on the fingers and toes. This often results in swelling, irritation, and redness of the fingers or toes. Severe cases are quite painful and have an unpleasant odor due to decay.
The early symptoms of nail fungus infection can be easily detected and immediate treatment is needed. Do not wait for the nails to start to break before treating them. It is easier to treat a fungal nail infection while it is just starting than to wait for it to get worse.
Mild cases of fungal nail infection can be treated with home remedies. Ingredients commonly found in the home are inexpensive, safe, and highly effective. Some of these remedies are:
1. Mouthwash – Commonly used household mouthwash has antiseptic properties that can kill fungus. Mix one part mouthwash with warm water and soak hands or feet for one hour. The mouthwash can also be applied directly to the infected area.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Just like mouthwash, vinegar has the ability to kill fungus. It can also be applied directly to the infected area. However, some say that foot or hand baths are more effective because the vinegar can penetrate deep under the nails.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide: Foot or hand baths with hydrogen peroxide are effective and inexpensive. Mix it with lukewarm water and soak your feet or hands in it for at least 30 minutes.
4. Essential Oils: Oils like vitamin E oil, lavender, jojoba, tea tree oil, clove, and grapeseed oil have antifungal and antiseptic properties. These essential oils are very effective in treating nail fungus. Grapeseed oil not only treats the infection but also restores the damaged tissues.
5. Sesame and virgin coconut oil also contain antifungal properties that can be used to treat nail fungus.
6. Ginger Tea – Ginger is not only known for its powerful antifungal properties, but also for its odor-eliminating abilities. Soaking the infected nails in warm ginger tea twice a day would get rid of the nail fungus within a few days.
7. Cornmeal – There are no scientific explanations on how cornmeal can effectively treat nail fungus infections. However, many people who have tried this soaking solution say that it is very effective and has in fact treated their infection.
8. Vick’s Vapor Rub: This home remedy works effectively to treat nail fungus due to its active ingredient called thymol. Thymol is known to be effective in eradicating mold, which is another type of fungus. Vick’s Steam Massage is applied directly to the infected area every morning and evening.
9. Antifungal Solutions: Over-the-counter antifungal solutions are safe to use at home. Choose products that contain all natural ingredients to ensure that they do not have any harmful side effects.
Nail fungus is very common and affects many people. Although mild cases of fungal nail infection are often not harmful, they should be treated immediately before they get worse.
Home remedies for fungal nail infections are very effective and inexpensive. They are considered the safest way to treat nail fungus because they are all-natural and do not contain any chemicals that cause harmful side effects.
While home remedies are effective, severe cases of fungal nail infections need immediate medical attention.
