You’re not alone! Fungal infections are one of the most common infections in us humans. It is most common to get a fungal infection of the scalp, feet, or hands. Thread fungi (Dermatophytes), yeasts, and molds are the three main fungi responsible for skin infections. In this article, we give you some of the best home remedies to treat your fungus toenails.
So, How Do I Know if I Have Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail or toenail. When the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus can cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can also spread and affect several other nails. Although nail fungus can affect fingernails, it is more common on the toenails.
And What Are Some Home Remedies to Try?
You can try some home remedies if you do not want to buy drugs at the pharmacy. We have only included nail fungus home remedies researched and where the results have shown improvement. The bad news is that most studies have concluded that more studies are needed in this area. The good news is that it is cheap and easy to try a nail fungus home remedy yourself!
Tea Tree Oil: Probably the oil that heals almost everything. The antiseptic, bactericidal tea tree oil is extracted from the tea tree and has long been used against, among other things, skin infections and fungi. The oil can be bought at health food stores around Sweden or online. Paint the oil on your nail twice a day for at least two months.
Bicarbonate: Another home remedy for nail fungus that has been researched is bicarbonate. You can buy bicarbonate at most grocery stores. The bicarbonate absorbs the moisture that can cause nail fungus. Perfect for preventing nail fungus. At the same time, a small study has shown that bicarbonate not only absorbs moisture it prevented athlete’s foot in 79 percent of the subjects while reducing the fungus in 17 percent of those tested. You can do the treatment by mixing a little bicarbonate with water to form a cream which you then apply.
Oregano Oil: The oil from oregano contains a substance with antiseptic properties called Thymol. Just like with tea tree oil, you can lubricate the nail twice daily. Some even choose to mix the oregano oil and the tea tree oil.
Garlic: It is common knowledge that garlic has a fungicidal effect. You can squeeze the garlic and massage it in the nail gently. Hold for 30 minutes and repeat daily.
Treat Nail Fungus
The earlier you start treating the nail fungus, the better you get rid of the condition. Treating fungal infections can be challenging because the disease is inside the nail and can be difficult to access. You can use several different over-the-counter medications to treat nail fungus, including nail polish, creams, or ointments. To ultimately declare a nail healthy, the old nail must be wholly replaced by a new healthy nail. As the new nail grows, you will need to treat the infected area. The treatment of a toenail can take up to one year before a new nail has fully grown. For fingernails, the process can take up to six months.
Getting rid of the infection requires patience, and it is important not to end the treatment until you are sure that you have eliminated the fungus. Should the treatment be terminated prematurely, residues of the fungus that remain may begin to grow again. Nail care, cutting the nails regularly, and keeping the affected area cool and dry are essential to minimize the risk of recurring nail fungus.
Effective Treatments
If the cuticle is not infected, the nail fungus can be treated with over-the-counter alternatives such as ointments, creams, or nail polish that contain antifungal agents. These treatments break down the fungal cells that most commonly cause nail fungus. It can also help trim the nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thicker areas on the nail. If you feel unsure, you can seek the help of a medical podiatrist to get professional help to get your nail fungus in order. You can contact Manningham Foot Clinic for all your medical foot care treatments.
Internal Treatments
If superficial treatments do not help and the nail fungus has spread to the cuticles, other medication may be needed. Internal prescription antifungal drugs are used only in severe cases of nail fungus. Talk to your doctor if your superficial treatments have not helped.
Other Treatments for Nail Fungus
In some more severe cases of nail fungus where no other methods work, you may need to have surgery to remove the nail and then treat it with antifungal cream. Other methods are ultrasound, light therapy, or laser.
Can I Prevent Nail Fungus?
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of nail fungus! The following habits can help prevent nail fungus and athlete’s foot, leading to nail fungus.
11 Tips for Preventing Nail Fungus
- Wash hands and feet regularly.
- Wash hands after touching an infected nail.
- Moisten your nails after washing.
- Trim the nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thicker areas.
- Disinfect the nail clippers after each use.
- Wear sweat-absorbent socks or change socks during the day
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
- Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectant or antifungal powder.
- Wear indoor shoes by pool areas and changing rooms.
- Choose a nail salon that uses sterilized manicure tools for each client.
- Avoid nail polish and artificial nails.
There are over-the-counter creams and oils to buy at the pharmacy or treatments that will help you get control of your ailments. Remember to grab and start treating your nail fungus as soon as possible!
