Nail fungal
infection, is a condition affecting fingernail as well as the toenail. An infection inside the nail starts with a
white or yellow patch under the nail, and as it spreads, it causes the toenail
to grow thick, discolour and crumbled on edges. It makes up to 50% of the nail
abnormalities.
They are of four kinds:
Proximal
subungual onychomycosis- Caused due to nail fold, where fungal infection
penetrates the newly formed nail plate.
White
superficial onychomycosis (WSO)- Tends to create a chalky white appearance or
“white island” on nails.
Distal
subungual onychomycosis- It invades the nail bed and underside of the nail
plate.
Candidal
onychomycosis- Causes due to frequent immersion in water where a genus called
“Candida” invades the nail plate
Signs and Symptoms
Depending
upon the various classifications of fungal infections, the signs and
manifestations that are seen in the toenail fungus are:
Thick
toenails
Crumbled and
distorted nail edges
Pain in the
toes
Dull or
yellow toe nails
Slight foul
odour
Infected
nail separates from the nail bed
Development
of fungus-free skin lesions, called Dermatophytids
Rashes or
itching
What causes nail fungus infections?
Nail fungal
infections are caused by tiny microscopic organisms, called fungi. Fungi do not
require sunlight to survive. Generally, a cluster of fungi, called
dermatophytes, are responsible for the fungal infection of the toenail. On the other hand, some yeasts and molds are
also the reason of these infections. Besides this, the other causes are:
Weak blood
circulation
Humid or
soggy work environment
Tight or
ill-fitted footwear
Intense
perspiration
Genetic or
heredity
Weak immune
system
Wearing
socks and shoes too much that prevents feet from exposure to air
Walking
barefoot in damp public places, like swimming pools and gyms
Early damage
or infection to the skin or nail
Who are
exposed to the more risk to toenail fungal infection?
Toenail
fungus can happen to anyone; however, there are various specific categories,
which are more toenail fungal infection, like people suffering from AIDS and
diabetes.
Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Toenail
fungus can be treated at home by simply using natural ingredients, available in
your kitchen.
1. Tea Tree
Oil
Tea tree oil
is considered to be an excellent antiseptic, and it works great on fungicide
infections. Take pure tea tree oil and add a few drops of olive or thyme oil to
it. Apply it on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball and keep it
for ten minutes. Eventually, gently rub the nail with a soft toothbrush. This
remedy will work affirmatively if the infection is not too old.
2. Baking
Soda
To cure
toenail fungus, blend half cup of baking soda with a one-fourth cup of
peroxide, half cup of Epsom salt, and four cups of hot water. After making this
mixture, add a one-fourth cup of white vinegar to it. Soak the affected toe
first into vinegar for a few minutes and then, apply this paste on the affected
nail. Wrap it with a bandage or tape. For about four weeks, repeat the process
in every ten hours. If this remedy is followed properly, the toe nail fungus
will disappear quickly.
3. Orange
Oil
To get rid
of toe nail fungus, orange oil is also a good option. It can be applied with
the help of a dropper between toes and on and under toe nails, daily. Let it
sit for at least one hour. Orange oil can also be used with an equal amount of
any carrier oil.
Note- It is
advisable to test some diluted orange oil on a small part of skin before
applying it to the infected area as it can cause allergic reactions and can
have side-effects.
4. White
Vinegar
To kill
toenail fungus, white vinegar is also a great ingredient. For the treatment of
toe nail fungus, mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of warm water and
soak the infected foot into it for at least 10-15 minutes. After soaking
process, rinse the foot well to prevent fungus from spreading further.
Note- In
case of sensing any irritation, add more water to the solution and repeat it
every alternate day.
5.Garlic
Use garlic
oil, mixed with an equal amount of white vinegar, to cure toenail fungus,
naturally. Apply it to the affected area and cover the toe with an elastic
bandage. This mixture slows down the activities of the fungus because of the
anti-fungal properties of allicin, present in garlic. In case, garlic oil is
not available, you can mix some olive oil in crushed garlic. Eating a clove of
garlic on a daily basis also helps a lot.
6. Apple
Cider Vinegar
To kill the
fungus, affecting the toenail, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to
make a solution, which is an effective foot soak for toenail fungus. If
followed properly, the remedy will show its result in a few weeks.
Alternatively,
an anti-fungal scrub can also be prepared by making a paste of grounded rice
flour and a few spoons of apple cider vinegar. Use this paste directly onto the
affected area and gently scrub it. This will also remove the dead skin cells.
7. Lavender Oil
Because of
several volatile compounds and antiseptic properties, lavender oil also acts as
an effective natural home treatment for toenail fungus. Apply it with the help
of a cotton ball beneath the top edge of the infected toenail and nearby area.
Wear a pair of thick woollen socks after applying it to let it work more
effectively.
8. Listerine
Mouth Wash
Listerine
mouth act upon as a powerful anti-bacterial agent. Make a solution of Listerine
mouth wash, some vinegar and undiluted lemon juice. Soak your foot into it for
10-15 minutes. This is also a fantastic toenail fungus home treatment.
9. Oregano
Oil
Oregano oil
has strong anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-parasitical,
anti-fungal and analgesic properties. That is why; oregano oil can also be used
to get rid of toenail fungus. Mix oregano oil with a teaspoon of pure olive oil
and apply this mixture on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball.
Follow this remedy daily in order to get positive results within a few weeks.
10. Lemon Juice
The citric
acid in lemon juice helps in stopping the spread of bacterial and fungal
infection in the toenail. Apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the toenail for
ten minutes and rinse it with warm water. Repeat this daily for one month.
Lemon juice can
also be mixed with olive oil. Use it to massage the affected area.
11. Vicks
VapoRub
To treat
toenail fungus with the help of Vicks VapoRub, first of all, wash the foot
thoroughly and cut and trim the nail. When the foot dries completely, cover the
toenail with Vicks vapoRub. Once done, cover it with a bandage or gauze. Wear
socks after doing so. Repeat the process daily to see effective results.
Depending upon the fungal infection, it will take ten to six weeks to recover.
12. Vitamin
E Oil
Gently rub
Vitamin E oil to get rid of toenail fungus.
13. Onion
Peel an
onion and cut it into slices. Rub a slice on the infected toenail. It is a
natural treatment for toenail fungus.
14. Turmeric
Powder
Add some
water to prepare a turmeric paste. Apply it on the affected nail. Allow it to
dry. Then, wash it off. It is also a good natural cure for toenail fungus.
15. Yogurt
Yogurt is a
probiotic food that helps in fixing the problem of toenail fungus fast.
16. Hydrogen
Peroxide
Mix 3%
hydrogen peroxide solution with an equal amount of water. Dip the infected
toenail in this solution for at least 18-20 minutes. This remedy will help in
quick healing of toenail fungus.
17. Rubbing
Alcohol
Dip infected
toenail in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. Then, dry your feet thoroughly.