What Is Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is a common infection of the toe and fingernail. It occurs beneath the tip of the nail as a small white or yellow spot. The scientific term for nail fungus is onychomycosis in which nails become discolored, thick, and can easily crack or break.
Reasons For Nail Fungus
A new fungus can develop in people of all ages but older ones are more prone to it. Nails also age thus becoming dry, brittle, and easily crackable. Nail cracks or soft points help the fungi to easily enter. Low blood circulation through nails and a weak immune system also play a major role. Athletes’ feet can also cause this infection and can spread from one person to another.
Following are some of the risk factors of nail fungus
- Excessive sweating and following an unhygienic routine.
- If a person has a history of athlete’s foot he is easy prey for nail fungus.
- Conditions like psoriasis in which the skin or nail is injured.
- Diabetic patients have low blood circulation and weakened immune systems due to which they can develop diabetic feet. Diabetic foot is a toenail fungus infection.
- Similar is the situation of older people. They have reduced blood circulation, weak immune systems, and dry cracked nails that make them a target for fungal infection.
- Walking barefoot for a long time period in damp communal areas can also cause fungal infection.
Top 10 Remedies For Nail Fungus
Normally destruction of nail fungus requires months of treatment. There is no shortcut for removing nail fungus as it has a high rate of recurrence. The treatment may be time taking but there are many effective home remedies that work efficiently against nail fungus. They are rich in antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that help in the removal of nail fungus.
Following Are The Top 10 Home Remedies For Nail Fungus.
Coconut Oil For Nail Fungus
Coconut oil is among the essential oils that have antioxidant properties. Due to its antioxidant properties, it works effectively in the treatment of nail fungus. Apart from nail fungus, it is also used in other body conditions including haircare, skincare, and unrefined organic 100% pure coconut oil is an excellent choice to include in your diet.
You can apply coconut oil as a topical solution or you can also consume it through diet. For topical application first, clean the affected area then apply the coconut oil on your nail fungus three times a day. Not only will it destroy the fungus but also prevent its recurrence. You can also use coconut oil with a combination of other essential oils like jojoba and olive oil.
Olive Oil For Nail Fungus
Olive oil is an essential oil loaded with antifungal properties however, for better results you can use it with a combination of lemon juice. Olive oil softens your skin and helps in the absorption of lemon juice into the skin.
Lemon Juice For Nail Fungus
Lemon juice consists of citric acid in it that has amazing antifungal properties. It inhibits the fungal growth and also prevents its reoccurrence.
You can apply lemon juice to the affected area and leave it for 30 minutes. After proper absorption, wash it completely with water. If you have cuts or burning sensation on your skin then you can also use lemon in diluted form. Lemon juice is acidic in nature and can damage your skin therefore, do not apply it more than two times a day.
Tea Tree Oil For Nail Fungus
Tea tree oil has amazing antifungal and antibacterial properties which works efficiently against nail fungus. It is among the best home remedies for the treatment of nail fungus. Tea tree oil is among the key components of over-the-counter nail fungus products. Tea tree oil is extracted from the Australian tea tree and helps in improving the immune system. Its application helps in the removal of nail fungus and when the immune system is strong it ultimately prevents any kind of fungal growth.
You can apply this oil to a combination of other oils like coconut and olive oil. Tea tree oil acts as a key component and the other carriers help in the absorption of tea tree oil into the nail bed. You can apply a thin layer of oil to the affected area two times a day. It can cause irritation on the skin if applied in a greater quantity. Therefore, make sure you apply a thin layer and if irritation continues you can stop its use and try other remedies.
Garlic For Nail Fungus
Garlic not only provides an amazing taste to the food but its constituents also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Apply crushed or chopped garlic clove on the affected area for 30 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Nail Fungus
Vinegar is available in every household because of its use in cooking and cleaning purposes. However, vinegar or apple cider vinegar has excellent antifungal properties. It not only removes the nail fungus but also prevents its reoccurrence.
For this remedy, fill the basin with water and add vinegar to it. The Constitution should be one part of vinegar in two parts of water. Soak your feet into it for 30 minutes. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times a day for the best results.
Oregano Oil For Nail Fungus
Oregano oil consists of thymol which is an amazing antibacterial and antifungal agent. You can apply oregano oil on the affected area 2 to 3 times a day with a cotton swab. Some people use it with tea tree oil however both the oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin allergies.
Mouthwash
Mouthwashes that consist of thymol, menthol, and eucalyptus in them have antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. Soak your nails in a bowl full of mouthwash for 20 to 30 minutes. You can repeat the remedy 2 to 3 times a day.
Baking Soda For Nail Fungus
Baking soda absorbs moisture which treats and prevents nail fungus. It can prevent 80% of fungal growth. You can put baking soda inside your shoes and socks before wearing them to prevent moisture. For the treatment of fungal growth, you can also apply baking soda paste to the affected area.
Ozonized Oils For Nail fungus
Ozonized oils are sunflower and olive oil that have ozone gas injected into them. Studies have found that ozone gas in low concentration is effective against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. You can apply it twice a day for better results.
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