“How to get rid of nail fungus” – is one of the most popular questions searched on the internet. So, let’s first understand what exactly finger nail fungus is. Finger Nail fungus is an infection that initiates with a white or yellow patch beneath your nails. Toenails are the most prevalent nail fungus. Onychomycosis is another term used for nail fungus. It has the potential to expand and thicken or break the nails. A minor finger nail fungus takes months of treatment to completely eradicate the fungus and restore the nail’s cleanliness and health. Self-care and pharmaceuticals may help if your nail fungus is irritating and has thickened your nails. Even if treatment is effective, finger nail fungus usually persists. Many sites claim “one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus” but we won’t claim any such thing because it is fake and not treating nail fungus is a long-term process.
Best nail fungus treatment (Home Remedies)
Wondering how to get rid of nail fungus!? Here, you go with a full list of trusted home remedies for nail fungus. Try One of These 14 Home Remedies for nail fungus treatment. No wonder it may turn into the best nail fungus treatment for you.
Vicks VapoRub:
VapoRub by Vicks is a therapeutic balm. Although it’s intended to treat coughs, the active components (camphor and eucalyptus oil) also aid with toenail fungus. Vicks VapoRub was reported to have a “good clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus in a 2011 study. Use a tiny dose of Vicks VapoRub to the infected region one time a day.
Main Components:
- Camphor (4.8%) is a common pain reliever, anti-irritant, and importantly it is even antifungal.
- Eucalyptus oil (1.2%) is commonly used for coughing, joint pain, disinfecting, controlling blood sugar, and fighting infections, among other things. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Menthol (2.6%) is used to calm cuts and burns, relieve irritation, and treat lung issues. Cool, calming features that are quite relaxing. Prevent the development of fungi.
Snakeroot extract:
Snakeroot extract (scientific name- Ageratina pichinchensis) is an antifungal derived from sunflower plants. According to a study done in 2008, the therapy is just as effective as the pharmaceutical antifungal drug ciclopirox at treating toenail fungus.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil, commonly known as melaleuca, is a natural oil with antiseptic and antifungal qualities. It has been proved to be helpful against toenail fungus in limited clinical research, as per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Now comes the “how to treat nail fungus” part using tea tree oil. Use a piece of cotton to apply the tea tree oil straight to the infected nail twice a day. Tea tree oil can aid with finger nail fungus, ringworm, and other skin conditions.
Oregano oil:
Oregano oil is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal natural remedy for toenail fungus. Thymol is present in oregano oil which possesses antifungal and antibacterial qualities, according to a 2016 assessment. Apply oregano oil to the infected nail twice daily with a piece of cotton to cure toenail fungus. Interestingly, oregano oil is a fundamental ingredient in some of the best and most famous nail fungus treatments, such as Zane Hellas Fungus Stop.
Olive oil
Olive oil is an essential oil that contains a lot of antifungal qualities. It’s more effective when used with powerful ingredients like lemon juice. Olive oil smoothens the nail and skin, helping the lemon juice to enter deeper and eradicate the finger nail fungus.
Ozonized oils:
Oils that have been “infused” with ozone gas include olive oil and sunflower oil. As per a study trusted Source of 2011, low-level ozone exposure over a short period of time can inactivate various species, including yeast, fungus, and bacteria. One more study indicated that ozonized sunflower oil was more helpful than the pharmaceutical topical antifungal ketoconazole in treating finger nail fungus (Xolegel). Apply ozonated oil into the infected toenail twice every day to treat toenail fungus.
Vinegar:
Only personal data supports the use of vinegar to cure toenail fungus. It is, nevertheless, a relatively safe home cure to attempt. To do so, soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes every day in a solution of 1:2 ratio of vinegar and warm water.
Listerine mouthwash:
Listerine mouthwash!? Yes, you heard it right! It has some really insane antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Thanks to the compounds like thymol, menthol, and eucalyptus. This could explain why it’s such a common folk cure for finger nail fungus. Now comes how to treat nail fungus using Listerine.
To use this compound, it is suggested to soak the infected foot in an amber-colored Listerine basin for 30 minutes every day.
Garlic:
It contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties, according to a trusted Source assessment from 2009. Garlic can definitely be utilized to get rid of nail fungus by applying sliced or smashed garlic cloves to the infected part for about 30 minutes daily. Garlic capsules may be preferable and moreover, that’s the less fragrant way to cure it of the inside out and you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use them.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil hydrates the scalp, skin, and nails while also providing vital nutrients to the body. It genuinely is an amazing product that belongs in both your kitchen and medicinal cupboard because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can also be used to treat nail fungus. Rub the coconut oil to your nails two to three times daily, then wipe it off. You will observe the benefits in a few months.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an effective antifungal compound. Nail fungus will be cured and has a very low risk of returning if applied for a long term. Fill a container with warm water and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Dip the affected part in the same container for 30 minutes minimum of three times every day. After your foot is dipped, carefully wipe your feet as Fungi grow in moist conditions, so ensure your feet are completely dry afterward. Using apple cidar vinegar for a few months will prove a good outcome.
Lemon juice:
Citric acid, found in lemon juice, is an excellent antifungal compound. As a result, nail fungus will be efficiently secured. Put the juice on the infected nail and wait 30 minutes for it to absorb completely. Then thoroughly rinse it away using warm water. Lemon juice will cause a burning feeling if you have exposed wounds. Soak the infected part in diluted lemon juice in this scenario. Considering your skin’s tolerance to acidity, try this once or twice per day.
Thyme oil:
Thymol, an effective antifungal component found in a variety of over-the-counter antifungal and antibacterial medications, is present in thyme oil. Vicks Vaporub and other chest cough suppressants have it as one of the key ingredients.
Adjust your diet:
The connection between diet and health is apparent: the healthier the nutrients you consume, the greater your body’s potential of defending off infections like toenail fungus.
Consume the following foods to provide your body with the nutrients it requires:
- diet rich in protein to support nail regeneration
- Sufficient iron to keep your nails from breaking
- Calcium and vitamin D-rich meals, like low-fat milk products
- A vital fatty acid-rich diet
- Probiotic enriched yogurt
Time for Professional Help!
Toenail fungus is typically regarded as a minor problem but if the above-mentioned results do not show any positive results, you should consult a doctor for professional help. As for some people, it may result in major problems. Toenail fungus can cause foot ulcers or other foot problems if you are suffering from diabetes. Chronic toenail fungus is a substantial risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg, as per the 2012 study. Home cures for toenail fungus are not highly recommended if you have diabetes or a weak immune system. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment if no home remedies are suiting you.
We have found the best nail fungus treatment and bought you the prescribed medicines for you to save your time searching. So, head on:
- Oral antifungal medicines:
These medicines are highly suggested as they destroy the fungi faster than topical medicines. Terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are the most preferred medicines. These medicines aid in the generation of a new nail that is free of infection, gradually replacing the infected portion.
- Antifungal nail polish:
Your doctor may recommend ciclopirox, an antifungal nail polish (Penlac). You need to apply it to your affected nails and the finger skin once every day. After a week, clear the poured-on layers with alcohol and start over. This type of nail paint may be required to be used every day for nearly a year.
- Antifungal lotion:
Your doctor might recommend an antifungal lotion that you apply after soaking your contaminated nails. If you thin your nails beforehand, these products may work better. This allows the lotion to penetrate the hard nail surface and reach the fungus beneath.
- Nail Removal:
If the infection is severe and has been present for a long time, your doctor may recommend that you have all or part of your nail removed. A new nail normally regenerates after a year. Your doctor will probably prescribe a lotion or other medication to apply to your nail bed to keep fungus at a distance while it heals.
Causes
It becomes quite imperative to look down upon the factors responsible for the finger nail fungus. Take a quick look at the following:
- The spread of fungi into the toenail results in nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. Dermatophytes, Yeast, and non-dermatophyte molds are among these fungi.
- When a person contracts nail fungus, it becomes a persistent problem, generally because the infection is not treated until it has developed.
- Since the nails and toes have immediate skin contact, it expands immediately once it appears on one nail. This is the reason that athletes’ foot and nail fungus are often found together.
- Usage of infected pedicure tools can spread the fungus or exposure to moist surfaces, such as those found in gym showers and saunas, can spread the fungus.
- Diabetics and the elderly are also more vulnerable to nail fungi since their legs’ flow is limited.
- People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to fungi, as their nail resistance is weakened by infections and disorders.
How long will it take to cure toenail fungus?
Fungi are tough, robust microorganisms that require a lot of time to eradicate. It will take you anywhere from a few days to a few months, and sometimes to a year to get rid of nail fungus if you use one of the best nail fungus treatments mentioned in this article. Just trust these best nail fungus treatment methods and try as instructed in the article and you will see the results, yourself!
Final Verdict:
Finger nail fungus is a common infection that can occur on anyone’s skin due to reasons like exposure to moist surfaces, usage of infected pedicure tools, etc. This is a minor problem that is highly recommended to be cured using home remedies for nail fungus as mentioned in the article and if the infection is not healing then you may consult a doctor. Please remember treating fingernail fungus is not a “one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus” thing. Beware of such false claims. Lastly, we hope your finger nail fungus would heal using these trusted and tried remedies.