Toenail fungus, which is also known as tinea unguium or onychomycosis, is a common nail condition. If you can relate to this, then you are not the only one suffering from this nail condition. There are millions of people who are affected by the same.
Nail fungus infections can develop from various organisms such as yeasts, molds, and fungi. This usually happens when these organisms come into contact with cracked skin or nails surrounding the nail.
If you are looking for nail fungus treatment or remedies you must have come across articles claiming “one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus” or “one cup of this will destroy your fingernail fungus”. Now the question is whether these remedies work. We will find that out in this article.
How does Nail Fungus develop?
If your feet are always damp or sweaty, it allows the fungus to grow faster. Exposing your feet to moist, warm environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools puts you at risk of developing these types of toenail infections. This is why these infections are more prevalent during the summer months.
Compared to women, men are more prone to these types of infections. Other than that it also affects people who are diabetic, older adults, have poor circulation and weakened immune systems. Even people who frequently go to nail salons might be putting themselves at risk of developing fungal infections to their feet.
The biggest sign of toenail infection is the changing nail color. When you get toenail fungus, the nails turn yellowish, brown, white, or even black. Not just that but the nails also become thick and brittle. In some cases, it may also give off a foul smell.
When to seek medical help?
Now the question is how to cure fingernail fungus fast? When you get toenail fungus, you may find it hard to clip your nails or take care of it on your own. In this case, a podiatrist can be helpful.
Toe nail fungus causes nail color to change. This is when you need medical attention. White nails are usually a sign of kidney or liver damage. Whereas pale nails indicate nutritional problems, anemia, or even heart failure.
If you have black spots or a dark streak under your toenail, you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of melanoma. People with diabetes also need special treatment to avoid health complications.
Should you rely on home remedies for Nail Fungus?
Home remedy for toenail fungus can be very effective. The good news is there are plenty of such remedies you can use.
People with mild toe nail fungus can use home remedies to treat the infection. But if you are facing serious complications, then you should go to a doctor. Ignoring it will make things worse.
Best Home Remedies To Treat Toenail Fungal Infection
So here we are with some of the best and reliable home remedies to treat toenail fungus. In this section, you will find the best toenail fungus treatment to cure the infection.
Here are the things you can try:
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is considered the best nail fungus treatment. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that enable it to fight against different fungal infections. Besides toenail fungus, you can use tea tree oil to treat athletes’ feet, acne, and many other skin issues. It has the potential to destroy fungus underlying in the thick nails by permeating deep in the nail.
Take a q-tip or a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil and apply it on the affected nail and leave it for half an hour. Repeat this a few times every day and you will see the results. Also, make sure to clean your nails after removing the debris.
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice for nail fungus is great because of its acidic nature. The best thing is you can get lemon juice anytime in your home.
Take some fresh lemon juice and apply it to your infected toenail. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, use this only once a day. But if your skin is normal, then do it twice. After that wash, thoroughly using warm water.
- Coconut Oil
Does coconut oil cure nail fungus? The answer is yes! Coconut oil acts as a great moisturizer for your skin, nails, and hair. It has some important nutrients that help renew your body. It is a magical substance that everyone should use. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help destroy your nail fungus.
All you need to do is apply some coconut oil directly to your infected nails. To get the best results, you should do this 2 to 3 times a day. Wash it off afterward and see the magic. You will see noticeable changes in just a month.
- Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is yet another great home remedy for toenail fungus. It has an active antifungal compound called Thymol. This is the primary ingredient used in a wide variety of antibacterial and antifungal products. This substance is also used in Vicks Vaporub and other cough suppressants.
You can use it to treat nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and other health issues. Just apply some thyme Oil directly to your nails. Repeat this at least 2 to 3 times a day for the best results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as a great antifungal agent. If used long enough, it can easily destroy nail fungus. The best thing is that it can even prevent it from happening again.
Take a tub and half-fill it with warm water. Add half apple cider vinegar and soak your feet or hands in it for at least 30 minutes. You need to do this 3 times a day to get the best results.
What causes nail fungus?
You need to know what causes nail fungus, so you can prevent it from happening again. It is caused by the invasion of fungi into the nail bed. This includes dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte types of mold, and even yeast.
Once you get infected with nail fungus, it is usually a chronic issue. This is because people don’t treat it until it has progressed. The worst thing about nail fungus is that can spread out quickly due to direct skin contact of the toes and nails.
Some of the common sources for nail fungus are:
- Contaminated pedicure devices
- Exposure to wet surfaces
- Diabetics and elderly people
- Compromised immune system
How long will it take for the nail fungus to clear up?
All those articles claiming “1 cup of this will destroy your nail fungus!” might sound tempting. But unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Fungi are powerful and resilient creatures that take a long time to destroy. Using any of these home remedies will probably take you from a few months up to a year to treat your nail fungus.
So you need to be consistent and use the remedies every day to get the desired results.
Conclusion
Toenail fungal infections can happen to anyone. It is a very common nail condition that affects people of all ages and gender. If you are suffering from this nail infection, you should take steps to cure it. Ignoring it for too long can make things worse. If needed, you should seek medical help.
FAQs
What will kill nail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can help kill nail fungus. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toenails using a clean cloth. You can also use it to soak your feet.
Will bleach kill toenail fungus?
Bleach is not a good option for treating toenail fungus. This is because it can burn the skin. Also, you shouldn’t apply it unless it is recommended by a doctor.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to kill toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is active against fungi and other microorganisms. A 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide can destroy fungicidal activity in 5 minutes.
What strong spice destroys nail fungus?
Cinnamon can be used to treat toenail fungus. It can stop drug-resistant yeast infections. Cinnamon leaf oil diluted in water can be used to treat nail fungus.
What gets rid of nail fungus?
Terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) can help you get rid of nail fungus. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, while slowly replacing the infected part. It may take this drug up to 6 to 12 weeks to remove toenail fungus.
Can a fungal nail be cured?
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure. The best treatment for a fungal nail infection is to take antifungal pills. In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely.
What is the best home remedy for fingernail fungus?
Tea tree oil is one of the best home remedies to treat fingernail fungus.
Will fingernail fungus go away on its own?
No, fingernail fungus doesn’t go away on its own. It only gets worse with time.
