Here are the 10 home remedies for toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection that occurs on toenails and it is also called onychomycosis.
The common sign of this fungal infection is when you see your toenails having white, brown, or yellow discoloration.
Based on the article from Healthline, this can be treated through medication. Doctors would prescribe terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan). However, these oral prescriptions can have side effects such as an upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice.
Because of this, people started seeking home remedies. Here are the home remedies for toenail fungus.
VapoRub
Apply a small amount of VapoRub on the affected area at least once a day. Its ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus although it is mainly used for cough and cold.
Snakeroot extract
In using snakeroot extract as a remedy, just apply on the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. According to a 2018 study, snakeroot is as effective as antifungal medicine ciclopirox.
Tea tree oil
Apply the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice daily through a cotton swab. This remedy is known as essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Oregano oil
In using this remedy, just apply the oil to the affected nail through cotton swab. Do it twice every day. Oregano oil has thymol which is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Olive leaf extract
There are two ways of using olive leaf extract in treating toenail fungus. You can apply the extract directly on the affected area and you can ingest its capsule form. Olive leaf contains oleuropein, which is an active substance with antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties.
Ozonized oils
Olive oil and sunflower oil are “injected” with ozone gas, known as ozonized oils. Just apply this on the affected area twice a day. A study showed that ozonized sunflower oil is more effective than antifungal ketoconazole (Xolegel).
Vinegar
Combine one part vinegar to two parts warm water and soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily. It is known as a reasonably home remedy.
Listerine
Supporters of this remedy believe that soaking the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily. It contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Garlic
Just chop or crush garlic cloves and apply it on the affected area for 30 minutes daily. Garlic is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Change your diet
According to the article, here are the nutrients that your body needs in order to fight toenail fungus:
- probiotic-rich yogurt
- enough protein to support nail regrowth
- enough iron to prevent brittle nails
- a diet rich in essential fatty acids
- foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as low-fat dairy products
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