Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.
Risk factors
When your feet sweat or remain moist or damp, the opportunity for the fungus to grow on your toenails increases. Frequent exposure to warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or even living in a humid climate places you more at risk of developing these types of infections. This is also why these infections seem to be more prevalent during the summer months.
Men have been known to develop these types of infections more than women as well as individuals with weakened immune systems - people with diabetes, poor circulation, and older adults. Individuals who frequent nail salons may also be placing themselves at risk of developing and spreading fungal infections to their feet. Evidence of a toenail infection includes change in nail color which may be white, yellow, brown, or even black. The nail may become thickened making it difficult for you to care for the nail on your own. Foul odor, brittleness, or even complete separation of the nail from the nail bed may occur.
Diagnosis
In order to confirm a toenail fungus, your doctor will first evaluate your feet. They may also decide to perform a culture where samples of the nail or skin may be taken for further evaluation at a laboratory. Because there are other causes of nail changes (psoriasis, microtrauma, poor nutrition, staining from nail polish), this is a vital step in picking the most appropriate treatment.
16 home remedies for toenail fungus
A variety of treatment options for toenail fungus are available, including drug-free alternatives, over-the-counter medicine, prescription drugs, laser treatment, or even surgical removal for those severe cases. Most people start with items they have around the house before purchasing medication or visiting their doctor's office. These treatments are most effective in mild cases.
Try some of these effective home remedies for toenail fungus
1. Weekly maintenance
First, prepare your nails for treatment by trimming and filing them once a week. Clipping toenails relieves pressure on the nails and helps antifungal solutions penetrate the nail. Use traditional toenail clippers and an Emory board to keep nails short and thin. Make sure to disinfect utensils after each use. Maintaining trimmed, clean, and dry nails will be essential in treating toenail fungus and preventing it in the future.
2. Clean socks and shoes
Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.
Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.
Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.
Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.
A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak. Mix ⅛ cup of hydrogen peroxide (or several capfuls) to four cups of cool water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry.
4. Black Tea
Soaking feet in plain tea can also be beneficial in treating toenail or foot fungus. Black tea contains tannic acid that dries out the feet, kills bacteria, and helps to close the foot's pores to reduce sweating. Boil two quarts of water then add five to six tea bags. Allow the tea to cool and soak feet for 30 minutes. Use this foot soak daily if desired.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Another home remedy to treat toenail fungus includes the use of apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. It's acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try two parts vinegar to one part warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily. For a more potent foot soak, the ratio could be one part vinegar to one part water. If the smell is too overwhelming, essential oils can be added to make the experience more pleasant. White vinegar can be used as an alternative as both are equally effective.
6. Baking soda
Add baking soda to a foot soak to heal the affected nail. You can also make a paste of baking soda with a minimal amount of water and apply it directly to the foot. Allow the paste to sit on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the foot thoroughly.
Baking soda can also be sprinkled onto the foot or in the shoes like foot powder. Once applied to a dry foot, put on clean socks; the baking soda can wick away moisture while healing properties work to reduce toenail fungus.
7. Epsom salt
Soaking feet in an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath can be beneficial to relieve your foot fungus. You can mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. You could also try a more elaborate Epsom salt concoction that includes:
4 cups warm to hot water
½ cup Epsom salt
½ cup baking soda
¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
¼ cup vinegar
Mix all of the ingredients and soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Essential oils are a great addition to foot baths. Essential oils with healing properties to treat foot fungus are listed below. Following your foot soak, rinse your feet with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel. To avoid contaminating clean feet, put on clean socks and breathable shoes following your foot bath.
8. Essential oils
Essential oils are gaining popularity in homeopathic treatment to heal a variety of common ailments. Many essential oils have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some essential oils that could help reduce toenail fungus include:
Tea tree oil
Clove oil
Clary sage oil
Jasmine oil
Lavender oil
Ylang-ylang oil
Eucalyptus oil
Cinnamon oil
Lemon oil
Lemongrass oil
Thieves oil
Wild oregano oil
Jojoba oil
Manuka tree oil
