subject: Toenail Fungus Home Remedies That Work [print this page] Toenail Fungus Home Remedies That Work Toenail Fungus Home Remedies That Work
Using toenail fungus home remedies rather than over the counter preparations or prescription medication is well worth your consideration. There are many sites online that have tips on everyday household things that can help fight discoloration and thickening of nails and roughness of the skin of toes and heels.
For most people, the problem is more cosmetic that serious. Although some individuals have cracking skin, painful and swollen digits, and distortions of nails and toes, most just have discoloration and thickening. However, this unattractive condition keeps many from wearing open-toe shoes and sandals, although this well-ventilated type of footwear is good for your feet. Fungus does not thrive in fresh air and sunlight.
For most people with infected toenails, the risks of the prescription medicine taken internally are too high, so they turn to less dangerous methods. The side effects of the regularly prescribed medications can be found online and can be very serious for those few who are unfortunately sensitive to the drugs. Even those with the pain and offensive odors of a severe problem may choose to try a less hazardous approach. Besides, many who do take the drugs find that the condition returns when the medication is discontinued.
There are many food substances that have proved helpful in combating fungal infections, including skin patches and nail problems. Apple cider vinegar is a favorite ingredient in salad dressings but has been a part of folk remedies for generations. People add it to water - with or without honey - as a daily tonic for weight loss, keeping the whole system in the proper acid-alkaline balance, and to combat arthritis. Both apple cider vinegar and the distilled white variety can be used as a foot soak to discourage fungus. Either one may be added to bath water and also kept in a spray bottle for use after thorough cleansing of feet and nails. By spraying the toes, including spaces in between, and the soles and heels, the fungus that causes athlete's foot is killed as well.
Other foods that are fungicides are vinegar - the apple cider variety for consumption - and garlic. Vinegar can be added to water to help digestion, keep the bloodstream alkaline, and provide valuable minerals. Added to bath water, it promotes healthy skin and fights fungus. Garlic can be eaten - raw is best but cooked garlic is also considered a potent nutrient - and used as a topical rub for nails. The powdered herb can be worn in the shoes to help fight fungi that grow in the dark and poorly ventilated shoes that people wear in the cooler months.
White vinegar is also good when added to bathtubs or foot soaks, and can be sprayed undiluted on feet after soaking. It will clear up skin infections and help restore nails to health, although the process is slow. However, many people feel that this distilled product works as well as most over the counter topical ointments or liquids that cost much more.
Essential oils are very useful when trying to prevent infection or get rid of established fungal growth. Oregano, lavender, and tea tree oils are all used topically or in soaking solutions. Cotton balls, eyedroppers, and swabs are good ways to apply these oils directly to the nails. Tea tree oil may be drying, but it can be allowed to penetrate the nail and then other softening oils can be rubbed into the feet.
Other toenail fungus home remedies include tea tree oil, which can be found at most health food stores or online, and many supplements: vitamins B complex, E, A, and C, and the immune system boosting mineral zinc. Biotin, one of the B group, may stimulate faster growth of new, healthy nail tissue. Check online for more information about these and other easily procured and natural aids to beautiful toenails.
