A fungal infection in the toenail often starts out as a small yellow or white patch under the tip of the nail. Soon, however, the fungus is likely to spread to the other toes, including those on the other foot. The medical term for this condition is onychomycosis; it is caused by tinea unguium infection, an aggressive form of ringworm. While difficult to treat, there are natural ways to clear toenail fungus.
Vinegar
The staff at the Mayo Clinic recommends soaking your feet in a mixture of two parts water and one part white or apple cider vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes each day. This treatment should be followed by a thorough rinse in clean water, and gently patting the feet dry. If irritation develops, cut back the amount of vinegar in the solution. You might also consider performing this ritual just a few times a week instead of daily.
Tea Tree Oil
The essential oil of tea tree has demonstrated antimicrobial properties in a small number of studies involving people with toenail fungus, due, researchers believe, to the presence of a compound called terpinen-4-ol. In one study, scientists at the University of California-San Francisco found that tea tree essential oil completely cured 80% of 60 adult participants within 16 weeks of treatment. In addition, none of the study subjects experienced a recurrence.
Thyme Oil
A study conducted at Michigan State University suggests that the essential oil of thyme may be effective against toenail fungus, at least in an in vitro culture sample. What's particularly interesting about this study is that the researchers didn't set out to prove this effect with thyme oil alone. Instead, the group focused on the application of a medicated chest rub, which contained menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil as active ingredients, and oil of turpentine, thymol (a component of thyme oil), nutmeg, and cedar leaf oil as inactive ingredients. The results showed that camphor, menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus oil were the most effective, in that order. So, if you happen to have vapor rub in your medicine cabinet, give it a try.
Probiotics
While undergoing one or more of the above treatments, consider adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, like acidophilus, that help make sure there is more healthy bacteria in the gut than harmful bacteria. Acidophilus is available in capsule form as a supplement; you can also get it by eating yogurt every day. Be aware, though, that "light" versions of yogurt are usually void of acidophilus.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Nail Fungus Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Mayo Clinic: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens.
Member Comments