If your toenails look yellow and brittle and they crumble off when you try to cut them, you may have toenail fungus, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may have developed toenail fungus by walking barefoot in a damp area like a public pool or locker room or perhaps from wearing shoes without socks. Consult a doctor to determine the severity of your nail fungus. If he or she approves, you may use natural remedies to treat your condition.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil derived from the herb, oregano, that may help kill fungus in some cases, says Health911.com. You can purchase oregano oil at the health food store or drugstore. Saturate a clean toothbrush with a generous amount of oregano oil, then carefully brush the afflicted toenail. Pay particular attention to the underside of the nail, where the toenail and the toe meet. Fungus is likely to grow in this area because it is darker and more moist than the top of the toenail.
Vinegar
Soaking the toenail in vinegar may help reduce a fungal infection and kill bacteria. Mix one part vinegar in two parts of warm water and pour it into a clean bowl, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Soak the afflicted foot for 20 minutes once a day. After removing the foot from the vinegar soak, rinse the foot off with clean water and dry it thoroughly. Vinegar may cause burning and irritation of the skin in some individuals. If you are experiencing skin irritation, soak your feet only several times a week, or dilute the vinegar mixture with more water.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Health911.com suggests using a solution of water and grapefruit seed extract to help eliminate toenail fungus. You can purchase grapefruit seed extract at the health food store or drugstore. Mix 100 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a clean jar with two oz. of water. Two to three times a day, saturate a cotton ball in the mixture, then dab the afflicted toenail and the underside of the nail with the solution.
Trim Your Toenails
Trimming your nails as close to the nail bed as possible will help eliminate toenail fungus, says Alan J. Liftin, M.D., a dermatologist in Livingston, New Jersey. Using clean nail clippers, carefully trim the toenail straight across so there is as little white space as possible. Fungus will grow most rapidly on the underside of the nail. After cutting the nail, wash your foot thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water, and dry it with a clean towel. Wash the nail clippers with antibacterial soap to prevent the spread of fungus to other toenails.
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