Over 35 million people suffer from nail fungus, according to 2010 information from AntiNailFungus.com. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is the most common cause of thick, discolored and misshapen finger and toenails. Onychomycosis affects toenails more often than fingernails because fungi thrive in warm, moist and dark places like the inside of socks and shoes. Onychomycosis tends to run in families, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Nail fungus can be unattractive and uncomfortable. However, there are natural remedies a person can use at home to treat the condition. Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used solution to slow the growth of fungal infections because the vinegar's acidity makes living and spreading difficult for fungus.
Step 1
Examine your nails to determine if a fungus is the cause of your nail problems. Symptoms of a fungal infection include a nail that is thicker than normal. Fungus may build up beneath the nail, causing it to become deformed. Additionally, the nail is usually yellow in color.
Step 2
Treat the fungus early, before the problem gets too bad. Nails can grow quite thick if left untreated or if treated with an ineffective product.
Step 3
Pour 1 part apple cider vinegar into a basin containing 2 parts warm water, according to MayoClinic.com. Make sure the water is not hot enough to cause burns to the hand or foot. Soak the hand or foot for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Rinse the apple cider vinegar from the affected area. Make sure there is no vinegar left on the skin, as vinegar can irritate the skin.
Step 5
Place the affected hand or foot on a clean, dry towel to absorb any excess apple cider vinegar. Using a patting motion, dry the foot or hand thoroughly. Allow the affected area to dry completely before applying socks if the fungus has infected a toe. Fungus thrives in moist environments so the nail should be dried completely.
Step 6
Rinse the basin until it is free from all traces of apple cider vinegar. Dry the basin completely and let it air dry for a few minutes before storing it in a clean, dry place. Dispose of any container that shows signs of mold or mildew as these conditions that cause mold and mildew also encourage the growth of fungus.
Step 7
Wash the towels at your earliest convenience and do not reuse them until they have been laundered to prevent the spread of fungus.
Step 8
Repeat the apple cider vinegar treatment once daily. If your skin becomes red, dry or irritated, reduce treatments to every other day or twice a week. Diluting the solution to 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water may also lessen side effects.
Tips and Warnings
- Some patients report treatment is effective when using only a couple of drops of vinegar applied directly to the nail bed.
- Stop treatments if cracks in the skin occur.
Things You'll Need
- Tub
- Two towels
- Apple Cider Vinegar
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