Toenail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis, is a fungus that grows underneath the toenails, which can be difficult to reach and cure. These fungi are quite common and according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 35 million Americans have some sort of nail infection or fungus. There are prescription medications that can help many of these cases; however, some people may want to integrate alternative treatments along with medical treatments to help cure and prevent toenail fungus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people reach for apple cider vinegar to treat nail infections. Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties that may help eliminate toe fungus. Simply fill a basin or bucket with warm water along with equal portions of apple cider vinegar, and soak the infected toe in this solution twice daily until the infection is cleared up. Because fungi can multiply in the presence of moisture, always wipe the toes and toenails dry.
Tea Tree Oil
The uses of tea tree essential oil are endless. According to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "Medical Aromatherapy; Healing with Essential Oils," tea tree is a powerful fungicide and antiseptic. For best treatment options, rub affected areas with a cotton ball or cotton swab infused with tea tree oil. Repeating twice daily until fungus is gone will correct the problem. If applied every couple of days, it may keep fungus at bay.
Listerine
Listerine kills germs that cause bad breath; however, soaking an infected toe for 20 minutes a day in Listerine mouthwash can kill fungal infections. No one knows exactly why, but it seems that only the Listerine brand of mouthwash works. To add a little punch to this home remedy, put a little apple cider vinegar in the mixture to introduce an acidic environment to the toe; fungus and acid do not mix well.
Other Tips and Remedies
According to the books "Mama's Home Remedies" and "1801 Home Remedies," another effective way to treat toenail fungus is to soak the infected nails in rubbing alcohol. Do this for 20 minutes, twice daily. This procedure can also be done with hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). Using a vapor rub has helped some people battle fungus in the nails. For unknown reasons, vapor rub stops the growth of the fungus and though does not eliminate the fungus, it does prevent it.
References
- Topix: Sound Foot CareCenter of Connecticut Offers Cutting Edge Treatment for Toe Nail Fungus
- "1801 Home Remedies;" editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Mama's Home Remedies;" Svetlana Konnikova, Anna Maria Clement; 2008
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