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Toenail Fungus Natural Remedies That Work!
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If you have been frustrated and struggling with toenail fungus, you have come to the right place. Here you will find toenail fungus natural remedies that actually work. In this guide, we will dive into the world of toenail fungus natural remedies.
No need for expensive treatments or harsh chemicals – we’ve got you covered with safe and effective natural solutions right from the comfort of your own home. So, without further ado, read our toenail fungus natural remedies guide to treat and prevent toenail fungus once and for all!
Moreover, these toenail fungus natural remedies will even soothe and restore your toenail to its natural state.
Let’s first discuss what toenail fungus is and what causes it.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Onychomycosis is the medical term commonly referred to as toenail fungus. It is a fungal condition that affects the toenails and nail bed. In addition to causing pain, it can make the nails thick, discolored, and brittle. Toenail fungus can even cause toenail loss.
This study found that toenail fungus is the most prevalent and challenging to treat. When it comes to fungus infections, there may be an underlying health issue. We will discuss that next.
What Causes Onychomycosis?
Toenail fungus, also known medically as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist conditions.
These dermatophytes are especially common in environments that provide a warm, moist habitat, which is why they are often found proliferating in public areas like restrooms, swimming pools, and locker rooms. The fungal spores are resilient and can survive for a considerable time on various surfaces, waiting for an opportunity to infect a host.
Transmission of onychomycosis can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s nails or indirectly by sharing personal items such as towels, nail clippers, and shoes. Walking barefoot in a communal shower or locker room space significantly increases the risk of contracting the fungus, as these places are most likely to be contaminated.
Symptoms of Onychomycosis (toenail fungus)
Fungal infections can be identified by a change in the nail’s color, texture, and shape. Infected nails often become yellow or brownish, thickened, and brittle. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.
The condition not only affects the appearance of the toenails but can also lead to serious complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions like diabetes.
The symptoms of toenail fungus may show up as:
Thickening of the nailYellow or brown discoloration
Brittle or crumbly nails
A distorted nail shape
May have an unpleasant odor
The toenail lifting away from the nail bed
Pain or tenderness
You may or may not have all of the above toenail fungus symptoms, but it is important to watch for them, to prevent further progression.
Overall Health and Onychomycosis
When you don’t have enough healthy bacteria in your gut, you may end up producing high levels of yeast and fungus in your body, which can manifest as toenail fungus.
Furthermore, if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, these ailments may be a contributing factor to getting toenail fungus infections.
Risk Factors for Onychomycosis
Age, diabetes, a compromised immune system, poor circulation, and a history of athlete’s foot are among factors that can raise your chance of acquiring toenail fungus. Your risk can also be increased by wearing tight-fitting footwear, being barefoot in public, or having a nail injury.
Toenail Fungus Prevention
To prevent toenail fungus from occurring in the first place, it is advisable to maintain good personal hygiene, keep feet dry and clean, wear moisture-wicking socks, use antifungal sprays or powders, and avoid sharing personal items to prevent toenail fungus infections. Regular inspection of the feet and nails is pivotal for the early detection and treatment of the fungus to prevent its spread.
Treatment For Toenail Fungus
Topical antifungal drugs, oral antifungal medications, and laser therapy are all traditional treatments for toenail fungus. Although, surgery to remove the nail may be required in extreme circumstances, the downside of using these antifungal medications is that they may contain harsh chemicals that may create other unwanted symptoms.
Whether you opt for a traditional treatment, or use toenail fungus natural remedies, it’s critical to start the treatment as soon as you can to stop the fungus infection from spreading.
Toenail Fungus Natural Remedies
Before attempting to use any toenail fungus natural remedies, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare physician.
Remember that employing these natural therapies may take longer than using conventional medicine.
Moreover, the point of using natural remedies for toenail fungus is to employ toxic-free treatments without harsh chemicals. Below is a list of toenail fungus natural remedies that work.
Essential Oils Toenail Fungus Natural Remedies
Essential oils: tea tree oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, and oregano oil are some natural remedies for toenail fungus that have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. You can use just one, but the recommendation is to combine 1 drop of each essential oil along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of carrier oil, like coconut oil, and put it into a dark glass container. Then use a q-tip to apply it to the infected toenail.
Iodine: according to this research, iodine was effective at treating toenail fungus, whereas other traditional treatments had failed. The iodine I recommend is a decolorized iodine (affiliate link) , as you wouldn’t want to stain your footwear. After a shower, use a q-tip to apply the decolorized iodine to your infected nails to fight the dampness that the fungus loves. Before putting socks or other clothing on your feet, allow them to dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The PH-balancing effect of apple cider vinegar can accelerate the healing process of toenail fungus by balancing the PH and inhibiting fungus growth. Mix equals parts apple cider vinegar and water, then apply it to the infected nail with a cotton ball.
Epsom Salt: Last but not least, epsom salt foot bath is considered a toenail fungus natural remedy. Epsom salt kills fungal spores, drys out the moisture in the toenail, and soothes pain. Therefore, it accelerates the healing process. Epsom salt foot soak can be done a few times a week along with the toenail fungus natural remedies above.
Depending on the severity of the toenail fungus infection, you may start to see results from these toenail fungus natural remedies after a few days and up to 2 weeks.
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