Best Toenail Fungus Treatments – Nail Fungus No More

Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus?

If you develop fungus on the toenails, your nails will look unappealing, which is why some people are tempted to scrape it. But the question is – can you scrape out toenail fungus? And is it safe to do so?

Toenail fungus is a type of fungal infection that will get into the cracks of your nails, leading to the discoloration and thickening of your nails. Sometimes it can cause some pain. Since toes are often damp and warm, fungus thrives well there. Different types of fungi strains can cause fungal infections on the nails. If left untreated, it could spread to other parts of your toes.

Removing toenail fungus can be difficult and is not often advised by doctors. If you develop toenail fungus, the nails can grow thicker, crumbly, brittle, and generally unwieldy. Since it looks very unattractive, people start to wonder, can you scrape out toenail fungus?

Scraping Thick Nails

Before you learn the proper way of scraping toenail fungus, it’s important to note that fungal infections are not the only reason your toenails have become thickened. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause the nails to thicken. Sometimes, trauma or injury can thicken your nails. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can also lead to the thickening of your nails. Heredity is also among the reasons why your nails grow thicker.

To determine the exact reason why your nails have thickened, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can check if you have toenail fungus. If it is, your doctor can offer some tips about proper nail fungus removal. But if your nails have thickened due to other reasons, your doctor can advise what would be the best way to trim or cut your nails.

Keep Your Nail Trimming Equipment Separate

When scraping your thick nails, make sure to separate the trimming equipment you have used. Since it has come into contact with the fungal areas, you should avoid using the same trimmer in cutting your other nails. Otherwise, the fungus will spread and make the other nails thicken as well. As mentioned, the fungus could spread to other areas of your skin if left untreated.

Try to avoid sharing nail trimmers between family members as well. You must also not use the same trimmers for your toenails and fingernails. Because if one of you has developed a toenail fungus, there’s a chance that it will spread to others. Fungal infections are contagious and can easily spread from one person to another.

When cutting fungal toenail, use proper trimming equipment. Avoid using the smaller fingernail clippers that are only intended for fingernails. These clippers may not be strong enough to trim your thick toenails.

Even if you have toenail fungus or not, make it a habit to regularly disinfect your equipment. Soak the clippers in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes after every use. You can also soak them in diluted bleach. Just make sure to dry them completely before storage to avoid rusting. Also, make sure that all the nail debris has been cleaned off.

Consider Using Heavy Duty Equipment

Sometimes, the toenails have become so thickened and toughened by fungal infections that a standard pair of clippers may not do the work. In this case, consider using heavy-duty equipment for cutting the nails.

If the pair of nail clippers or trimmers you are using is not doing the job well, don’t force it. Scraping your toenails like this will only cause damage to the nails even more by ripping or tearing them and will make them look even more unappealing. What’s more, the clippers or trimmers can get broken.

So, how to cut toenails with fungus properly? Use a pair of toenail nippers. It’s a more suitable choice when it comes to scraping your toenail fungus. These clippers look somewhat like pliers, and you can buy them from drugstores. Also, these are sharper compared to the standard toenail clippers.

The toenail nippers are not recommended for patients who have diabetes and other conditions that could affect the ability to sense pain, blood circulation, or the ability for the feet to heal. If you want to know the safest equipment to use to scrape your toenail fungus, ask your doctor about it.

Soften Your Toenails with a Foot Soak

Can you scrape out toenail fungus? The answer will depend on the severity of your fungal infection. If you feel like the symptoms are mild and don’t feel any pain, you can consider trimming the toenails yourself. But scraping your thickened nails requires a bit of preparation to make the job safer and easier.

Consider soaking your toenails to soften them a bit. It can be as simple as taking a shower to make the toenails wet and soft enough to be more easily clipped. It’s a good idea to schedule your trimming time just after you have dried off.

A foot soak is a more effective way of making your toenails soft enough for trimming. It could be as simple as soaking your feet in warm water for 10, 20, or 30 minutes. Dry off your feet thoroughly after soaking, and then you can start to clip them. You can also add antifungal products to your foot soaks, such as Epsom salts or essential oils. These products can help kill the fungus that causes the infection on your toenails.

Take It Slow and Steady

Thickened fungal nails tend to crumble easily, so be careful when trimming them. Avoid taking off too much at once. Otherwise, the nails will split and fracture in ways you did not intend them to.

Trim only a small part of your toenails at a time, beginning at one corner and slowly moving straight along the nail. Ensure the nails are relatively straight and uniform to prevent any jagged edges from snagging against socks.

Don’t round the nails off at the corners, as this could increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Having inflamed, painful, and open skin is not something you want after already developing toenail fungus.

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

If you are suffering from toenail fungus, you probably find yourself wondering – is toenail fungus contagious? Yes, it is, which is why you must treat your infected toenail so as not to infect the other nails.

Toenail fungus is a common condition. That’s because many people don’t give that much attention to their toenails unless they start exhibiting symptoms of toenail fungus. Healthy toenails are shiny and smooth. But if you develop a fungal infection on your toenails, you will notice that the nails will start to brittle, thicken, and discolor. Unfortunately, this condition is contagious, which means you can pass it on to others. Also, if only one nail gets infected, there is a possibility that the other nails will get infected if you are not careful.

Causes of Toenail Fungus

Before we address the question, is toenail fungus contagious, let us first find out what are the causes behind this infection.

Usually, toenail fungus is caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes that would infect the skin under the nails. Yeast is another common culprit of toenail fungus. The toenails are especially vulnerable to infection once your bare feet get into contact with damp surfaces like swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. If you develop an athlete’s foot, the infection will eventually spread to the nails.

Wearing closed and tight-fitting shoes for an extended period can also cause toenail fungus, especially if your socks have become damp due to sweat or heat. In addition, if your shoes fit snugly enough that it will put pressure on your toes, the nail bed will eventually get damaged, making the toenails more susceptible to fungal infection.

People suffering from chronic diseases like circulatory problems and diabetes are also at high risk of developing toenail infections.

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

When it comes to the question, is nail fungus contagious, the answer is yes. Toenail fungal infection can be contagious. But you will not catch it just by standing beside a person who has the infection. However, if you live in close quarters with someone who has a fungal infection, be very careful and take preventative measures to avoid getting infected.

Avoid wearing a person’s socks or shoes if you know they have toenail fungus. Also, when trimming your nails, make sure to disinfect the nail clippers, especially if the infected person has used them.

While toenail fungus infection is contagious, the chance of it spreading to others is very minimal. You can also minimize your risk of picking up the toenail fungus by wearing shower shoes when you shower, especially if you use a public shower. Also, when swimming at a public pool, try to wear something to cover your feet to lower your chances of getting infected.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

The symptoms of toenail fungus can develop slowly over time. In most cases, the fungus may go unnoticed at first. But if the condition is diagnosed early enough, it can be pretty easy to eradicate the fungus and save your nails from getting damaged. So, inspect your nails from time to time and be mindful of the changes.

Here are some of the symptoms of toenail fungus.

Crumbling or brittle nails

Darkening or clouding of nails

Distorted shape of the nails

Lack of shine

Nail thickening

Nails have foul odor

Pain at the tip of the toes

White spots on the nails

Yellowish discoloration of the nails

If your symptoms have gotten so severe or your toenails have started to turn black, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor instead of trying to treat the condition yourself.

Preventing Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is not necessarily dangerous. But for those who have certain illnesses like diabetes, the fungal infection can develop into more severe symptoms. Therefore, it is best to prevent toenail fungus.

Follow these tips to minimize your risk of getting toenail fungal infection.

Trim your nails properly – cut your toenails properly and make sure you use nail clippers that have been well-sanitized. Make sure to cut your nails straight across to avoid jagged edges. You can use a nail file to gently sharpen the edges of your toenails after cutting them.

Avoid tight shoes – your shoes should not be touching your toenails in any way. Otherwise, you could put yourself at high risk of getting a toenail fungal infection. Avoid wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight, and make sure they are clean and dry before putting them on.

Wear ventilated footwear – the more air that can circulate inside your shoes, the better. Wearing ventilated footwear will allow the air to circulate better. Thus, your feet will be drier and less susceptible to fungus. Your best bet is to wear shoes made from breathable materials such as canvas or leather.

Alternate your footwear – putting the same shoes from yesterday’s sweaty workout could increase your risk of getting toenail fungus. Therefore, invest in a few good pairs of shoes so that you can alternate them. Try to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes in a row, especially during sweaty workouts.

Don’t go barefoot in public places – when using public pools, showers, and locker rooms in the gym, do not go barefoot. These areas are often loaded with fungi just waiting to get into your toenails. Always bring flip-flops that you can wear when showering at the gym.

Conclusion

So, is toenail fungus contagious? Yes, toenail fungus is infectious. Therefore, if you have this condition, always exercise proper foot hygiene to avoid infecting the other people in your household. Get your infection treated immediately by using antifungal medications. There are also home remedies for treating fungal infections, such as using foot soaks made of baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, Apple Cider Vinegar, or essential oils. And if your condition has gotten so severe, stop self-medicating. Instead, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will diagnose your symptoms and prescribe proper treatment.

What Causes Toenail Fungus Disease?

What causes toenail fungus disease? Also referred to as onychomycosis and tinea unguium, nail fungal infections are the commonest ailments of the nails, making up about 50% of nail abnormalities. Each fingernail and toenails are vulnerable to the infection, which often manifests as discoloration and thickening of the nail and crumbling edges. The situation mostly happens in toenails.

Between six and eight % of the grown-up inhabitants suffers from nail fungus an infection.

Who will get toenail fungus infections?

Toenail and nail fungus infections are extra frequent in males than girls and within the aged than the younger. Further traits or components that elevate one’s threat of toenail fungal an infection embody the next:

Diminished blood circulation
Sluggish rising nails
A household historical past of fungal an infection (genetics)
Heavy perspiration
Humid or moist work surroundings
Sporting socks and footwear that stop air flow
Strolling barefoot in damp public locations (swimming pools, gyms, and bathrooms)
Earlier damage or an infection to the pores and skin or nail
Diabetes, AIDS, circulation issues, a weakened immune system
Tight footwear with crowding of toes
The train that causes repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium (the place the fingertip attaches to the nail).

What causes toenail fungus disease?

The reply to the query what causes toenail fungus disease is, nail fungal infections are attributable to microscopic organisms known as fungi that don’t require daylight to outlive. Mostly, a gaggle of fungi known as dermatophytes (equivalent to Candida) is chargeable for nail fungal infections. Nevertheless, some yeasts and molds additionally trigger these infections.

Although Trichophyton rubrum is the commonest dermatophyte that causes nail fungal infections, Trichophyton interdigitale, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton violaceum, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Trichophyton soudanense may additionally trigger the infections. Widespread mildew causes embody Neoscytalidium, Scopulariopsis, and Aspergillus.

Pathogens that trigger toenail fungus disease often enter the pores and skin by tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail mattress. The fungi develop when the nail gives a suitable heat and moist surroundings.

What are the signs of toenail fungus infections?

Nails which can be contaminated with the fungus usually are thickened, brittle, crumbly, ragged, distorted, uninteresting, and darker or yellowish in color. An affected person may additionally expertise onycholysis, the place contaminated nails separate from the nail mattress. Generally, nail fungal infections lead to ache within the toes or fingertips, they usually might even emit a slighted foul odor.

One other symptom related to nail fungus infections are fungus-free pores and skin lesions known as dermatophytids. These could also be rashes or itchiness in a space of the physique that’s not contaminated with the fungus – very like an allergic response.

Toenails vs. fingernails

Nail fungus happens extra usually in toenails than in fingernails, partly as a result of:

Toenails usually are confined in a darkish, heat, moist surroundings — inside your footwear — the place fungi can thrive
Toes often have much less blood movement than do fingers, making it tougher on your physique’s immune system to detect and cease an infection

How are nail fungus infections identified?

To be able to diagnose nail fungus infections, a health care provider will often study particles that are scraped from beneath the nail. The nail scrapings can be utilized in exams equivalent to a potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear or a fungal tradition. The KOH check might be rapidly carried out, whereas the fungal tradition can take weeks.

Physicians should be cautious when diagnosing fungal infections of the nail as a result of a number of different circumstances can lead to related signs. These embody psoriasis, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, trauma, nail mattress tumor, eczema, and yellow nail syndrome.

What there are toenail fungus therapies?

Treating toenail fungus infections is usually a lengthy and costly course of. There are oral antifungal drugs, topical ointments, and various therapies. Over-the-counter lotions and ointments can be found, however, they haven’t proved very efficient.

Oral drugs for nail fungus an infection embody Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan), and Terbinafine (Lamisil), which generally take as much as 4 months earlier than absolutely changing the contaminated nail with the uninfected nail.

Topical nail fungus therapies embody antifungal lacquer or nail polish equivalent to ciclopirox (Penlac) along with different lotions. Use of topical cures can clear nail fungal infections, however, usually doesn’t fully treatment the infection.

In some excessive circumstances, a doctor will choose to take away the whole nail.

but, additionally the toxicity of the mainstream drugs, that even FDA warned about.

Additionally, what folks skilled first-hand with this harmful medication left me in rage!

Different medicines used to deal with nail fungal infections embody Australian tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a scientific proof supporting using these merchandise.

The answer

Happily, these experiencing toenail fungus can select various types of remedy that eradicate the danger of chemical compounds getting into the bloodstream and poisoning very important organs.

Though toenail fungus is a recurrent situation, there may be one pure and fully secure system that can halt the fungus from affecting your complete physique.

Dr. Wu Chang, a former physician, working in entrance line trenches of the Vietnam Conflict, by accident found a fungus free protocol that relieved “jungle rot”, an aggressive fungal pressure.

Extraordinarily frequent among the many American troopers preventing in Vietnam, the jungle rot is way more harmful than every other fungus pressure in America.

You’ve got simply found what causes toenail fungus. There are a number of components that come into play to assist complicate the infection. However not solely, you additionally know that pure treatment is the best toenail fungus treatments of all.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a common condition suffered by millions of people worldwide. But not many people are aware of what causes toenail fungus. The infection is a result of fungal strains sneaking beneath your nail beds. Once the fungus grows, it will cause the nails to get darkened and brittle. Sometimes, the nails will become smelly.

While anyone can develop toenail fungus, some people are at high risk of developing this infection. As a matter of fact, factors such as genetics, gender, and overall health could affect your risk of getting a toenail fungal infection.

In case you are wondering what causes nail fungus, read the following.

Family History

A toenail fungal infection could be due to heredity. This is one of the reasons why some people are more at risk of developing this infection than others. For those infections due to heredity, the infection is often seen at an earlier age. However, the condition is usually more common in men who are more than 60 years old.

If one of your family members has a history of fungal infections, then there is a good chance that you could get it at some point in your life. So, once you start to develop any of the symptoms of toenail fungus, see your doctor right away.

Other Health Conditions

Certain chronic medical conditions could put you at risk of developing a fungal infection on the toenails. These conditions include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), diabetes, poor circulation, and other conditions that could compromise your immune system and interfere with the healthy flow of blood in your toes.

If you are suffering from any of these health conditions, you have to take extra precautions by keeping your feet clean and dry at all times. People with diabetes should be very careful not to get a fungal infection on the toenails since it could take longer for the infection to be healed. Also, if their fungal infection is left untreated, they could suffer from more severe symptoms.

Wearing Tight Shoes

When you ask doctors what causes toenail fungus, one of their answers would be wearing tight shoes. If you are fond of wearing closed-toe shoes that are very tight, you could put yourself at a higher risk of developing the toenail fungus. This is especially true for shoes that are a bit narrow in the toe box. Frequently wearing a pair of tight shoes can cause trauma to your toenails, which can eventually weaken your toenails and make it easier for the fungus to get into the nails.

If you need to wear closed-toe shoes, opt for those shoes that provide plenty of room, allowing your toes to freely move around without being pinched. Better yet, choose shoes that will allow your feet to breathe. Alternate your closed-toe shoes with flip-flops or open-toed shoes to allow enough air to circulate and prevent fungus from thriving in your nails.

Nail Polish

Nail polish might help look your toes more presentable, but it is actually one of the causes of toenail fungal infection. Heavy-colored nail polishes could block the light into your nails, creating an environment that’s more susceptible to fungal growth. Therefore, give your toenails a break from nail polishes.

If you are getting your nails done at a salon, choose those that will properly sanitize all their tools after serving each customer. Toenail fungus is highly contagious and can be passed on to another individual through nail clippers. Also, try to schedule your appointment early in the morning so you will be the first to use the newly sanitized tools or equipment.

Public Shower Rooms

If you regularly use the public shower rooms, either at the pool or in your gym, make sure you wear flip-flops at all times. These places are the perfect breeding ground for fungus since they are wet and humid. So, try not to walk around barefoot while in these public places.

If you are swimming in a public pool, make sure you wear proper footwear. The fungus can thrive in the water, too. And if other people who have fungal infections will use the pool at the same time you are there, there’s a good chance that you could develop a fungal infection. Also, thoroughly dry your feet after swimming and showering before putting back your shoes.

Health Issue for Runners

Runners are among those people who are at high risk of developing fungal infections on the toenails. In fact, this is one of the most common health issues for runners, and it’s easy to see why. Runners tend to sweat quite a lot during a marathon. And as you know, fungus loves to thrive on damp surfaces, such as sweaty socks or shoes.

If you are a runner, avoid wearing a pair of tight running shoes. These shoes can further intensify the moist environment due to sweaty socks, creating a perfect setting for fungus to thrive in. Also, try wearing a pair of special socks made from fabric that can wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and prevent fungal infections. It’s also a good idea to alternate the running shoes you wear and allow the shoes to dry out before you wear them again.

Frequent Wearing of Stockings

Regularly wearing a pair of stockings could easily lead to sweaty feet, making it easier for the fungal infection to grow. If you need to wear a pair of stockings before wearing a shoe, apply baby powder or antiperspirant powder on your feet before you slip into the stockings. This can help minimize sweating and prevent any chances for the fungus to grow.

Conclusion

Knowing what causes toenail fungus can help you minimize your chances of developing this fungal infection. But if you do get infected with fungus on your toenails, make sure to get it treated immediately, especially if you start to notice symptoms like foul odor on your feet, brittle nails, and others. Toenail fungus can be treated easily, especially if the condition is diagnosed early on.

Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

There are various home remedies for toenail fungus, but some of these are not guaranteed to be effective, particularly if your condition is already severe. Nevertheless, most of them are safe and easy to use since the products you will need are already available at home.

Whatever treatment you will use, make sure to trim your nails and clean them well before applying the treatment. Also, maintain proper hygiene at all times. Change socks daily and wear well-ventilated shoes to allow your feet to breathe.

Research has shown that some home remedies for nail fungus are truly effective. Some of them are even more effective than over the counter and prescription medications. If you’re thinking of using home remedies to treat your toenail fungus, here are some remedies you can try.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been found to lower the skin’s pH level, which can also help to minimize unwanted fungi on the skin, thus treating your toenail fungal infection. When using apple cider vinegar as home remedies for foot fungus, experts advise adding two tbsp of vinegar to a basin of lukewarm water. Soak your feet on the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. Although some people have experienced an improvement in their toenail fungus after trying the apple cider vinegar as a foot soak, more studies are needed to confirm if the vinegar is effective for treating fungal infections.

Garlic

Garlic contains potent antifungal properties that may help fight the fungus that causes infection on the toenails, making it one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. To use garlic as a remedy for toenail fungus, people would chop up a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the infected nail for 20 to 30 mins once a day. But take note that garlic could irritate the skin, and the smell could put you off. While garlic is a popular remedy for toenail fungus, there are not enough clinical trials to support its use.

Listerine mouthwash

Listerine mouthwash contains ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol that have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why people believe it could be an effective remedy for toenails fungus. In fact, Listerine footbath is a common treatment for athletes’ foot and other fungal infections, including toenail fungus. Soaking the feet with the Listerine foot bath for 20 to 30 minutes can soften the nail plate, allowing the antifungal ingredients from Listerine to penetrate the toenails and kill the fungus. However, there are not enough trials to support its use.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaves contain oleuropein that has been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. Also, some studies show that it’s effective in killing the yeast Candida albicans, one of the fungal strains that can cause toenail fungus. Studies suggest that the leaves may be effective against fungal infections when taken orally, although no quality trials are available to confirm this claim.

Oregano oil

The oregano oil contains thymol, an ingredient with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this, many believe that oregano is one of the natural remedies for toenail fungus. Although trials investigating the use of oregano oil for fungal infections are lacking, one trial that uses a combination of essential oils of lime, oregano, and tea tree has reported a mycological cure of 78.5% after a year of use.

Snake root extract

The snakeroot extract has long been used as a traditional Mexican medicine for fungal skin infections. One study that compared the topical solution of snakeroot extract to ciclopirox for toenail fungus has shown that the snakeroot extract is more therapeutically effective for 71.1%. Moreover, there have been no severe side effects that have been reported with the treatment. Experts suggest applying every third day for the first month, twice a week on the second month, and once a week for the third month.

Tea Tree Oil

Applying essential oil made from 100% tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. In fact, its effects are comparable to 1% clotrimazole solution when treating toenail fungus. Another study found that combining tea tree oil with antifungal creams can lead to better results than using antifungal cream alone. Some people would apply the oil directly to the affected toenails, while others would prepare foot soak using tea tree oil to soak their feet.

Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub is another popular remedy for treating fungal infections. One study shows that 83% of people who applied the Vicks VapoRub once daily to treat their toenail fungus have experienced significant improvement. All people who participated in such a study were very satisfied with the appearance of their nails at the end of the treatment. Experts believe that the reason behind the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub in treating fungal infections has something to do with the ingredients found in it, such as menthol and thymol, which are believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Ozonized sunflower oil

The ozonized sunflower oil is a combination of ozone and sunflower oil. It’s prepared by treating the sunflower oil with ozone, leading to an ozone reservoir that slowly releases into the affected nail or skin. Ozone is believed to be a very effective antifungal and bacterial agent that promises excellent results when used as a home remedy for toenail fungus. A study shows that ozonized sunflower oil can help to inhibit the growth of different fungi strains that can cause toenail fungal infection.

Baking soda

Baking soda has been used to treat a wide range of skin illnesses. It’s also believed to be one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. To prepare, mix the baking soda with water to produce a paste-like texture, then apply directly to the affected toenail and leave the paste for 15 minutes. Do this for three to four times each day to remove excess moisture from the nail and inhibit fungus growth.

Essential Oil for Toenail Fungus

Although there’s not enough research on the effectiveness of essential oil for toenail fungus, many of these oils contain antifungal properties that can help kill the fungal strain that causes toenail fungus. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungal infections can cause the toenails to be brittle and broken, and may result in discoloration of the nail bed. The infection can be treated by over-the-counter antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, topical creams, and oral antifungal medications. While these treatments are effective, some can pose harmful side effects. Because of this, many people would turn to essential oil for toenail fungus treatment. 

Here are some essential oils that contain antifungal properties and are believed to treat toenail fungal infections. 

Cinnamon oil

The cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are potent antifungal compounds. Cinnamon is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, the oil may be effective at treating conditions like toenail fungus. The oil works by stopping the growth of fungus that causes the infection.

You can apply the essential oil directly to the affected area of your toenails. You can also choose to dilute it with a carrier oil. Apply the essential oil twice a day, morning, and evening. You can also prepare a foot soak by adding the cinnamon essential oil to warm water. Add Epsom salt as well to make the foot soak more effective. Soak your feet to the foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes per day.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains a high level of eugenol, a powerful antifungal compound that can fight off parasites and promote healthy blood circulation. Therefore, using clove oil for toenail fungus may help to effectively eliminate the fungal strains that cause fungal infections. Experts recommend mixing six to eight drops of clove essential oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and applying it directly to the infected toenail a few times a day.

Another way to use clove essential oil as a home remedy for toenail fungus is to try a foot soak. Simply add several drops of the clove oil to a foot bath and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Some people would add Epsom salts to the mix for added relief.

Lavender oil

The lavender essential oil is another effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s one of the most popular essential oils because it has many beneficial properties. The oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which effectively treat wounds and all types of fungal infections. Applying several drops of pure lavender oil to your toenails can help kill the fungus quickly, and you’ll soon see the infected nail replaced with healthy nails. When used regularly, the lavender essential oil will not only treat the fungal infection but can also help to prevent future infections.

The most important thing to remember when using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus is to make sure you are using authentic essential oil. Use high-quality oil that’s not diluted in any way. Also, avoid fragranced oils as these might just cause more harm than good.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that is very effective in treating fungal infections, thanks to its antifungal properties. According to one study, using undiluted eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus may help treat toenail fungus. The oil works pretty quickly in killing the fungus in the toenail and the nail bed. As the oil seeps into the skin, it clears the fungus that causes the infection.

The eucalyptus oil works effectively when applied directly to the toenail fungus. Like the other essential oil for toenail fungus, it can also be used as a foot soak. And compared to most antifungal medications, using eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus is incredibly cheaper.

Lemon oil

Since the lemon essential oil is packed with antifungal properties, it’s one of those essential oils that can effectively treat toenail fungus. Not only that, but this essential oil also contains powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. One study shows that the oil is effective against the fungi that cause thrush, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections if applied topically.

When using the lemon essential oil for toenail fungus, mix it with a carrier oil of your choice. To ensure that you won’t get any allergic reactions, test the mixture in a small area of your skin, such as in your forearms. If you do not see irritation or redness within 24 hours, you can safely use the essential oil to treat your toenail fungus.

Oregano oil

The oregano essential oil is a potent and natural antifungal remedy, making it one of the most effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s also considered antiviral and antibiotic, thanks to the presence of thymol and carvacrol. Studies show that lemon essential oil is effective against different strains of fungus that cause fungal infections on the toenails.

To use oregano oil for toenail fungus, use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of the oil into the affected areas in your toes. Gently dab the cotton with the oil over your toenails. You can also combine it with other essential oil for toenail fungus, such as tea tree oil, orange oil, and olive oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil is a popular antifungal essential oil that can also be used as a pain reliever. Thanks to its high menthol content, it offers a cooling and soothing effect that can help relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of having a toenail fungus. It can also help minimize the swelling and soothe the pain for the more severe cases of toenail fungus.

When using peppermint oil for toenail fungus, you don’t need to dilute the oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected areas in your toenails. Once the oil is in there, the menthol will seep into the infected area, and its antifungal and antioxidant properties will start to heal the fungal infections in your toenails.