Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

While there are wide range of home remedies for toenail fungus available out there, they are not guaranteed to provide 100% cure for toenail fungus. Some work to some extent, some provide temporary relief to some, and some are not recommended to be used at all. Best remedies for toenail fungus therefore will be a treatment that is made of all natural ingredients; ingredients that are proven to support skin and nail health. You need to look for ingredients that are high in antioxidant which will boost your immune system and ingredients that will fight against free radicals, which is the major cause of toenail fungus to begin with.

Many people would search for the best home remedies for toenail fungus because they don’t like the nasty side effects of taking over-the-counter drugs. Toenail fungus is a common condition, with millions of people suffering from this condition worldwide. Also called “onychomycosis,” it can cause discoloration of the toenails. If left treated, it will thicken and start to crumble. Sometimes, the infection could cause the nail to be removed from the nail bed. Since it is contagious, it usually begins in one toenail and eventually spreads to the other nails.

Toenail fungal infections can happen to anyone, resulting from the many different types of fungi. While most toenail infections can be treated easily, there are cases when the infection will require prescription drugs, such as anti-fungal pills. Although these drugs are truly effective, they could cause unpleasant side effects, including skin rashes and upset stomachs. Because of this, many people would turn to the best home remedies for toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

Baking Soda

Baking soda has long been a popular home remedy for a wide range of illnesses. Some people suggest that baking soda can help absorb moisture that causes fungus growth in the toenail. In addition, it contains fungistatic properties, which means that it will not only kill fungi but also prevent them from growing. However, there is not much scientific evidence that supports baking soda for toenail fungus, and there’s no evidence to suggest that it can treat fungal infections. Nevertheless, it’s worth trying, especially since baking soda is readily available.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common household product. It’s also a popular remedy for toenail fungus because of its anti-fungal properties, as proven by a 2017 study. However, the study also notes that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. Using vinegar to treat your fungal infection is easy. Prepare a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Place in a basin and soak your feet in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Try the vinegar foot soak for fungus twice a day, and you will see improvement in only a few days.

Garlic

Although garlic is used to season food, it’s also considered one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. Some studies show that garlic contains strong anti-fungal properties, making it an effective remedy for treating all types of fungal infections, including toenail fungus. However, more research is needed to confirm this claim. Also, some studies suggest using garlic together with anti-fungal drugs to make it more effective. If you want to give this home remedy a try, chop up a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the infected nail for 30 minutes twice a day.

Epsom Salt

The Epsom salt has long been used to treat wounds and infections effectively. While it may not completely eliminate toenail fungus, the Epsom salt for toenail fungus can be a part of an anti-fungal regime. Soaking your feet in the salt could relieve you of the fungus that causes the infection in your toenails. Mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet in the mixture for up to 20 minutes. Some people would add essential oils to the mix to make it more effective.

Mouthwash

Some mouthwash products like Listerine contain active ingredients that could kill the fungus that causes the toenail fungus infection. Thus, many people believe it’s the best toenail fungus remedy, especially when combatting the odor of toenail infections. But it’s worth noting that some mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine, which is believed to be the ingredient with antifungal properties, require a prescription from the doctor. The mouthwash can be used as a foot soak for fungus toenails. Just mix it with warm water.

Essential Oils

Some studies suggest that certain essential oils contain antifungal properties that can help treat toenail fungal infections, especially when used with other antifungal treatments. One of the essential oils used for antifungal treatment is tea tree oil. To use tree tea oil for nail fungus, add five drops of the oil to half-ounce of carrier oil. Mix well, stir into warm water, and use it as a foot soak for fungus toenails.

Vicks VapoRub

Although Vicks VapoRub is more commonly used to suppress cough, it contains active ingredients that may help to treat toenail fungus. A study about Vicks VapoRub toenail fungus has shown a “positive clinical effect.” However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub on feet fungus. To use, apply a small amount of the Vicks VapoRub on your toenails at least once a day.

Snakeroot Extract

The Snakeroot may not be popular in the US. However, in places like Mexico, the Snakeroot extract is a popular traditional treatment for different skin conditions, making it one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. This plant is part of the sunflower family and is believed to have potent antifungal properties. To use, apply the snakeroot extract directly to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the following month, and once a week for the third month.

Unsafe Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

While some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus are somewhat effective, some products could cause more harm than good. For instance, you should never use bleach for nail fungus. It can be toxic to the skin and lead to severe skin irritation. In addition, you must use only a small amount of hot water when preparing foot soak for fungus toenails. Excessive heat can further injure the nails and skin and make your condition even worse. Always use lukewarm water for soaking. And finally, never remove the nails or avoid trimming them excessively. Doing so could cause damage to the nail bed and lead to further injuries. There is also a risk of causing further infections if the damaged nail is not properly removed.

You need to understand one thing. Home remedies are just like that – home remedies. If you are looking for the best toenail fungus treatment, you look for a professionally made supplement from proven all natural ingredients. Look for ingredients that fight free radicals and boost immune system. That will be the best toenail fungus treatment for you.