Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus: Toenail Fungus Home Remedy

The foot soak for toenail fungus can help soothe the symptoms of having fungal infection on your toenails. There are several versions of foot soaks out there, and you can prepare them at home using readily available ingredients. And while some of the foot soak for fungus is truly effective, the effects will vary depending on the severity of your condition. For those suffering from the more severe cases of toenail fungus, you may have to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment or try our natural supplements that are specially made to treat toenail fungus.

What Can Fungus Infections Do To Your Toenails

Millions of people suffer from toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. Others are not even aware they have it. It happens due to the fungus living on the skin underneath the toenails that could sometimes multiply and infect the nails.

There are several types of toenail fungus, but the most common is the distal subungual onychomycosis. With this condition, the fungus will get into the nail bed through the skin under the nail. The infection will eventually cause the toenails to thicken. In some cases, the nails will begin to discolor and turn yellowish. There may also be mild inflammation and pain.

Often, the nails will start to chip and become jagged, eventually separating from the nail bed. Those with the highly contagious athlete’s foot are more at risk of getting distal subungual onychomycosis.

It’s also common for people to get it from their household contacts since the infection is contagious. Another subtype, white superficial onychomycosis, is less common than distal subungual onychomycosis. Unlike other forms of onychomycosis, which affect the fingernails and toenails, the white superficial onychomycosis will only affect the toenails.

The symptoms of white superficial onychomycosis include small and white powdery-looking patches that will randomly appear at the toenail. The nail becomes soft and will easily crumble.

Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus

In most cases, toenail infections will eventually go away on their own even without prescription medical treatment. Over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment products may help to soothe the symptoms, but they may not eradicate the fungus. Also, it could take several months or even up to a year for the infection to heal.

For those whose symptoms are mild, you can try the foot soak for fungus at home to try to soothe the symptoms and help your toenails heal. Here are some of the foot soaks for toenail fungus that you can try at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak

Apple cider vinegar is a classic toenail fungus home remedy that many people swear by. The vinegar is believed to help treat skin problems and possibly help with toenail fungus. Before using apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, keep in mind that there’s not enough research to confirm whether this home remedy is effective. Still, it’s worth giving a try.

To prepare the apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, mix two parts of warm water to one part of apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture into a basin and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes per day. Make sure to dry and clean your feet afterward and apply moisturizer. Do this three times a week for up to a year or until your symptoms disappear.

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Some scientific studies support tea tree oil in treating nail fungus. Although more studies are needed, these studies pointed out the tea tree oil’s antifungal properties. Some studies also show that tea tree oil may effectively reduce fungal growth. Combining the tea tree oil with other medicated creams may also help to effectively treat the toenail fungus.

Before using the tea tree oil for foot soak for toenail fungus, do a skin patch test. Apply a small amount of the oil to your forearm. If you’re not experiencing any irritation within 24 hours, you can use the tea tree oil for a foot soak. To prepare, add five drops of the tea tree oil to half-ounce carrier oil. Mix well and add into a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet to the mixture for up to 20 minutes.

Baking Soda Foot Soak

Baking soda is another inexpensive ingredient recognized for its ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions, from sunburned skin to itchy skin. Some people believe that baking soda may also help curb the growth of fungus and potentially treat toenail fungus. According to one study, lab tests showed that baking soda might effectively suppress fungal growth.

To prepare the baking soda for foot soak for toenail fungus, fill a basin with warm water. Add one-half cup of baking soda into the basin, then soak your feet in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Foot Soak

Hydrogen peroxide may help kill the fungus growing on your skin and is believed to be an effective remedy for toenail fungus. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide could kill bacteria, viruses, mold spores, yeast, and fungi. Using a cotton swab, some people will directly apply the hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. But others will use hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak.

When using hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak for toenail fungus, mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of cool water. Soak your feet to the mixture for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water and dry them thoroughly.

Over-the-counter Foot Soaks

If you prefer a “ready-to-use” product for foot soak for toenail fungus, you can rely on over-the-counter foot soak products. But before you buy, find out the list of ingredients and see if they contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively curing the fungal infection. Some over-the-counter foot soak products contain baking soda, tea tree oil, and Epsom salt. These ingredients may help to kill the fungus and eliminate the other symptoms that come with having a fungal infection.

Conclusion

While the foot soak for toenail fungus may help address the symptoms of fungal infections, they cannot guarantee the full treatment of your condition. If you have diabetes or have severe symptoms of toenail fungus, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, if you have tried these foot soaks for a while, and your fungal infection has not improved, better leave it to your doctor. You can also try out all natural toenail fungus treatment supplements that are designed to treat toenail fungus by fighting the free radicals and boosting the immune system.