3 Steps to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can become an issue before you even realize you have it. These three steps will keep your toes healthy and happy without using harsh chemicals!
Any toe-related problem is probably the last thing you are able to notice. This is because most of the time you just cover your feet, especially during winter and fall. However, reality is, toenail fungus is common and the fungi thrives in dark, moist areas such as your toes because you don’t always give full attention to them.
Toenail Fungus–What is it?
Medically, it is a condition called onychomycosis or Tinea unguium. Toenail fungus typically is noticed and diagnosed by doctors during summertime. That’s when people often see their doctor because they notice a discoloration on their nailbeds just when they are starting to wear flip-flops when going outside in the warmer weather.
Toenail fungus is primarily odorless and not painful, especially when detected in the early stages. It is caused by the Candida species that often is associated with molds and yeasts. Normally, if your immune system is strong it can fight off the fungus, but due to your toes’ moist and warm environment, the fungus lives and is able to permeate your nailbeds. Moreover, if you don’t have good personal hygiene and you walk in public showers or pools, you also are exposing yourself to more fungi, causing a greater chance of having a nail fungus.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
You are likely to have this problem if you experience:
- Brittle nailbeds, especially in the big toe area
- Nails that have become soft and thicker and constantly changing shape, even though you just cut your nails
- Nails that detach from the skin bed
- Discoloration in your nails, either brownish or white-yellowish
- White patches, either small or large dots, or patches, on the nail
- Pain to some extent
How to Get Rid of It
You won’t really know if you have toenail fungus unless you research it or make a doctor’s appointment. Some people admit that having been diagnosed with toenail fungus seems to lower their self-esteem. But worry not, there are home remedies that you can use to get rid of the nasty fungus.
#1 Tea Tree Oil or Orange Oil
Tea Tree Oil is one of the most effective anti-fungal remedies and it doesn’t just deal with toenail fungus, but other fungal problems as well, such as dandruff. The fungicidal, as well as anti-bacterial, properties help solve your problem. You can mix the Tea Tree Oil with Orange Oil because studies have shown that that also helps in dealing with fungus.
Simply mix 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil, ½ teaspoon of Grape Seed Oil and ½ teaspoon of Orange Oil and soak cotton balls in the mixture. Then apply it directly on your nailbed and let it dry. You can repeat the process twice a day, morning and evening.
#2 Oil of Oregano
Though Oil of Oregano is not very common, it has a lot of properties that can help ward off different diseases. It has antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and analgesic properties. So you can use this as an alternative to treat your toenail fungus. Add 2 drops of Oil of Oregano in a teaspoon of Olive Oil then apply it on the affected toe/s and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse your feet thoroughly.
#3 Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak
Baking soda and vinegar is a good combination to prevent the fungus from spreading among your toes. Adding vinegar will help kill the fungus because of its acidity. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into a basin with enough water to cover your feet. Soak for 15 minutes and pat dry using paper towels. Then add about 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda into the basin with water and soak your feet again for another 15 minutes. Then dry your feet.
Detecting toenail fungus is essential to preventing the infection from spreading. These are simple and economical practices that will help you get rid of your toenail fungus. There is no need to buy expensive antifungal creams. However, if the symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
