The medical definition for toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is- an infection that is known to get in through cracks of the skin or nails. In most cases, it makes the nails, and this case toenails to get thicker or to change color.
Letting this infection go untreated can cause it to spread to other areas of the skin and other toenails and even onto your fingernails. Just like most other diseases, discovering this infection early is very helpful as you can deal with it before it becomes severe.
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This is a sponsored post by Uncover the Cure. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
What Are Some Toenail Fungus Symptoms?
Some of the symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- nails breaking easily
- oddly shaped nails
- thicker than the normal nails
- changed color such as looking yellow
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Naturally
Natural nail fungus treatment is available for people willing to use it as it promises treatment results at the end. The following remedies have been proven and tested by health practitioners and proven to be helpful if used as per the requirement. They include the following:
Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Use of Snakeroot Extract
This is an antifungal that is made from a plant in the family of sunflowers. In a study done in 2008, it was seen that this natural remedy was as effective as ciclopirox as prescribed by a doctor.
In the study, this extract was applied to the area that was affected in the following order: every third day of the very first month, in the second month; twice a week and in the third month, once a week.
Use Tea Tree Oil for Toenails
This oil has essential antiseptic and most importantly, antifungal abilities. As per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, this oil can be used as a natural remedy for toenail fungus.
For best results, paint your nail with a cotton swab applied with tea tree oil on the affected area twice a day.
Use of Vicks VapoRub
A 2011 study found this topical ointment, though it has been designed for cough suppression, to contain camphor and eucalyptus oil which can treat nail infection.
It is best when applied once a day in the affected area.
Use of Ozonized Oil
Applying this oil twice a day on the affected area helps to treat this infection.
Ozonized oils are injected with ozone gas, and according to a study done in 2011, this exposure inactivates different organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and yeast.
Use Oregano Oil for Toenail Fungus
This oil has thymol, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Using a cotton swab, apply this oil twice a day on the affected area for best results.
Use of Olive Leaf Extract
Oleuropein, the active substance in this extract, is thought to contain antifungal, antimicrobial and immune-boosting abilities. Fortunately, this extract has it all.
The way to make the best use of this is to apply the olive leaf salve directly to the nail fungus or ingest the capsule form.
However, a review showed that taking meals with one to three olive leaf capsules twice a day has proven to be more effective than applying the extract on the affected area.
Use Garlic for Toenail Fungus
Garlic contains some antimicrobial and antifungal capabilities.
One of the ways to use garlic as a natural remedy for toenail fungus is to place chopped pieces or crushed ones on the affected areas daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus
Though this doesn’t have research to prove it as a remedy for the infection, anecdotal evidence supports it. It is worth giving it a try.
Try soaking the affected area in one-part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to around 20 minutes daily.
Use of Listerine
This product has antibacterial and antifungal properties as it contains thymol, eucalyptus, and menthol.
Those who support the use of this say that the best way to use it is by soaking the affected area in a basin for thirty minutes containing amber-colored Listerine daily.
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Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus Naturally is Worth Trying
The question that is mostly asked when taking these natural remedies for treatment is when to see a doctor.
For some people, their infection may cause serious problems, although many regard it as a cosmetic problem. People who have diabetes or have a weak immune system should not use these home remedies but instead, they should consider going to see a doctor for proper care.
In conclusion, one can agree that these remedies are worth a try as they have been tested and proven over time by both people who have had toenail fungus and by medical practitioners whose sole purpose is to see to it that this kind of infection does not go untreated.
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