Nail fungus is a common health problem that can be extremely difficult to treat. Based on Medscape Reference, nail fungus infection or Onychomycosis may involve the nail matrix, nail bed, or nail plate. Onychomycosis is not life threatening, but it may have a significant impact on quality of life as it causes pain, discomfort, and disfigurement and may produce serious physical and occupational limitations.
Unsightly toenail fungus can be a source of embarrassment and stress. There are number of treatments available but due to some issues on health risk, safer home remedies are used to treat fungal infections. Below are some natural remedies provided by Livestrong.com:
· Foot Soak
A foot soak may not just relieve sore, tired feet, but it can also help relieve foot problems like fungus. A regular foot bath of hot water may relax your feet with additives like essential oils.
· Miconazole
Miconazole is an over-the-counter antifungal topical medication used for treating nail fungus. It is sold under various brand names, including Cruex, Desenex, Fungoid, and Micatin, among others. Miconazole should be applied to the nail for the full length of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package instructions.
· Citric Acid and Baking Soda
Soaking the feet twice a day in a hot solution of baking soda and citric acid creates an inhospitable environment that penetrates thick collagen fibers of the nail. Citric acid has the additional function of being an anti-fungal agent and may lighten darkened toenails.
· Vicks VapoRub
According to the Vicks official website, Vicks VapoRub contains 4.8 percent camphor, 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil and 2.6 percent menthol as active ingredients. Eucalyptus oil is a home remedy that may be used to treat toenail fungus.
· White Vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is effective in preventing fungal growth. You can apply the vinegar treatment by soaking your feet in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts warm water for 15 to 20 minutes each day.
· EMU Oil
Emu oil has many healing properties, including the healthy skin promoting omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Emu oil penetrates your skin easily and deeply; repairing it and allowing deeper penetration of prescription medications.
· Bleach
Bleach can kill the fungus but requires applying the bleach for several minutes, over several days. There are two ways to apply the bleach -- as a soak and in a paste form.
· Apple Cider Vinegar
The organisms that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungus struggle to live in a very acidic environment. A solution of 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water can be used in foot baths for 30 minutes, three times a day.
· Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia has antifungal and antibacterial properties which help kill similar types of fungi that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungus.
These treatments are said to be untested and unproven, so it is highly recommended to always ask your health care provider whether you should use a home remedy for your fungus problem or opt for those which are prescribed by doctors.
Unsightly toenail fungus can be a source of embarrassment and stress. There are number of treatments available but due to some issues on health risk, safer home remedies are used to treat fungal infections. Below are some natural remedies provided by Livestrong.com:
· Foot Soak
A foot soak may not just relieve sore, tired feet, but it can also help relieve foot problems like fungus. A regular foot bath of hot water may relax your feet with additives like essential oils.
· Miconazole
Miconazole is an over-the-counter antifungal topical medication used for treating nail fungus. It is sold under various brand names, including Cruex, Desenex, Fungoid, and Micatin, among others. Miconazole should be applied to the nail for the full length of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package instructions.
· Citric Acid and Baking Soda
Soaking the feet twice a day in a hot solution of baking soda and citric acid creates an inhospitable environment that penetrates thick collagen fibers of the nail. Citric acid has the additional function of being an anti-fungal agent and may lighten darkened toenails.
· Vicks VapoRub
According to the Vicks official website, Vicks VapoRub contains 4.8 percent camphor, 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil and 2.6 percent menthol as active ingredients. Eucalyptus oil is a home remedy that may be used to treat toenail fungus.
· White Vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is effective in preventing fungal growth. You can apply the vinegar treatment by soaking your feet in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts warm water for 15 to 20 minutes each day.
· EMU Oil
Emu oil has many healing properties, including the healthy skin promoting omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Emu oil penetrates your skin easily and deeply; repairing it and allowing deeper penetration of prescription medications.
· Bleach
Bleach can kill the fungus but requires applying the bleach for several minutes, over several days. There are two ways to apply the bleach -- as a soak and in a paste form.
· Apple Cider Vinegar
The organisms that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungus struggle to live in a very acidic environment. A solution of 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water can be used in foot baths for 30 minutes, three times a day.
· Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia has antifungal and antibacterial properties which help kill similar types of fungi that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungus.
These treatments are said to be untested and unproven, so it is highly recommended to always ask your health care provider whether you should use a home remedy for your fungus problem or opt for those which are prescribed by doctors.
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