Onychomycosis or toenail fungus is unsightly. Sandal season or not, the last thing you want is toenails with a noticeable infection. Having yellow, white, or brown toenails is unappealing, but the symptoms don’t end there. The fungus causes toenails to crack or thicken, and it can spread to the fingernails, too.
There are a few oral antifungals that are available by prescription. Fluconazole and terbinafine are common treatments. Although they’re effective, they may also cause a range of unpleasant side effects. So if you have a toenail fungus problem, try these home treatments first.
Most Popular At-Home Toenail Fungus Treatments
Do you want to learn how to fight toe nail fungus at home? Try these home remedies the next time you get a toe fungus problem:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with strong antifungal and antiseptic benefits. It may be an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
If you decide to try this method, make sure to purchase therapeutic-grade tea tree oil. Carefully paint the infected nail with a cotton swab. Do this twice a day until the infection goes away.
2. Garlic
This smelly cure has proven antifungal and antimicrobial qualities. Place chopped or crushed garlic cloves directly on the affected area for half an hour daily. Or opt for garlic capsules to treat the toenail fungus from the inside.
But if you do decide to use garlic on the affected area, make sure to set a timer. Spending hours with raw garlic on the skin can cause garlic burns.
3. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is one of the most popular home remedies for toenail fungus, as it contains thymol. This ingredient gives oregano oil antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Apply the oil directly onto the infected nail with a cotton swab. Do this twice daily.
4. Vicks VapoRub
Lastly, you already know that VapoRub is a great topical ointment when you have a cough. But it may also help treat toenail fungus. Namely, the camphor and eucalyptus oil have a beneficial effect on nail health.
A small-scale study showed that people who used it to treat toenail fungus found it satisfactory.
Fighting Toe Nail Fungus from Home
There are many reasons why you may want to treat a toenail fungus infection from home. It’s easy, affordable, and generally safe. Just be careful about using essential oils, as some need to be diluted before you put them on the skin. Test the oil on a small patch of skin first, to make sure you don’t have allergies.
But if the toenail fungus infection is severe or spreads to other nails, it may be time to consult with a doctor. Home remedies might be okay for mild cases but they aren’t always enough.
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