Any damage to your toenails can lead to toenail fungus if left unchecked. The nail starts to yellow and thicken, and you are eventually left with toes that may make you uncomfortable wearing sandals or open-toed shoes in public. So you most likely bury those toes in a warm, moist environment—like inside of socks and shoes—where the fungus thrives, and everything gets worse. With just a bit of knowledge and action, however, you can be back in your sandals in no time. Life is too short to spend time worrying about how your feet look. Take action, and you can give toenail fungus the boot.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an antiseptic that can relieve irritation caused by fungal infections. Apply a few drops of lavender oil to the infected area using a cotton ball or a Q-tip two or three times per day. Leave the oil on to absorb into the skin and nails for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has both antifungal and antiseptic properties that help you kick toenail fungus out of your life. Thoroughly clean the affected area, and then apply the oil directly to your toenail. Leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse well. Apply tea tree oil once per day until your toes are sandal-ready.
Baking Soda
Make a foot bath with two scoops of baking soda and warm water, and let your feet soak for 10 to 20 minutes. You could also make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it directly to the affected area. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Baking soda will dry up excess moisture that allows the fungus to thrive as well as clear up any foot odor you may be struggling with.
Vicks Vaporub
Apply Vicks VapoRub once or twice a day to the affected area with a cotton swab. Vicks contains antifungal agents, such as eucalyptus oil and camphor, which should help clear up fungal issues quickly and affordably.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal has been used in gardening to get rid of the black-spot fungus that is common on many plants. Use a container large enough to soak your feet in, and mix cornmeal with enough hot water to create a thin paste. Let the liquid cool, then soak your feet for around one hour.
Urea Paste
You can find a 20-percent urea paste at most drug stores, available over the counter. Applying the paste to your nail will help dissolve the infected areas of the nail while leaving the healthy parts intact. Use this method with caution, as it will literally remove part of your nail, which will leave it prone to infection. Follow this treatment with an antifungal cream, such as Miranel AF, to keep the fungus and other infections away. Consult a physician or a dermatologist before trying this treatment—it could be dangerous if conducted improperly.
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antifungal agent and a staple in most kitchens, so chances are that you or someone you know already have some on hand. You can crush up some fresh garlic, or use garlic oil instead. Mix the garlic with white vinegar, and apply to the affected area. Cover the area with a bandage, and allow the mixture to work its magic for several hours. Use this method once per day until the problem clears up.
Toenail fungus is a common problem, and one most people will deal with multiple times during their lives. It can be unsightly, sure, but it’s really not that serious a problem healthwise. Don’t feel as if you need to panic or throw lots of money at the problem to make it go away. You don’t need a week’s worth of pedicures or, in most cases, the advice of a medical professional. You just need a few household items and the commitment to take action and rid yourself of the fungal infection. Now you have the knowledge you need to fight toenail fungus and win—so that you can wear your open-toed shoes out with confidence.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Sources: [Mayo Clinic, Prevention, Reader’s Digest, Remedy Daily]
