Most Practical Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

The history of home remedies is as old as that of mankind. People from the beginning have been facing different health problems and trying to over come them by applying natural products found around them. This is the outcome of extensive and protracted efforts of our ancestors that we can find effective remedies for almost every ailment. It was with the expansion of scientific loom that our traditional therapies kept ignored during last few centuries. However, severe side effects and high costs of these scientific medications are making them unpopular in many day to day ailments and once again people are turning their face towards time-honored home remedies. These natural preparations are quick and easy to make, far less expansive and free from un wanted side effects.
One of the common skin conditions that can be easily managed at home by using easily available natural stuffs is toenail fungus. Nail Fungus or Onychomycosis, as it is scientifically called, is an extremely widespread nail disorder all over the world. It affects both fingernails and toe nails and is equally common in both genders. The fungus grows slowly and results in nail discoloration (yellowish brown) and a change in their texture. As a result nails become brittle and easily breakable. The accumulation of debris underneath the nail may cause tenderness. The prescription medicines for nail fungus cure have not a long history and we can stay they are still at the stage of experimentations. There is still no medications that can kill these fungi, the available medicines only stop them to spread and promote nail growth. Furthermore, they can be toxic especially for liver and pose a real threat for your pocket.
How to prevent toe nail fungus?

• Always keep your feet dry, moist skin promotes the growth of fungi and hence the risk of fungal infections.
• Reduce the use of closed in foot wears, again an enclosed sweating feet help fungi to proliferate.
• Keep your nails trimmed and avoid nail polishes
Wear cotton socks which will absorb any sweat or moisture

Home remedies for nail fungus Like any other condition you can find a number of natural treatment for your toenail fungus as well. What so ever you choose, will have to work for at least a month or two before it shows any result and you have to be stubborn enough to continue for six months to a year or even up to eighteen months in older and obstinate cases. Keep in mind that prescription medicines will also take this much time. The most common natural cure for fungus nails is to soak feet or hands in an anti fungal solution. This could be apple cider vinegar, white synthetic vinegar, chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Even soaking your feet in salty water can be helpful. Again proper filing along with continuous applications twice a day for months is required. As an appropriate home cure, you can use any of the following preparations;

• Vinegar and Hydrogen per oxide; Soak your nail in 50/50 solution of white vinegar, containing about 3% hydrogen peroxide. Repeat twice a day.
• Just pour a few drops of vinegar OR hydrogen per oxide directly on your nail bed. Again repeat twice a day for several months till the whole thick yellow flaky toe nails are replaced, still continue for two whole months.

Essential Oils The most widely used essential oil remedies are lavender oil and tea tree oil. The tea tree oil is found to have antifungal properties and lavender oil prevents any itching. Other herbal oils like olive oil or thyme oil can also be used. The holistic home remedy for nail fungus remedy is to apply 100% tea tree oil twice a day, with a cotton swab both under the nail and over it. Other remedies Many other remedies can also be found for toenail fungus, like Vicks, table salt, bleach, and Listerine mouth wash. Any of these can work if you use them regularly and take care of your nails properly.

Keywords: