The best treatment for toenail fungus is not necessarily your most expensive option…
“I’ve got a huge, terrible problem.”
Oh no! Not that horrible toenail fungus that takes six months to cure?”
No, no, no. Much worse. This is shocking news. Are you sure I should tell you while you’re driving?”
I’ve got my headset on. Both hands on the wheel. Windows rolled up. Go for it.”
Okay, here goes…Principal Abernethy called me this morning to let me know I’m in the running for valedictorian.”
There is silence.
A rather loudish snort.
And guffaws.
Congratulations,” she finally says, laughing. “What ever are you going to do?”
Fail ever assignment from today onward.”
You won’t be able to.”
Watch me.” – Lisa McMann, Fade
Let’s be honest, toenail fungus is probably one of the ugliest and least pleasurable health issues we face. Unfortunately, it affects both men and women equally; many studies however proved that toenail fungus is more common in men.
There is several toenail fungus symptoms which typically reveal the presence of this painful fungus. Symptoms usually are very obvious. It includes swelling, is yellow or brown in color, there is crumbling and thickening of the nail, and inflammation is one of the primary symptoms faced by most people who have to deal with this problem. Toenail fungus can hardly go unnoticed as it generally produces a fowl smelling odor caused by debris which accumulates beneath the nail. The symptoms are clearly visible in the toenail fungus pictures above and below.
Toenail fungus causes: fungal growth takes place in moist and warm habitats such as public showers and locker rooms, around swimming pools. Lack of personal hygiene where socks and shoes are worn for prolonged periods also creates the perfect environment. Sharing footwear, not properly drying feet after showering, etc also contribute. The fungus can spread from one toe to another, as well as to other body parts. People wearing tight fitting clothes and shoes are more at risk.
Can toenail fungus be cured? Good news! While toenail fungus laser treatment is the quickest option, it also is the most expensive way to treat toenail fungus.
Home remedies the best treatment for toenail fungus?
Yes! Home remedies can also cure the condition without the medical bills and at a much lower cost. Some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus deliver good results in a short time, provided the remedy is applied persistently and as prescribed. During my research I scoured the web in order to present you with only the top toenail fungus treatments available. All of the remedies discussed work; it’s a matter of finding which remedy’s application best fits your daily schedule.
Please note: For better and faster results I would recommend using home remedies in conjunction with toenail fungus medication, especially if the infection is not still in its early stages – home remedies work best at the onset of the fungal infection.
Apple cider vinegar – From delicious salads to tasteful dishes, apple cider vinegar can practically just about be used for a large variety of purposes (i.e sinus congestion, constipation, acne scars, etc) , where toenail fungus home treatment is one of them. Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic, meaning that it will help prevent the infection from spreading and eliminate any bacteria or germs located in that area. Use this toenail fungus killer by preparing a solution of equal quantities of water and apple cider vinegar. You can either soak your affected feet in apple cider vinegar or soak a cotton ball in the mixture and massage the infected toenail with it. If you diligently follow the procedure twice daily; you should notice the fungal infection is gone after a few weeks.
Lemon juice – Even though the sour taste is orally mostly unpleasant, it should come as no surprise that lemon juice is regarded one of the best toenail fungus cures. Lemon juice has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties which will allow you to get rid of the fungus fast. Lemon juice is an important source of citric acid that can prevent the toenail fungus from spreading and reduces it within a month or so. Squeeze the lemon juice directly onto the affected nail and massage it gently for five minutes. Unlike other medications, lemon juice does not present any side-effects or risks and applying it every day for one month should be long enough to eliminate the toenail fungus forever and help restore the nail to its original healthy appearance.
Oregano oil – Most of you would say “Yummy!”, but oregano oil is not only a delicious ingredient for salads, it has powerful anti-parasitical, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities that can be extremely helpful as a toenail fungus remedy. Oregano oil is very beneficial when mixed with extra virgin olive oil, so prepare this mixture by adding two drops of oregano oil to a teaspoon of olive oil. For this toenail fungus home remedy to produce good results, the mixture must be applied to the affected nail by means of a cotton ball once daily for three weeks. Continue with the mixture until the nail is fully restored if necessary however.
Lavender oil – We all heard about lavender oil’s magnificent smell and many women include it in their beauty rituals, but this essential oil has proved to be extraordinarily effective when you want to get rid of toenail fungus quickly. Using lavender oil can help you fight the fungal infection and prevent those toenail fungus symptoms, such as pain, swelling or inflammation. Mix equal quantities of lavender oil and olive oil and add this mixture to the affected toenail, massaging the area with a cotton ball. It is advised to use it once or twice daily for adequate results. Consider this: this mixture cures toenail fungus naturally and since it does not contain any harmful substances, you should not experience any kind of adverse reaction.
Tea tree oil – On the top of the list there is tea tree oil, which is thought to be the very best nail fungus treatment with potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties for those nails where the fungus only recently made its appearance. It helps to eliminate the toenail fungus fast and make toenail(s) soft again. Take tea tree oil and mix with olive oil or orange oil. Apply to the affected area using a cotton bud. Massage the area for approximately ten minutes, then take a clean toothbrush and scrub the area gently. Make sure you use this home remedy once or twice per day until your nail looks healthy again.
White vinegar – White vinegar is frequently used for calming and treating many health issues, among which are skin tags and toenail fungus, some of the most popular conditions. With toenail fungus, vinegar works the same as apple cider vinegar. Just mix the vinegar with water and soak your feet in it for about fifteen minutes. Bear in mind that you have to repeat this process every day until you observe positive results. In addition, make sure you rinse and dry your feet very well once the time has lapsed, to prevent the further spreading of the fungus.
Listerine Mouth Wash – Those television advertisements are actually not useless; Listerine Mouth Wash is a great way to kill the bacteria from your mouth. It only makes sense then than that when it is applied as a toenail fungus treatment; the infection should also disappear fast. As you may already know, Listerine Mouth Wash contains impressive quantities of alcohol which help to eliminate the fungus, reduce the inflammation and make the toenail look healthy again. Mix Listerine with lemon juice and soak your feet in it for approximately ten minutes every day for 4-8 weeks. This should be long enough to obtain positive results; if not, use for as long as needed until you are happy with the appearance of the affected nail.
Garlic – Garlic is not only very beneficial for preventing cold or influenza, but also one of the best ways to cure toenail fungus naturally. Garlic has powerful antifungal properties that will slow down the activity of the fungus within a few short hours. Take two garlic cloves, crush them and mix with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area and allow it to do its trick for the next 24 hours. Using this solution and eating a garlic clove every day should have the fungus infection gone in a few weeks, without any chance of encountering adverse reactions or other similar inconveniences.
Orange oil – Orange oil is regarded by many as the best cure for toenail fungus, primarily because it produces results in a short time; curing the fungus pretty fast. You will find different types of orange oil in drug stores and natural health stores, but since all of them have antifungal properties any orange oil product you buy will be able to deliver results. Using a dropper, apply the orange oil between the toes and make sure you add a small quantity under the toenails as well. However, it is advised to test the orange oil on your skin first; it can cause severe allergic reactions for some people.
Baking soda – We all have baking soda in our kitchens, which makes it quite handy for quick access to a toenail fungus “medicine”. Preparing this home remedy is a bit more complex that those discussed above, but since many found this mixture to be very effective, it may be worth your while to try it. You will need equal quantities of hydrogen peroxide, hot water and baking soda in order to make it. After you mix all the ingredients together, add only a few drops of white vinegar to the mixture and apply to the affected area using a clean cloth or a cotton ball. Repeat daily for one month, but continue with the treatment until the toenail fungus is gone.
Home remedies for toenail fungus is a slow cure; only diligent application will render results, and in varying degrees. What works for one person may not work for another. Once you have treated the fungus successfully; you need to take care so as to not get infected again. Take in less sugar and dairy products; add more good bacteria (probiotics) to your diet. Change your personal hygiene habits if this caused the infection initially. Wear shoes in damp public areas and dry your feet well after showers/baths. Take off wet socks after exercises and never share footwear, or wear the same for days on end.
The absolute best treatment for toenail fungus is to start with treatment the moment you become aware of toenail fungus!