Home Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus Treatment

Symptoms and Causes of toenail fungus: Toenail fungus usually affects either the big toe or the little toe. Also known as onychomycosis, it is caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes, which feeds on the keratin on the surface of the nail. The affected nail becomes brown or yellow in color. It also becomes thick and disfigured. Foul-smelling debris often accumulates under the nail. It may become painful and the nail may eventually crumble and fall off.
While genetic factors may make a person vulnerable to toe nail fungus, the condition is actually contagious. Toe nail fungus thrives in damp areas like swimming pools, shower stalls and public gyms and a person may come in contact with it when they frequent these places. Another factor is a lack of personal hygiene, such as not drying the feet properly after exercising or bathing, and wearing socks and shoes for long periods, and sharing footwear. Trauma to the toes, by wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes can also cause toe nail fungus.

Home remedies for toe nail fungus: There are several home remedies which will help you combat toe nail fungus.

Tea tree oil is a powerful natural fungicide and antiseptic which helps fight fungus. Apply tea tree oil on the affected toe nail twice a day. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and rub it in thoroughly. You can also mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and lavender oil and dab that on the affected toe nail.

A few drops of oregano oil mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil can also be applied in the same way. Rub it over the affected toe nails twice or thrice in the day. Oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic and antifungal properties. But take care not to continue this treatment for more than 14 days.

Listerine mouthwash also proves effective in fighting toe nail fungus. Soak your toes in the mouthwash for about 20 minutes, and then dry off carefully. The antiseptic in Listerine helps to destroy the fungus.

Natural apple cider vinegar or any vinegar is effective against toe nail fungus. Take equal quantities of warm water and vinegar in a basin and soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes. Dry off completely after wards. After drying off with a towel, use a hair dryer to help absorb all the moisture in the corners of the toes.

You can also find some remedies in your kitchen. Onions can act powerfully against toe nail fungus. Slice onions and rub the affected nails for some time.  Concentrated lime juice has the same effect. Soak a cotton ball with the juice and apply properly to the toe nail. You can also make a paste with turmeric and water, and apply on the toenails.