Treating Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a type of infection that causes the toenail to discolor and thicken. It is called onychomycosis. Let us know some effective ways of treating Toenail Fungus.

What is toenail fungus?

The disease is contagious due to which it is seen in one toenail first. Then, it is spread to other toenails. You can experience different fungi types due to fungal nail infections. These are hard to treat. Sometimes, you will not get rid of this without prescription-strength antifungal medications like antifungal pills. These can cause side effects such as an upset stomach, etc. We have given here some ways to treating Toenail Fungus disease.

Ways of Treating Toenail Fungus:

1) Tea tree oil:

It is known as melaleuca. This tree oil comes with antifungal and antiseptic abilities. As per details of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the tea tree oil can be useful against this fungus. The information is given by a few small-scale clinical studies. You should paint the oil onto your nail directly with the help of a cotton swab. Apply this to your nail two times regularly.

2) Oregano oil:

This oil contains thymol which comes with antifungal & antibacterial properties. The report has been received from a 2016 review. If you want to use this, then apply it to your affected nail two times a day using a cotton swab. A few people prefer to use this with tea tree oil. You should know that each item is potent due to which you can face irritation or allergic reaction. If you combine both, then it can boost the risk.

3) Baking soda:

Baking soda helps to absorb moisture. It doesn't help to kill fungi, but it will stop them from growing. According to a small older study, baking soda helps to stop fungal growth.

4) Garlic:

People use garlic generally for seasoning food. Using this to treat the toenail fungus can help you with some advantages also. A few proofs are there to support it though these are limited. Just place the chopped or crushed garlic cloves on your toenail regularly for half an hour.

It is known from a 2019 study that extract of garlic can display antifungal properties against fungi. As a result, it can be a reason for toenail infections. However, the study recommends using garlic extract with common antifungal drugs.

5) Olive leaf extract:

There is an active substance in olive leaf extract that we know as oleuropein. It is expected to have antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting features. Apply the olive leaf salve to the nail directly. Make sure that you have ingested it in capsule form.

As per a 2012 review, if you take 1-3 olive leaf capsules with meals two times regularly, it becomes more helpful than applying olive leaf salve to your toenail. It is advised that you must drink a lot of water during this treatment.

6) Snakeroot extract:

It is used as a traditional treatment for separate skin situations in Mexico. However, it is not so famous in the United States. This one is called Ageratina pichinchensis, and it is a segment of the sunflower family. Snakeroot extract can possess antifungal properties.

Some small studies said that using snakeroot oil had given various levels of success. However, it is true that it is still essential to evaluate its effectiveness further.

7) Ozonated oils:

These oils are quite similar to olive oil and sunflower oil. The two different oils are injected with ozone gas.

The report from a 2011 study says that this kind of ozone exposure for a small duration can inactivate fungi, yeast, bacteria, and other organisms. According to a study, ozonized sunflower oil is more useful to treat toenail fungus compared to the prescription topical antifungal, ketoconazole. If you want to use this oil, then apply it to the affected toenail two times regularly.

8) Vinegar:

There is available merely anecdotal evidence that says people can use vinegar to treat toenail fungus. However, it is a safe home remedy that you can apply. In this case, you should soak your foot in vinegar and keep it in the warm water for up to 20 minutes regularly.

9) Listerine mouthwash:

This consists of ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus. These ingredients come with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is a reason why this mouthwash is a famous folk remedy for toenail fungus.

A few users suggest soaking the affected foot in the Listerine for half an hour daily.

10) Self-care:

If the home remedies are unable to offer multiple advantages, then follow these tips to get the benefit.

• Try to keep your nails small, clean, and dry. 
• You should always have good foot hygiene. 
• You need to take the help of a nail clipper for the infected nails and use another clipper for other toenails. 
• Try to put on breathable shoes that fit well. 
• Use cotton socks and change your clothes regularly. 
• If you use a communal shower, then you need to wear clean shower shoes. 
• Take suggestions from a podiatrist when you have thickened toenails. It is because they can feel your discomfort while walking.

11) When to see a doctor:

Mostly, the fungus is assumed as a cosmetic problem. However, it can cause harmful complications for some people. For example, people who have diabetes can face foot issues like foot ulcers due to toenail fungus. As per the 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus can create a huge risk for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.

People who have weakened immune systems or diabetes must not apply home remedies for toenail fungus. To know the right course of action, you should consult with your doctor.

The Bottom Line:

Home remedies can offer more useful benefits compared to prescription medications. Using home remedies can also give you some side effects, but it has less scientific proof that these work

When you are going to apply any home remedy, multiple factors are there like nail penetrability, infection severity, and overall health.

However, these can take more time to kill toenail fungus than oral systemic antifungals or prescription medications. Sometimes, the result is not seen for a few months, but reinfection is common. As soon as you get rid of the infection, you should keep the nails of your toes dry and clean. There are a few cases where this fungus can cause pain and irreversible toenail damage. In case home remedies are unable to treat the infection, instead, it causes side effects, and then you should consult with a doctor.