Toenail Fungus Treatment

A group of fungus known as dermatophytes cause the common problem of toenail fungus, or onychomycosis. It normally affects the big toenail or the smallest one and leads to discolouration or disfiguration of the nail. The nail also becomes thick and difficult to cut and thus overgrown leading to other problems when the nail pierces the skin. Toenail fungus is usually caused if your feet are not kept clean and dry. Fungus thrives in damp areas such as public gyms and showers and transfers easily from person to person. It is thus important to keep your feet clean and dry, to change socks regularly and to wear shoes that are not tight and ill-fitting. Abnormal pH levels of the skin can also cause fungus. If you have a problem of in grown nails, then the risk of infection and fungus is higher. Consult a doctor if infection has set in and the nail has become red and swollen with pus. The nail can even become gangrenous..

In order to keep your feet healthy and free of fungus, trim your nails regularly in a straight line, smoothing the sharp edges with a file. Avoid using nail polish if your feet have been infected with fungus. Always wash you feet after visiting the swimming pool or gym and dry them completely before wearing your shoes. You can soak your feet in warm water and apple cider vinegar in the ratio of 1:1 for 15 to 20 minutes and dry your feet properly afterwards, using a hair dryer if necessary. If you use Listerine as a soak, the antiseptic properties of the mouthwash help to treat the fungus. You can also apply tea tree oil and olive oil to the affected nails to fight the fungus. Lavender oil helps to fight the infection and soothes the irritation. Oregano oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties but should not be applied for more than 3 weeks.