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Home Remedies for Nail Fungus
Please let me know what If anything I can do about my nail fungus it's embarrassing and gross. I have tried almost everything from vicks vaporub to the lamisil pill prescribed by a doctor. Please advise
(16 Jun 2009)
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Nail fungus can affect either your fingernails or your toenails though it is generally observed in toenails. The infection causes the affected nail to thicken and become an unsightly yellowish black color. If it is left untreated the fungus can affect the nail bed and cause further complications.
There are several effective home remedies for nail fungus that you can use to get rid of this infection. An apple cider vinegar soak is a very effective treatment. Add a few mugs of very warm water to a shallow tub.
Add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the tub and soak your feet in it. After about 20 minutes, use an emery board to gently rub the area around the affected nail. Rinse your feet out and then dry them thoroughly. If possible, use a blow dryer after that to ensure that there is no moisture left trapped between your nails.
You can dry and powder a handful of Margosa leaves and use this powder on your feet after your shower. Margosa leaves have very strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. You can also dust your toes – especially the affected one with this powder before you put on your socks and shoes.
Tea tree oil is a very strong anti- fungal treatment and is often used to treat nail infections. Tea-tree oil is very strong and can damage delicate tissue if it is applied undiluted. Mix equal amounts of tea-tree oil and olive oil and use this as an anti-fungal lacquer. Paint the affected nail with this lacquer before you go to bed. Make sure that you apply this oil in the area between the toenail and the nail bed as this area generally holds the most amount of fungus.
In addition to these treatments, there are several small changes that you can make to your everyday habits to speed up the healing process. Dry your feet thoroughly after you shower as fungus and bacteria need moisture to survive. If you need to, you can use a hair dryer on a daily basis to keep your toes moisture free. Cut your nails after a shower as this is when they are softest. Cut your nails straight across and use a file to smoothen the edges. You can use a broadband anti-microbial powder to dust your toes before you go to bed. Use sandals and slippers as much as possible as this will prevent the accumulation of sweat around your nails. If the infection does not show considerable and visible improvement after two weeks of using these methods regularly, visit your doctor as you may need oral medication to eliminate the infection.
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answered by a on 16 Jun 2009, 1:37:28
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