Getting Rid of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is a relatively common problem and often affects the toenails. It is important to treat this problem as soon as it appears as it will not disappear of its own accord and instead, if the problem is ignored it can become a lot worse.

Fungus requires a warm damp environment away from direct sunlight to thrive.


Closed shoes, therefore, offer the perfect environment for fungus. Along with treating you toenail fungal infection, it is important to ensure that your shoes are completely clean and free of all fungal growth. Wash your shoes regularly and make sure that they are completely dry before you use them.


If you use them daily, especially for strenuous activities like running or jogging, make sure that you air them out so that there is no scope for fungal growth. Once in a while air out your shoes in the open in direct sunlight as sunlight will kill off any existing fungus. Use only cotton socks as synthetic socks will cause a build up of perspiration as they do not absorb moisture easily. Make sure that you change your socks on a daily basis and never use socks that are damp. To ensure that your shoes remain free of fungus, dry and crush a few handfuls of Margosa leaves into a powder and use this to dust the inside of your shoes before you put them on. Margosa leaves have anti microbial properties and will deter fungal growth.

To get rid of your fungal infection, you will have to follow a few daily home remedies for nail fungus.  Heat a large saucepan of water and pour it into a tub so that it is slightly hot (but not scalding). Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to this water and then soak your feet in it. The heat in itself is not conducive to fungus and since the apple cider vinegar is acidic, it helps to kill the fungus and prevent it from spreading. Use a soft toothbrush to slowly scrub the affected areas as this will allow the upper layers of dead skin to come off and will expose more of your toenail to the vinegar solution. Make sure that your feet are soaking for at least 20 minutes. Dry your feet well and then mix a little almond oil and tea tree oil and apply this mixture to your feet, concentrating on the affected nail. Tea tree oil is a strong anti-fungicide and will help to destroy the fungus as well as ensure that the infection does not spread to the other nails.  

 
If the fungus is still present after about 2 weeks of starting this treatment, visit your doctor as you may need more aggressive medication to deal with it.