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Natural cures for nail fungus
What is a natural cure for nail fungus?
(19 Jul 2006)
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Nail fungus is a common and contagious infection that generally occurs in the toe nails. These fungi are really harmful. They feed on the nail building material called keratin and make the nails brittle and discolored.
They can eat up the entire surface of the nail, leaving the skin beneath it exposed or in pain. The discoloration that the fungus causes is unsightly. Usually this condition is caused due to the growth of fungus on the nails; however, it may be caused due to heredity too. The fungus usually requires a warm and moist place to grow. The toe nails, which are covered by socks and shoes, present an ideal place for the fungus to grow and multiply. When the sweat of the feet collects around the toes, the fungus gets an opportunity to start growing in the nails, thereby infecting them.
The affected nail usually changes to a pale ivory color, then yellow, and finally it may turn brown. The nail becomes thick with deposits underneath. The thickness however is only because of the deposited fungus; the nail itself is weak and brittle and the thickness doesn’t add to its strength. The nails become so weak that they can break off with just the pressure of walking. They may even slowly crumble. Small spots can also be seen surrounding the nails. Nail fungus is very contagious and can be caught from people in the gym or swimming pools. Therefore, it is necessary avoid damp public places. If you wear tight fitting shoes, the trauma that the shoes cause to your feet could also help foster the growth of the fungus. It is best to wear comfortable shoes with cotton socks that absorb the moisture well.
Usually people who have had nail fungus will recommend that you use tea tree oil to cure it. Tea tree oil is an excellent anti fungal and anti viral liquid which can kill off the fungus quickly and provide relief. The Listerine that we use as a mouthwash can also be used as a nail soak. It too has anti microbial properties and therefore helps get rid of the microbes that are inside the nails. Alternatively, a soak of warm water and apple cider vinegar also works well for curing nail fungus. However, after the soak, make sure to dry your fingers or toes well so that no additional moisture that could foster the re-growth remains.
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answered by G M on 29 Apr 2010, 6:59:04
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In addition to the previous answer here are more remedies to cure nail fungus. Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil
Colloidal Silver
Name Brand VAPOR RUB
Faithfully apply any of the above to your nails daily and cut away the protruding part of the nail as it grows. Make sure to do this constantly. This may solve your problem, be patient, the more severe the longer it will take for it to go away.
If your nails continue to thicken, change color, become chalky and crumble away, please seek medical treatment!
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answered by C on 20 Jul 2006, 5:36:48
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Teatree oil, vicks vaporub, grapeseed oil and vinegar are effective natural cures for nail fungus. You can check out how to use them and many more home remedies on our website:
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Toe-nail-fungus.html#remedy
Please read my answer to toenail fungus to a previous similar enquiry:
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/askquestion/408/suggestions-to-cure-toe-fungus-so-what-is-the-best.html
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answered by P P on 19 Jul 2006, 1:48:08
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