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Remedies and cure for fungus toes
what are some home remedies for fungus toes?
(27 Sep 2007)
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Toe nail fungus is a common condition that mainly affects people who are constantly on their feet. It is caused by dermatophytes that feed on the keratin that makes up the hard surface of the nail. This fungus thrives in moist conditions, and hence, shoes or socks filled with sweat are an ideal place for them to grow, spreading infection.
Toe nail fungus mainly affects the big toe and the little toe, and if not attended to immediately, may spread to the adjoining toes. Cutting your nails too short also encourages the growth of this infection. Exposure to damp areas, not drying your feet properly or an imbalance in the skin’s PH levels could also lead to fungal infections. When afflicted with infection, the affected toenail gets discolored, becomes brittle and starts cracking. It may start crumbling and ultimately fall off. In some cases, a foul-smelling odor or debris may accompany the infection.
To avoid or treat a toe infection, it is essential to keep your feet clean and completely dry at all times. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties, and can be applied on the infected toenail. Soaking your feet for a few minutes, in warm water to which a few drops of tea tree oil is added will help to kill the fungi. A mixture of tea tree oil and lavender oil in a 1:1 proportion is also an excellent home remedy for toe infections. Lavender oil has a soothing effect on the skin and is known to ease irritation and reduce infection. Dabbing this mixture with a cotton ball on the infected area twice or thrice a day is recommended. Soaking the feet in a warm solution of apple cider vinegar and water for approximately 20 minutes a day is also known to cure fungal infections. Olive leaf extracts, yogurt and vinegar are excellent anti-fungal agents when ingested.
Avoid shoes that are uncomfortable or tight as they increase the chances of infection. Shoes should be worn in rotation so as to ensure that they are aired out well. Socks should be washed of all the sweat and grime daily, using a good detergent. Before drying the socks in direct sunlight, a final rinse with tea tree oil, diluted in water, will help to kill the infection causing germs. Avoid cutting your nails too short and avoid walking barefoot in public places like gyms, saunas, showers, locker rooms, and pools as they are common sites for contracting fungal infections easily.
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answered by M W on 15 Mar 2010, 2:38:31
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Remedies and cure for fungus toes
Fungal infections are common problems that affect people on their toes and fingers as well. The culprit behind this infection is a fungus called dermatophytes. These infections attack the nails and eat way at the keratin. The top layer of your nails is made up of Keratin and when the infection attacks you it results in a drastic change in the colour of your nails. Yellow nails are a sure sign of a fungal infection and you should certainly visit your doctor to seek a proper diagnosis. If the infection is not treated immediately it results in thick nails that may literally crumble away.
Fungal infections are usually caused because of damp surroundings. If you sweat a lot and are constantly in tight shoes, then it is likely that you get a fungal infection. Shoes that are tight and therefore uncomforted can also cause the infection. The infection can spread from one affected toe the next and should be treated without any delay.
An application of tea tree oil is usually beneficial in preventing the spread of the infection. Massage a few drops of the oil on your nails. You can also try mixing the tea tree oil with a little olive oil and use this to massage the affected nails.
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answered by G R on 19 Feb 2008, 11:46:34
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