Natural Cures for Toe Nail Fungus:
Nail fungus is a very wide spread condition. Since the fungus happens under the toenails, it is usually difficult to reach it and clean or cure it. Fungus is able to thrive well in dark and moist places which are also warm. The inside of the nails therefore are a favorable place for them to breed. If you wear shoes constantly in warmer climates, your feet will be prone to toenail fungus or Onychomycosis, as it is medically known. As a general practice, we wash our hands more often than our feet. Also our hands are uncovered and receive a lot of air. Our fingernails therefore remain clean and dry. On the other hand, we tend to not give out feet as much attention. The constant wearing of socks and shoes generates heat and sweat, which is ideal for the fungus to grow. Also toenails are often more brittle than the finger nails due to constant wearing of shoes and this is also favorable for the fungus to grow.
To avoid toenail fungus, wear comfortable shoes and cotton socks that absorb sweat well and keep the feet aired and dry. Avoid tight fitting shoes as much as possible. Also, if you cut your toe nails very close, you may leave small cuts on the tips of your toes. These cuts allow the fungus to enter the toenails and slowly spread over a period of time. Give your shoes a break. Every week, at least once, put your shoes out in the sun so that all the sweat is dried off. Wipe your feet well with a soft towel before you wear socks. If you let your feet be moist, fungus will definitely begin to grow.
If your toenails begin to get flaky, brittle and chipped, know that you have toenail fungus. There is even thickening and discoloration of the nails and they give off a foul odor. Toenail fungus is contagious therefore should be treated as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many simple home remedies that can help cure the fungus. Soak your feet in a basin filled with a mixture of lukewarm water and apple cider vinegar. Leave your feet in for about twenty minutes. Wipe your toes with a soft cloth or dry towel thoroughly. Do this twice a day until your symptoms begin to disappear.
Get yourself some rubbing alcohol from any pharmacy. Fill a basin with the alcohol and soak your feet in it for twenty minutes twice every day. You can also use pure Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) instead of the rubbing alcohol. However if you find that the hydrogen peroxide is very harsh, dilute it with an equal amount of water.
