Toe Nail Fungus Natural Remedies

Athletes and people who are constantly on their feet often develop black toenails, due to an injury to the feet while walking or running. Black toenails may also occur when the feet swell and the nails are compressed in the socks and shoes. Wearing new shoes – usually tight ones which the feet are not used to – or wearing shoes without socks also causes bruising. The blood immediately rushes to the area and forms a small pool under the nail and the nail slowly becomes black. Toenails may also become black due to infections caused by fungi. Nail fungus is caused due to various reasons. Cutting your nails too short or wearing shoes or socks filled with sweat increases the chance of fungal infection. Infection is also caused due to not keeping feet dry after a bath or exercise, decreased immunity, exposure to damp areas or an imbalance in the skin’s PH levels. If not attended to properly, it may spread to all the toes. Besides discoloration, toenail fungus causes the nails to crack as they become brittle. You might feel slight pain while walking. A faint odor or foul-smelling debris may also accompany an infection. Often infected nails become thick and foggy as well. Spots may also develop on the infected nail. It may start crumbling and eventually fall off.

One should wear shoes that are a perfect fit and comfortable. They should be aired out well and worn in rotation. Socks should be clean and free of sweat. Shorten your nails to a comfortable extent. Public places like locker rooms, gyms, pools, saunas and showers are prone to infection so walking around bare footed should be avoided completely. Feet should constantly be kept clean and dry. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and antiseptic which fights off infection. Tea tree oil mixed with equal parts of lavender oil (known to ease irritation and infection) dabbed on the toe nails with a cotton swab 2-3 times a day is recommended. Rubbing toe nails everyday with tea tree oil mixed with olive oil is also an excellent healer. Toenail fungus can also be cured by soaking the feet in equal parts of warm water and apple cider vinegar for 15-20 minutes a day. A teaspoon of olive oil and a few drops of oregano oil applied to the area also help fight infection. Excellent internal anti-fungal agents include olive leaf extracts, yogurt, sugar, vinegar and dairy products.