Yellow toenails occur due to infections caused by fungus on the bottom of the nail. Although toenails are mild infections, they create an ugly site on a patient’s foot. In children, toenail fungus can cause discomfort, and if left unattended, can affect the rest of the nails and the foot, as well. Toenails cause a yellow discoloration, which can take at least one year to treat using standard products for toenail fungus.
For minor infections, parents try natural treatments to cure toenail fungus in their children. The effectiveness of each remedy depends on the severity of the infection. Below are a few ways parents can treat discolored toenails in children.
Lemon Juice
The first way can be to soak the affected toenails in a mixture of fresh lemon and water. Studies have shown that fresh lemon juice can be the simplest natural remedy for treating yellow toenail in children. Parents can encourage their children to dip their feet in a solution of lemon juice routinely. Lemon has an acidic property that can kill off the fungal infection, impeding further growth of fungus. Alternatively, parents can rub lemon slices on affected toenails.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another home remedy for yellow toenails. With three tablespoons of baking soda, 3% hydrogen peroxide, parents can apply the mixed paste on the affected toes. You can remove the paste after 10 minutes. You should dry the feet thoroughly exposing them on direct sunlight to get rid of the yellow discoloration. You can also use lemon and baking soda in the same way to eliminate yellow fungus.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, tea tree oil and olive oil, are some incredible home remedies for yellow toenail fungus. These treatments can yield effective results after a few weeks of use. These oils can be used in combination for effective results.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is yet another home remedy that can be effective when used properly. Studies have shown that coconut oil if used alongside oregano essential oil, can eliminate yellow toenail fungus in a few weeks’ time. However, experts recommend that this remedy should be followed for more than 4 weeks. Thus, if you have followed the routine treatment for four weeks without good results, you should resort to other remedies or seek expert advice.
Juniper Berries
Crushed juniper berries are an excellent, natural remedy for yellow toenails. You can combine crushed juniper berries and mix with warm water. Soak the feet in this solution.
Vinegar
You can also soak toenails in a mixture of vinegar and warm water mixed in equal ratios most parents who used this method reported tremendous results after few weeks of using the remedy.
Other considerations
If the infections are responsible for toenails in your children, it is wise to include probiotics such as yoghurt in your child’s diet. Your child’s diet should also include whole grains, vegetables, fruits and essential vitamins to enhance the healing process. Parents can try either of these tips to treat discolored toenails in children, but if the discoloration is more than anything quite minor, they ought to consult a doctor and look into getting laser treatment — but don’t worry, laser treatment does not hurt, is very effective, and works on people of all ages.
