When considering remedies for toenail fungus infection, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money on medical bills and prescriptions. While we certainly don’t recommend discounting the severity of this type of infection when it comes to seeking treatment, there are a number of home remedies that have been shown to be quite effective, especially in the early stages of infection.
Popular Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus Infection
When seeking a home cure for a fungal infection such as this, it is important to find natural solutions that have antiseptic and antifungal properties of some sort. For these reasons, each of the following is a popular consideration:
Tea Tree Oil
One of the most often mentioned items for curing or dealing with toenail fungus at home, this will generally help if the infection is not too old. By diluting pure tea tree oil with an equal amount of olive or thyme oil and applying it to the affected toe, then scrubbing the toe with a toothbrush or similar implement, you should see improvement within a few weeks.
White or Apple Cider Vinegar
Both are among the best options for fighting toenail fungus when used properly. White vinegar should be mixed with two parts water to each part vinegar, while apple cider vinegar can be mixed with equal parts. In each case, you would then soak the affected toe. Mildly acidic in nature, vinegar also kills germs and bacteria.
Listerine Mouth Wash
With the same ingredients that kill germs and bacteria in the mouth, Listerine can be effective in treating a fungal infection on your feet. Mix it with vinegar and undiluted lemon juice and soak your feet in it daily. Do some gentle scrubbing after soaking and eventually the old nail will grow out and a new and healthy nail will grow in. This routine should be followed daily until the new nail arrives.
Orange Oil
All types have antifungal properties, thus making this an excellent choice for fighting toenail fungus at home. Apply with a dropper to the nail and surrounding toe areas. Some caution should be taken with this one to guard against an allergic reaction, which can be fairly common with orange oil. To check for allergies or side effects, try some diluted orange oil on a small spot of skin prior to using it to treat the toes and nails.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most home remedies work best when the infection is fairly new and not too advanced. If you feel that you are beyond home remedies, or you simply want professional advice before trying home remedies for toenail fungus infection, contact us for a free consultation.
