Fungal infection is a very common condition, and it is estimated that toenail fungus effects over 30 million Americans and over 60 million people worldwide. Though it is a stubborn infection generally related to the same conditions that cause athlete’s foot, there are many proven methods on how to cure toenail fungus without a lot of fuss or cost.
Begin one of the following treatments as soon as the infection is noticed, because toenail fungus can be treated easily and more quickly when caught early. Hiding toenail fungus inside socks and shoes may seem like a good idea to prevent the embarrassment, but the dark and damp provided by footwear will actually make the condition progressively worse. Hiding it can even allow the fungus to spread to other nails.
Toenail Fungus at Early and Later Stages
The ideal condition for fungal growth is warm, sweaty feet covered in socks and shoes. It can be spread through communal showering, though the fungus is common enough that this is not a necessary condition. Those wearing heavy shoes and socks in the course of demanding work or athletics should inspect the feet regularly for the first sign of toenail fungus, which is usually a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail.
Over time, the toenail will thicken and discolor, becoming brittle and ragged. The shape will also become distorted, and it may become quite painful as the nail separates from the toe. There will be a foul odor, and those with a weakened immune system may face the danger of toenail fungus becoming a systemic infection. Weakening of the nail will also open the area to bacterial infections.
How to Cure Toenail Fungus Naturally
Whether the cure comes from a doctor or home remedy, clearing the infection will take weeks, and it may be months before the nail has fully grown back. The following cures all share one thing in common, the damaged parts of the nail must be clipped back before application. It is important to leave rounded edges when clipping to prevent jagged edges from catching on fabrics.
~ Vinegar can provide a hostile environment for the fungus. For the quickest treatment, use apple cider vinegar both internally and externally. Three teaspoonfuls a day should be mixed into water or tea for drinking, and the nail will need to be soaked 2-3 times a day for about a half hour in full-strength vinegar. Listerine can be applied externally in lieu of vinegar.
~ Tea tree, lavender and oregano essential oils are all powerful anti-fungals. One or all can be mixed into a small amount of olive oil and a few drops applied several times a day. To increase the power of these oils, dilute them as little as possible and apply them following the vinegar treatment.
~ There are many products available for home remedies, and they typically make use of the above remedies. The upside is that most of these products can be applied as an ointment or lotion once or twice a day, which will save time and quite possibly some money.
There are many answers to the question of how to cure toenail fungus , and it is important for each person to choose the cure they are most likely to follow over the long term.
