If you notice abnormal discoloration, thickening or cracking of your nail, it is probably because you are suffering from nail fungus! However, you are not alone, as 20% of French people are affected. Unfortunately, this figure shows how common and contagious this condition is. Once it’s there, onychomycosis (its more scientific name) is difficult to get rid of. Indeed, it comfortably settles in the layers of the nail and only the best remedies against nail fungus are able to fight it. Luckily, that’s exactly what you will find in this article!
Attention: if nothing works, seek help from a specialist
Of course, natural remedies for nail fungus are a first step. Generally, this will be enough to treat damaged and infected nails. However, if you see that these fungal infections are persistent, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. He can then guide you towards a fairly powerful antifungal medication treatment to finally regain a healthy toenail. Generally, these tablets or capsules are to be taken for several months until the nail renews itself. In addition, a doctor or pharmacist can also offer you dermatological products like Poderm for the treatment of nail fungus. This type of antifungal nail polish will help regenerate the nail matrix and prevent the spread of the fungus. Thus, the infection is eliminated and the nail grows back healthy, as it is revitalized, repaired, and strengthened in addition to being treated.
1) Good habits to adopt against nail fungus
- First of all, make sure to disinfect scissors and nail clippers if they are used by the whole family. Also, keep your nails short and free of nail polish.
- Carry out thorough washes and a meticulous drying of the nails and between the toes. To do this, you can use a single-use paper towel. Never rub too hard to avoid irritating the infected nail. Moreover, towels should never be shared… even within a family or close circle of friends.
- Avoid shoes and socks made of synthetic materials that promote moisture. Do not wear the same shoes every day. And most importantly, air out your feet whenever possible! Indeed, even if you don’t feel like wearing open shoes with a nail fungus that everyone could see, it is good for the nail.
- Finally, wear sandals to protect your feet in changing rooms, public showers, pools, and steam rooms. Do not walk barefoot!
2) Soak your feet in baking soda
You are probably no longer surprised to see that baking soda is used for almost everything… including treating nail fungus! To do this, dilute 5 tablespoons in a liter of water. Then, soak the foot that needs treatment. After 15 minutes, you can dry it carefully and gently. Additionally, you can sprinkle baking soda directly on the toes to combat excessive sweating. In fact, it absorbs the moisture that germs love so much! This will prevent them from proliferating.
3) A little garlic and white vinegar
Garlic helps fight nail fungus thanks to its antifungal power. You can simply crush a clove and add a little vinegar. Then apply this granular paste as a very effective local treatment on the affected nail and cover it with a bandage. You can remove everything after a few hours and repeat these steps daily until your fungus is just a bad memory.
4) Grapefruit seed extract against nail fungus
It is commonly known for its incredible wealth of vitamin C. However, this extract is also a notable antifungal and antioxidant. It is often considered a natural antibiotic. You can find this product with multiple applications in your pharmacies and organic stores. Here, we recommend the local application of a few drops to be done at least twice a day.
Good to know: It can also be used against vaginal or oral yeast infections!
5) A Little Lemon Juice
Its citric acid makes it a formidable enemy of nail fungus. Indeed, these components give it antifungal and antiseptic properties. You can use it directly on the nail or soak the affected toe in the juice for 30 minutes before rinsing.
6) Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, One of the Best Remedies for Nail Fungus
In the kitchen, lemon is not the only antiseptic ingredient. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as one of these very effective remedies against nail fungus due to its properties. Like baking soda, you can add 5 tablespoons to a basin of water. Then, give your infected foot a soak for about fifteen minutes, followed by careful drying. Be sure to dry the spaces between the toes to prevent further spreading! Additionally, use this remedy morning and evening for better effectiveness.
Note: In the kitchen, turmeric is another anti-fungal ingredient for nail fungus.
7) The Best Essential Oils for Onychomycosis
Here are some examples:
- Tea tree, the most famous antibacterial and antifungal oil
- Lavender, equally well-known and recognized
- Linalool thyme, an anti-infective that can also be used for children or pregnant women
- Oregano
- Palmarosa
- Cinnamon bark
- Atlas cedar
In general, it’s recommended to dilute them in a carrier oil, particularly coconut oil, whose caprylic acid is a good antifungal. You can create a blend with 10 ml of carrier oil, 1 ml of palmarosa, 1 ml of tea tree, and 1 ml of thyme. However, tea tree essential oil can be used undiluted if your skin can tolerate it. You can apply your mixtures directly on the nail and your sock. Additionally, take note of any contraindications before using them. Often, they are not suitable for children and pregnant women.
8) The Unusual Foot Bath for Fungal Infections
To destroy the fungal parasites in the nail, you can use… mouthwash! Indeed, it’s unparalleled in disinfecting and treating the nail. To do this, mix 500 ml with the same amount of vinegar. Then, dilute the mixture in a liter of water and soak the affected foot or feet in the solution. Admittedly, mouthwash isn’t the most natural solution, but we had to suggest it due to its effectiveness!
9) And Finally, Colloidal Silver, the Last in This List of Remedies for Nail Fungus
In our article on the different uses of this product, we already mentioned its effectiveness against fungi. Indeed, this cleansing and healing product can eliminate germs. Anti-infective and anti-pathogenic, it can also be used undiluted on the skin. So, no need to mix it with anything! Simply soak a sterile compress in this liquid and leave it on the nail for 10 minutes daily. Alternatively, a cotton swab can be used for precise application on the nail and its edges. In any case, rinsing afterward is unnecessary.
